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

sewing needle in heel

by Deb
(Haddam,Ct)

I have a sewing needle in my heel do not know how long.Started experiencing pain in foot all of a sudden.Went to a foot specialist and they took a xray of my foot and saw the metal in my foot,told me the pain is not from the needle it is plantar fasciitis. It's been 4 weeks foot is still very painful.Have not worked for 4 weeks.I also have back issues and every time I go to physical therapy if hurts my back,so they want to do an MRI for my back and the foot doctor says it's ok to have the MRI. I am nervous to have the MRI with the metal in my foot.Also the foot doctor says he is not going to take the metal out of my foot it would cause more problems.I am not convinced that the pain in my heel is not from the needle.

RESPONSE

Hi Deb,

This is a tough one since I do not have the luxury of actually examining you. It would have been nice if you could remember how long the needle has been in your heel. Not for nothing, but I think most people would remember stepping on a needle, simply because they would have remembered the pain.
Let me start by saying that it is possible to have a needle in your foot and not have pain. I have seen instances over the years where patients will tell me about having a needle in their foot for years and it has never bothered them.
I agree with your foot specialist, in that depending how deep the needle

is, it can be a real issue trying to remove it.
Having said that, if it turns out the needle is the source of your foot pain, then you may have to consider having it removed.
I have no idea if your pain is from the needle or from plantarfasciitis. Plantarfasciitis in the heel tends to occur in a specific portion of the heel and if the needle is not near that area then your doctor may be correct in his assumption.
If the needle, however, is close to the spot where plantarfasciitis generally occurs, then it may be the source of your pain.
You do not mention what kind of treatment you have had for your heel pain, but off the top of my head, I cannot think of any plantar fasciitis treatment that would actually improve the pain from a foreign body. So if you have had some kind of treatment and it has not helped in the least, I might lean towards the needle as being the problem, but again, I am just guessing here.
If you do go for an MRI of your back just mention to the radiologist that you have a needle in your foot, let them decide what to do. Having the needle is not a reason not to have an MRI.
I think the best advice I can give you is if you are uncertain of your doctor's diagnosis, go get a second opinion from another foot specialist in your area. Request your x-rays from the first doctor, to save the expense of a second set of x-rays.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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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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NJ

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Ontario, Canada

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Fla.

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Judy

(location unknown)

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New York

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Memphis, TN

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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Redondo Beach, CA

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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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I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)

Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

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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

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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Arizona

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Thanks, Kathy

Florida

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

Anna

Poland

Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!

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South Carolina

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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)

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San Clemente, CA

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

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

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!

anonymous

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Anna

Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

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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

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

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

sewing needle in heel

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