Foot/Ankle Pain and Cortisone Shots (blood pressure, surgery, arm, doctor)

[Addie0023]

Hello I have been dealing with major foot/ankle pain for the past few weeks and orthotics are not helping. The pain comes on after being on my feet for several hours while working my part time job. the podiatrist suggested cortisone shots for the inflammation and pain. Has anyone here ever had them? If so please share your experience. I was told if these don't help the next step is surgery.

[Okiegirlfriend]

All I know is if you are diabetic, avoid steroids at all costs.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Addie0023

Hello I have been dealing with major foot/ankle pain for the past few weeks and orthotics are not helping. The pain comes on after being on my feet for several hours while working my part time job. the podiatrist suggested cortisone shots for the inflammation and pain. Has anyone here ever had them? If so please share your experience. I was told if these don't help the next step is surgery.

Wouldn't some kind of physical therapy be preferable before you take cortisone shots and certainly before you have surgery?!!!
What kind of shoes are you wearing?
Also, if you're overweight you are most likely stressing your legs and feet in a way that they wouldn't be stressed otherwise.
I'm not intending to be rude or judgmental but it's so easy for a doctor to prescribe shots, drugs, and surgery when, in the long run, if you improved your structure in whatever way works for you, you will most likely save yourself from ongoing problems.
The foot/ankle pain is a symptom and m.d.'s tend to wanna just treat the symptom but it's always at some kind of cost.
That's just my little opinion.

[Addie0023]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

Wouldn't some kind of physical therapy be preferable before you take cortisone shots and certainly before you have surgery?!!!
What kind of shoes are you wearing?
Also, if you're overweight you are most likely stressing your legs and feet in a way that they wouldn't be stressed otherwise.
I'm not intending to be rude or judgmental but it's so easy for a doctor to prescribe shots, drugs, and surgery when, in the long run, if you improved your structure in whatever way works for you, you will most likely save yourself from ongoing problems.
The foot/ankle pain is a symptom and m.d.'s tend to wanna just treat the symptom but it's always at some kind of cost.
That's just my little opinion.

I wear the dr. scholls shoes and have orthotic insoles inside them. I am of average weight so no problem there. I understand what you are saying about MDs and their quick fixes. I scheduled an appointment to see another doctor (second opinion) and talking to him about PT.

Thanks for your response.

[spiderbear]

Originally Posted by Addie0023

I wear the dr. scholls shoes and have orthotic insoles inside them. I am of average weight so no problem there. I understand what you are saying about MDs and their quick fixes. I scheduled an appointment to see another doctor (second opinion) and talking to him about PT.

Thanks for your response.

I haven't had them yet, but for other joint pains it looks like I may eventually need them. From everyone I've talked to, they're painful shots to get but definitely worth it in the end.

[Upstate Nancy]

I'd make sure I was clear about what exactly is causing the problem. What structural defect is specifically responsible? Get 2nd/3rd opinions, too.
He wants to operate after only 2-3 weeks of trying 1 thing?? I'd find another doctor, personally speaking. This isn't a long enough time to try various other non-invasive measures.

[emilybh]

Probably drinking lots of fresh filtered water; taking magnesium or trace minerals and or taking a supplement from the Health Food Store called GREAT LEGS would help you much more in both the short and the long run with NO BAD side effects UNLIKE you'd have with Rx drugs;

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Addie0023

I wear the dr. scholls shoes and have orthotic insoles inside them. I am of average weight so no problem there. I understand what you are saying about MDs and their quick fixes. I scheduled an appointment to see another doctor (second opinion) and talking to him about PT.

Thanks for your response.

You may want to explore other shoe options. Where i live there's a shoe store just for people with feet/ankle/leg issues.
But i'm on the CA coast and people are kinda spoiled here
Also, if you don't have high blood pressure an upside down or slant "board" is really helpful for leg circulation. It has many other health benefits but it feels great for tired legs and feet caused by fatigue and circulation problems.
But structurally there's something going on and there is much you can do to address that issue with the help of qualified pt's, body workers, etc.

[aiangel_writer]

I"ve had one of these shots in my wrist. I had tests to rule out carpel tunnel and was told it was tendonitis. At the time, my job involved driving all day and also lifting heavy objects.

My orthopedic dr was the one who run the tests and treated me. The shot is extremely painful, even with the deadening agent they put in the shot. It also took a while to deliver the meds and a nurse had to hold my arm steady and in a certain position. I was throwing up from the pain.

It took about 4 days for me to feel the difference, but once the meds started to work my arm got much better. I also had a brace to wear and thearpy to do on the wrist and arm. I was also told to find a job that didnt strain my hand and wrist so much. I was 27 years old when this happened, and at 45 I am still careful of the wrist and have never had to go back to get another shot...

[Bayarea4]

I had a sprained ankle that was still giving me pain a year later despite orthotics and physical therapy. Then I got referred to a podiatrist who gave me a cortisone shot. I don't remember any pain from the shot, but one treatment worked wonders. The pain went away almost immediately and has never returned.