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Ankle instability and plantar fasciitis

by Barbara
(Israel)

I work as a horseback riding instructor at a therapeutic riding center, so sometimes have to run alongside a trotting horse carrying a child. The riding arena is covered with soft sand about 10cm deep, so the footing can be very uneven. About 2 weeks ago, my right foot started hurting while running, especially in the heel. I figured it was probably plantar fasciitis, especially after a jump forward from the right foot gave me a very sharp pain. (About 3 years ago I had plantar fasciitis in the left foot, and a similar jump caused a rupture - x-rays showed no bone damage, and with conservative treatment the foot healed nicely.) This time I went to the doctor again, had an x-ray (copy uploaded), and was told that it's just plantar fasciitis again. However, the ankle feels unstable, as though if I don't put my weight down carefully it may collapse, and the bottom of my foot from the arch to the toes feels sometimes numb and sometimes burning. There is swelling on the medial side of the heel, and very light bruising forward of the heel on the side of the foot. Conservative treatment of icing, topical analgesic Voltaren, and elastic bandage for ankle and arch support are helping, as well as not running in the sand.

My question is this: a friend - not a doctor, but with some medical experience - looked at the x-ray and said it looks to him as though there is an avulsion fracture of the cuboid bone, and I should have it treated. I've no idea whether he is right or not, and don't want to go back and bother my busy GP if the friend is wrong. What is your opinion of the x-ray?

Hi Barbara,
Unfortunately the uploaded xray is about the size of a postage stamp so I cannot see it. Swelling on the medial side of the heel would not be from damage to the cuboid bone. I am concerned that there is some nerve damage as you are having burning and numbness on the bottom of the foot and the swelling you describe is where the nerves enter the foot.
I think, if the symptoms are not improving at an acceptable rate, that you need to see a doctor who is more experienced at treating foot problems then your GP. Your problem may require an MRI.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Sep 16, 2015
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P. Fasciitis gone, now capsulitis
by: Dorothy

Ankles swollen, both feet. Capsulitis in right foot now. Fasciitis is gone. Got orthotics. Some help but I am going to get larger size shoes. Some burning by 2nd and 3rd toe on right foot. No pain in ankles, just swelling. We were on a 13 hour trip in airports last Sat., today is Wed. Sat most of the day and then long walks. Any advice on ankles?

If the swelling is the result of flying and much walking in the airport, since that is over, the swelling should subside.
I am making the assumption there is no calf pain and the swelling appears better in the morning and worsens during the course of the day.
If not gone in 7-10 days, consult your doctor.

Marc Mitnick DPM

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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LH

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Madison, Alabama

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

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New Zealand

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Arizona

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Poland

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South Carolina

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Arlington, VA

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San Clemente, CA

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Bre

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anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Seattle, WA

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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Whichita, KS

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Colorado

Wonderful advice

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This is the best site for foot problem info.

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Canada

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North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

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Florida

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New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

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Ankle instability and plantar fasciitis

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