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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

bottoms of feet hurt

by Lois
(USA)

I have started wearing pre-made inserts that I got from my pedorthist. The pedorthist has padded the sesamoid area as well as the sulcus (?) (I was told that this is was the crease of the big toe where it joins the foot underneath is challed.) Since my bunionectomy 4 months ago I have had non-stop pain in both those areas (incidentally I have the pain in both feet but only had the bunionectomy on the left foot.) I was told orthotics would help this and eventually I would no longer have pain there. I have done exactly what I was told to do as far as wearing the orthotics. But, what I am finding now is that once I take my shoes off I have horrible and incapacitating pain in the bottoms of both feet on the outer sides only from the heel up to the small toe and across the ball of the foot. Also, when I take my shoes off and walk without the orthotics my sesamoid areas on the feet just absolutely throb sharply and continuously. When I wear the orthotics I have sharp pain across the metatarsal area of both feet.

I don't know what to do anymore. I have pain whether I wear shoes or not. I got the bunionectomy to stop the pain at the joint and sesamoids and now I have more pain than ever. I feel I am becoming a cripple with my feet pain.

Is it possible that the inserts are too hard or stiff for my feet? Or that the padding is in the wrong area?

(My doctor is out of town for the next two

weeks otherwise I would be asking her. I do have an appointment with her when she returns.)

Hi Lois,
I am not clear whether you had sesamoid pain prior to the bunionectomy, but depending on the procedure done, there may have been some damage done to the sesamoids as a result of the surgery.
If I read your complaints properly it seems there is some improvement in your feet with the orthotics because when you take them off your feet seem to hurt worse, while the orthotics are on there is also pain but of a different nature. Is that correct?
If so, you very well may need a different type of orthotic.
Here is what I recommend.
1. Speak frankly to your doctor when she returns, let her know exactly what bothers you. Keep in mind that four months post op is not a lot of time and you could still be having some pain. What I tell my patients is that if you notice the level of pain diminishing on a week by week basis then you are doing fine; if you reach a point where the pain no longer seems to be diminishing then there may be a problem.
2. The new orthotics may either need to be adjusted or you may need a different type of orthotic. If you are having similar pain on both feet when wearing the orthotics, it tells me they are coming from the orthotics. This is all predicated by the fact that you went thru the whole break in period with the orthotics. Since these are pre-made orthotics it might mean that you will require prescription orthotics.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Jun 01, 2008
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bottoms of feet hurt
by: Anonymous

Yes, I had the sesamoid pain before the surgery was done. I was told that the pain in the sesamoid area would be gone after the surgery....that was one of the reasons I did the surgery.

You are correct in that my feet do hurt worse when I do NOT have the orthotics on...but when they are on I have pain in a different area. And, yes, it is apparent to me that my pain level is no longer diminishing, but is sort of status quo, not changing and continual.

I have purchased some orthotics that are more flexible and are softer than the ones I already have been wearing.

Thank you for your help! I think that my intuition is correct, and has been correct, in regards to my pain issue. This is an issue I cannot seem to resolve with my doctor no matter how many times I speak with her about it.

I do have a pending appointment with the doctor once she returns.

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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J. Simmons

(location unknown)

Dear Dr. Mitnick, The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics. I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

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LH

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Regards,

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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.

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Cindy H.

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

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Poland

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South Carolina

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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)

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San Clemente, CA

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location unknown

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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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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.

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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!

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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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location unknown

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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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Lenoir, NC

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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

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bottoms of feet hurt

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