Posted by Kent Todd C. Ped. on August 06, 19100 at 18:17:37:
In Reply to: Multiple foot problems posted by Karen Mann on August 01, 19100 at 14:02:54:
: Drs:
: I am 55 yr. and overweight by about 80 pounds, I can't walk very far becuase of the pain I get in my feet, I can't stand for very long in one place without my feet, legs, back, et. all hurting.
: I see a podiatrist already and have orthotic inserts. However I have rheumatoid arthritis, ganglian cysts, and heel spurs all in my feet. I can't seem to tollerate shoes which come up over the top of my foot because pressure on some of the 'lumps' causes painful sowller redness to happen.
: Another problem is a bulging just where my arch and heel meet. the bulge is the result of an old injury. As a child I nearly cut my foot in half, the doctors then didn't do micro surgery, so it was merely sewn up and left to heal however it managed to. Now I have developed 'shin splints' !
: Everything I read says they are the result of running, improper exercise, etc. I should be so lucky as to be able to tollerate running.
: I am awakened in the night by pains in my ankle [the one with the buldge is worst], and these pains from shin splints. That pain is shooting sharp pains that seem to come ito the bone from somewhere and then shoot up my shinbones [both or either foot]. I've been examined and told I have nerve damage in my feet and legs.
: And, that I have tarsal tunnel.
: What kind of questions should I be asking? Should I see another neurologist? I'm just barely able to wlak some days, some I do just real good. I haven't been able to run in years.
: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
You have a lot of problems and I hope I can cover all your questions. First, a lot of your problems are being compounded by being overwieght. Hopefully, the podiatrist has you wearing SOFT accomidative insoles. If your orthotics are plastic... go find another doctor! With the rheumatoid arthritis you need soft orthotics. Do you have diabities or a family history of diabities? The heel spurs and shin splints are probably caused by your foot/ankle structure (ask about pronation or supination) and can be taken care of with good arch support and posting in the heel. Shoes need to be large and extra depth. Due to your foot deformities, I might recommend a deer skin upper.
You will need a presciption from a doctor, but I would recommend seeing a certified pedorthist. Any doctor will do for the presciption. (I doubt your podiatrist will give you a Rx.) Have the doctor write the script for a pair of accomidative orthotics and extra depth shoes. A good certified pedorthist should be able to help you find the shoes you need and a proper orhtotic.