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Struggling with PF for 10 months. Is it time for surgery?

Posted , 5 users are following.

chrissy28548
chrissy28548

I started developing foot pain about 10 months ago. At first I figured it was due to needing new shoes. After purchasing new shoes the pain decreased for a week or two before coming back.  I finally went to the doctor. He gave me some stretches to do at home and told me to ice it and roll a can of soup with it.  I tried these for about 4 weeks. Again the pain got better for a week or two and then came right back.

I went back to the doctor after 4 weeks of stretching and he took X-rays and gave me a cortisone injection. I continued stretching, and icing.  Again felt better for a week or two and then the pain was back. When I went back to my doctor he referred me on to a foot specialist.

At my first appointment with the specialist, she was ready to schedule surgery. At that time I wasn't ready and the thought of surgery really scared me.  So we did another cortisone injection in my left foot.  I went back 4 weeks later and the pain was still lower than it had been, but the right foot was worse.  So she did an injection in the right foot. 4 weeks later, mid-November, I went back feet feeling better than they had in a long time, but the left was still sore. She did one more injection in my left foot and told me to just call when I felt I needed to come back. 

Now my left foot feels possibly the worst it has ever felt.  I have an appointment scheduled for later this month.  I'm thinking it might be time for surgery, but am still not sure I'm ready for that.  Part of me wonders if I haven't been doing the stretchs properly or often enough.  The full time Lab tech and mother of 3 in me says I don't have anymore time to really spend streching.  Is it time for surgery or are there other options I should ask about?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • jill44901
    jill44901 chrissy28548

    Posted

    Hi Chrissy, I have only had pf for a couple months, i have been stretching, using pain killers, rolling foot etc.  I have been referred for physio so at least i will know if i am doing the right excercises.  For me some days are better than others, much like yourself.  If you havent had physio might be worth a try.  There are lots of mixed views about surgery and I guess the right time for anyone would be when they feel they have tried everything else and can no longer suffer the pain. 

    I have read lots of articles etc about this and can say that quite a lot suggest that this does eventually get better but it can take a year.  From what i have read surgery seems to work for some and not for others, so i would definately make sure you take advice from a surgeon before going ahead. 

    I think the people here on this forum are in the main those who have suffered longer than a year and the people like you and i who have only recently been diagnosed or are totally fed up with it.   But there is definately medical information that suggests for most people it does get better!  I would speak to your gp again there seems to be loads of suggestions for things that can help, so i think it is horses for courses.  i have a regime of paracetamol and ibuprofen.  If i get too hot my feet burn and are painful and if i am too cold its  the same, so i am loathe to go down the frozen bottle route.  However, i find that raising my legs when sitting - not too high - that can make the pain worse and keeping my body at a constant temperature helps on a night.  I have found that you have to keep walking - though only in moderation - if you sit too long without moving it can be excrutiating - so i avoid that. 

    I really empathise with you, it really does affect your life.  I am also really busy with grandchildren - school runs and an elderly mother who i am carer for.  Its not easy to manage pf with all that going on and it wont be for you.  What i would say is try and work out what works for you and try and to stick with it - doesnt always work in a busy day - not easy to sit down when you really know you need to, but just not practical. 

    Good Luck Chris, please post again and let me know how you get on. 

    Jill

     

  • vj1958
    vj1958 chrissy28548

    Posted

    Personally I would hold off on surgery - these can take years to resolve themselve.  I was going to have the surgery but opted for the PRP (plasma rich protein) injections.  I have it done twice with the nerve ablation.  Finally I am about 98% free of pain, only two slip now and cause my back to go out lloll...

    This can last a really long time - I probably had it for almost two years left side was worst.  I wear orthotics and ASICS sneakers (even with dress clothes).

    Def keep strecthing it really really really does help - everytime you go to the bathroom take 30 seconds to stretch (I do that at work too).  Good luck

  • Chrisy
    Chrisy chrissy28548

    Posted

    Surgery is a personal decision. I had my left foot totally reconstructed after the podiatrist noticed I had other problems causing foot pain and bad posture. 1 year post surgery and really glad I had it done. Can't wait for the other one to be done end April. It was painful but I can walk again now. I only get pain in my right foot now not both. Hopefully that will stop too when my right foot is done.
  • hurtingincanada
    hurtingincanada chrissy28548

    Posted

    Hi,

    I've suffered for 6 years now with PF in both feet. I am trying everything and will absolutely not do surgery. Not sure about you but I'll never be the same and it goes back to the surgeon having to do the surgery when it's the last resort where you can't walk at all. I am not saying you shouldn't just my opinion.

    I am at my rock bottom and you're probably wondering why after 6 years well I thought I was managing the pain but not doing a good job. I am starting to use orthodics from a company that specializes in making them custom to the shape of your foot. I tore a ligament in my ankle a few years playing basketball and my feet have been weak from rolling them over the years. I am exhausted from all the pain. So my doctor even says to lose weight funny thing I can't stand for long lol but I'll go swimming or something.

    The golf ball kills but it works temporarily for me at least. My physiotherapist was great she really made the exercises work for me and I was able to subside the pain. Someone told me about shockwave therapy it's been a few weeks havent seen a difference crossing fingers though.

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