cjsmith: (caduceus)
cjsmith ([personal profile] cjsmith) wrote2005-03-29 04:05 pm

Podiatrist #2

This one says: that's nerve pain ya got there. There's definitely also some inflammation, and some minor tenderness related to the joints themselves. But the major problem comes when the nerves are compressed directly. She was very good at it.

I'm surprised my nerves have so much life left in them, frankly.

Some mechanical things that may be contributing: my very low fourth metatarsal (no padding), my slight hammertoes (no spreading out the load), my orthotics (hard plastic with no shock absorption whatsoever).

She says that sclerosing treatments for Morton's neuroma were tried and given up on "because they work for some people and not for others" decades ago, but are experiencing a resurgence now. I think she meant to imply that they were useless. If they do work for some people, though, I'm still glad I tried that first, because it's both easier and less drastic than surgery.

I now have big fluffy metatarsal pads stuck to my orthotics. There is barely enough room inside my shoes for my feet. I also have a prescription for Yet Another Anti-Inflammatory -- woohoo, collect the whole set. And she says ice it a LOT. A lot a lot.

Intriguingly enough, the pain is different with this pad under my foot. Different spots ache. Seems to me mechanics do play a role. This leads me to believe that if the mechanical problems could be fixed or worked around I'd be fine. The doctor didn't say that, though.

Followup in two weeks. I see dollar signs floating in front of my eyes.

[identity profile] wcg.livejournal.com 2005-03-30 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
Yikes. I hope the pads continue to give you some relief. Poor feet. Poor wallet.

[identity profile] cjsmith.livejournal.com 2005-03-30 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
If I can ever run again it will all be worth it. If not, well, I'll just look stupid.

[identity profile] wcg.livejournal.com 2005-03-30 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
You won't look stupid to me CJ. No matter how things turn out. To me, you look courageous, in a quiet and un-self-aggrandizing way.

[identity profile] cjsmith.livejournal.com 2005-03-30 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks, Bill. I'm just someone who doesn't know the right answer.

[identity profile] wcg.livejournal.com 2005-03-30 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure any of us know the right answers CJ. At least you're not letting the lack of answers paralyze you with indecision.