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chronic foot pain

by matt
(sullivan,il)

I suffer from chronic foot pain in both my feet. The pain is excruciating and is not limited to just one part of the foot. Pretty much, any part of my foot that makes contact with the ground or is subjected to pressure from standing, hurts. It hurts in the ball of my foot, all along the outer edge, and the heel. The pain never really goes away, even at rest. I've had a number of tests done including nerve conductivity (I think that's what it was called) and x-rays. The doctor originally told me it was tarsel tunnel syndrome. I had the release surgery and it didn't help. In fact, I think it made it worse. I also suffer from fybromyalgia, and was told it could be related. I'm only 35 years old, a male. I'm not overweight. Is there any hope for recovery? I'm unable to work right now and I need to in the worst way!! As it is, there are times when I can't stand in the shower long enough to finish. PLEASE help me. Thank you, Matt.

RESPONSE

Hi Matt,

This is a tough one to diagnosis without actually being able to examine you. Your type of complaints are not "normal" in an otherwise healthy 35 year old. Most people in your age range who have any type of foot pain, will tend to have a specific area of the foot that may hurt. Sometimes it may be the same spot on each foot.
In your case you state you have

generalized foot pain in both feet. Now assuming this is not from one pair of shoes, in other words it occurs no matter what shoes you wear, you have to start looking beyond the foot itself as the source of pain.
I would be curious to know if you are having joint pain anywhere else in your body or is your pain isolated just to your feet?
Have you had blood tests to rule out some of the collagen diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis as examples. These kind of conditions could cause generalized foot pain.
At age 35 you are too young to have feet which have "worn out" from years of use, so my thought would be that there must be a condition going on which is prematurely inflaming the joints of your feet, again such as rheumatoid arthritis.
You do not mention how long you have suffered from this problem. Is this a recent problem or have you always had sensitive feet? You see there are some types of foot structures that would be prone to be painful.
For example if you are very flat footed and happen to have very little fat on the bottom of your feet, that would make you prone to generalized foot pain, so that is another area that should be explored.
I wish I could be more helpful, but your symptoms are not consistent with your age range and because I am unable to examine you, it is difficult to be more specific.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Apr 21, 2012
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Reply to doctor's comments.
by: matt

Thanks for answering my question. I don't really have joint pain, just the pain in my muscles associated w/ fibromyalgia. I've had this condition for a very long time. I can remember having problems in high school with my feet hurting in gym class. I have NEVER been able to walk barefoot outside, even as a child. I have not had the blood tests for arthritis done, but will talk to my doctor about it. My feet are flat, but I don't think abnormally so. I know others with flat feet who don't suffer like this. As far as lack of cushioning on my feet, I would assume my foot doctor would have mentioned it. Actually, I've seen two different doctors, neither of which mentioned anything. So,I didn't know if this was something that was wrong w/just me, or if there might be some rare condition that is causing it. Thanks again, Matt.

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Ontario, Canada

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Fla.

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(location unknown)

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New York

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Scotland

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J. Simmons

(location unknown)

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Tennessee

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Steve

Redondo Beach, CA

Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)

First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Glenda B.

Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

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West lafayette, IN

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Texas

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Steve

Dear Dr.Mitnick

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Edmonton,Canada

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South Africa

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Matthew W.

Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Steve

Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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Alameda, California

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Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN

Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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Cindy H.

Arizona

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Thanks, Kathy

Florida

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

Anna

Poland

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M P

South Carolina

Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

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Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA

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Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

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!

anonymous

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Poland

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Esh

Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

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

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

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-Sunny.

location unknown

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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

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

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

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

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

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

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......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

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

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

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

location unknown

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!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

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

Rustam

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

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