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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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Memphis, TN

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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LH

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

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Denison, TX

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Texas

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Dear Dr.Mitnick

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Regards,

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

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San Clemente, CA

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location unknown

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Glen

location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

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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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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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.

Debbie

location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Jackie

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!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

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Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

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Renae

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

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

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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I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

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Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

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Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Ankle instability and plantar fasciitis

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