Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD
The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM
unable to bear weight on heel and outside edge of foot
by Mel
(Washington)
I woke up yesterday and was unable to bear weight on my left foot. It hurts extremely bad starting near my ankle bone, moving down the outside edge to the heel. I thought it could be a stress fracture, but I am not very active, don't play sports, or run, but I am a hairdresser and stand on my feet all day, usually in heels. I can now hobble around the house if I limp and only put weight on my tiptoes. Usually doesn't hurt when I am not on it, but after I try to limp around and sit again, its hurts for a while. I went to the ER lastnight, because clearly there is something wrong with it. I left feeling more irritated that I wasted my time for them to tell me they see nothing wrong on the xray, no fracture. The doctor said it COULD be plantar faciitis, but I didn't get a straight answer or anything for pain. I was told to ice it and he put a wrap on it. To me it didn't make sense to wrap it seeing even that amount of pressure on it makes it hurt. Its not a problem of instability, like a sprain. I feel like I need a crutch to get around so I don't end up hurting myself other places from putting all my weight on my toes. Please help!
RESPONSE
Hi Mel,
I do not know anything about your medical history including your age and weight but when someone wakes up in a lot of pain for no apparent reason, the first thing I think about is gout. From a clinical standpoint there would be an area on your foot
The ankle joint, after the big toe joint, is a common area to have a gout attack occur. So gout would have to be ruled out.
Next, although I do not think you have a stress fracture unless you did a lot of excessive activity the day before, one x-ray will not always show a small crack in the bone, plus the ankle joint is not where one usually sees a fracture without some history of trauma.
So that leaves me wondering if you did some damage to one of the tendons that comes down the outside of the ankle and travels into the foot. Again there would probably have to be some sort of trauma, but sometimes people sleep in an awkward position to their foot and they "stretch" everything on the outside of the ankle and end up with pain for no apparent reason. The problem here is that it sounds like you are in too much pain for that to be the case, particularly if wrapping the area seems to make it worse.
Obviously it is impossible for me to give you an accurate diagnosis sitting on the other end of the internet, but I can give you some sound advice. Go see a foot specialist who will be better prepared to make an accurate diagnosis after examining you.
If using crutches makes the foot feel better, then by all means use them until you see a doctor. BTW, I do not think you have plantar fasciitis; that would be a typical diagnosis from someone who is not familiar with foot pathology.
Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER
Comments for unable to bear weight on heel and outside edge of foot
|
||
|
||
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
University of Rochester Medical Center
American Academy of Pediatrics
Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation
Recent Articles
-
Vitamin D impact on health
Feb 06, 23 07:17 PM
Researchers are suggesting that the effectiveness of Vitamin D in fighting and preventing disease is predicated on a persons body mass index (BMI). The thinner the person the greater the positive impa… -
Foods to speed up healing
Feb 01, 23 02:41 PM
One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. Here is a suggestio… -
Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes
Jan 25, 23 04:52 PM
An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. -
Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?
Jan 22, 23 01:41 PM
A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. -
shin splints
Jan 18, 23 05:12 PM
A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. -
Whats new in skin cancer?
Jan 15, 23 08:32 PM
A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. -
Causes and risk factors of warts
Jan 14, 23 05:02 PM
A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. -
Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?
Jan 11, 23 02:18 PM
Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. Is this really the be… -
Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes
Jan 08, 23 10:07 AM
A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. -
Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy
Jan 03, 23 03:04 PM
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors…