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

Have plantar fasciitis..can this also be attributed to knee problems?

by Pam
(Norfolk, Nebraska)

I have written before about the surgery's I have had trying to fix my plantar fasciitis with no help...The second surgery I had was to stretch my achilles tendon which caused nerve damage to my lower leg. My calf muscle is now over an inch smaller then my other one.

Today I found out the results of a MRI, and I have a torn meniscus and a partial tear to my ACL. I have no idea how I hurt my knee. I was wondering if loss of muscle and also limping all the time would have anything to do with my knee problems. I am a mail carrier on light duty and I do about 3 1/2 hours of continuous walking a day.

RESPONSE
Hi Pam,
I suppose one could make an argument that the abnormal gait that was created with your plantar fasciitis and subsequent post operative problems could have contributed to your knee problems.
I would think the bigger issue might be the fact that you are a letter carrier and the fact that you walk as much as you do, over time, some of the joints from your lower back down could begin to wear out, just like tires on a car wear out over time. The more you drive, the quicker the tires wear out.
Lets face it, you are in an occupation that wreaks havoc on your feet and legs. The type of terrain that you walk, whether or not you carry a bag (I guess no one carries a bag anymore), the types of shoes that you wear, your overall weight and your general health, will all contribute to the breakdown of your musculo skeletal system over time.
Since you calf muscle is much smaller that tells me there has been muscle atrophy and this could certainly impact your knee, by changing your gait to some degree.
Most of the leg muscles originate from around the knee and so there is also the impact from that situation.
If you have had nerve damage to the muscles in the leg, even with therapy there is the real possibility that there will only be marginal improvement.
If your doctors are suggesting knee surgery (if the knee pain is that bad) then your calf muscles may further degenerate and there will be more down time after the surgery. If you do eventually have surgery, I would recommend starting therapy as soon as possible to try and avoid that situation.
Whether that impacts your ability to carry on as a letter carrier is a decision you and your doctors will have to make together.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Oct 29, 2011
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by: Pam

Just wanted to let you know that yes, we still carry bags delivering mail...Up to 35 lbs...You said mail carring affects from the back down..have to argue that point..I have had surgery on both shoulders: one from a fall on ice and the other one wear and tear. Both were a tear to the the rotater cuff. Love your site, please keep up with all the info you give everyone! I'm a mail carrier that just needs to be put out to pasture! :)

Oct 29, 2011
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Oct 27, 2011
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Excellent Site!
by: Pam

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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anonymous

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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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Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

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Whichita, KS

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Boston, MA

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Colorado

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Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

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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

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,

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New Jersey

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a mom

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

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Have plantar fasciitis..can this also be attributed to knee problems?

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