Dr Foot Discussion

[Ann]

I have posted a few times regarding an injury to my foot. I have torn ligaments from what the Podiatrist said, he cant tell me where or what the name of them are just that if theres no break or fracture it must be torn ligaments. I've been in an aircast for 4 weeks, I only take it off to shower per his instructions and each night i take a few steps just to see how it feels. Some days ( very few) it feels as though its getting better and then some it feels like I just did it. The best way to describe what I am feeling is mainly regarding the bottom of my right foot in the arch area closest to my big toe in the middle of the foot. It feels so heavy with a pressure feeling. Its stings at times, feels numb at times, and just plain hurts. The aircast feels better for sure but I guess I am looking for some proggress at this point and I cant seem to find any light.

Is this the normal healing process, should I see any improvement after 4 weeks? I see my podiatrist again on Monday in which he said at that time I am to tell him if the cast should come off.....I know for sure its not ready to come off. Should I request an MRI and if so what information can I hope to get from that....

Thanks for your imput...

[Dr Foot]

The podiatrist should be able to tell you the name of the ligament he suspects is torn, that our job. I cannot comment on the healing time as I have not examined your foot or scans. I have treated patients that have improved considerably after 4 weeks but others have taken 3-4 months for total recovery, it depends on the ligament and damage. An MRI will give you accurate information about which ligament is damaged and the extent of the damage. If you feel you are not ready to take off the air cast than ask for a second opinion.

[Ann]

Thanks alot, it does help to hear another opinion and I am looking forward to gtting an MRI to see exactly what is going on. Can I just ask one further question regarding the healing process? Is it normal for some days to feel as though you are getting better and then some to feel at sqqare one? The reason I ask is that since I have been in this cast for 4 weeks I have recently had 3 really bad days. the bottom of my foot feels like its burning, pulling, throbing sort of pain. I have no idea if this is the way the body heals or not. I just want to make sure I am wearing the cast correctly and doing what i am suppossed to do in order to heal. If its normal, then I will deal with it, if not though I need to figure out what could be going on...

Thanks again