Seeking Help for Persistent Foot Pain
Hello everyone, I’m feeling quite overwhelmed with persistent pain in my feet and am reaching out for any insights or advice you might have. A quick summary: I am a 29-year-old female, a former smoker who stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 9st 7. I have been grappling with discomfort in the balls of my feet for the past six months. The pain tends to intensify in the morning but does get somewhat relieved by wearing wider shoes equipped with insoles. Unfortunately, despite these measures, the pain inevitably returns every morning, often leaving me in such discomfort that walking becomes extremely difficult. The discomfort is more pronounced in my left foot compared to the right one. I’ve undergone ultrasounds and X-rays, both of which yielded no significant findings, and I am currently awaiting an MRI scan. There’s no visible swelling or deformity noted. My foot issues began around November 24, initially attributing them to my recent experiences as a new driver and a clutch that’s rather stiff. Being hypermobile, I suspected that pressing down on the clutch might exacerbate the pain. Furthermore, I also ceased trying reformer Pilates because the pressure on my toes was considerable. During a two-week period where I took time off work, I attempted rest, ice, and elevation, but while these measures brought temporary relief, they didn’t eliminate the pain entirely. I purchased some metatarsalgia insoles and various foot pads online, and found that wearing Crocs around the house offered the most comfort. However, when I returned to work, I switched back to my wide trainers with the insoles, which seemed to improve my situation, allowing me some brief moments of normalcy after taking them off in the evenings. Despite this, I consistently wake up to the pain returning vigorously each morning. As I approach six months of dealing with this discomfort, it’s becoming increasingly distressing. I often find myself attempting to self-diagnose, and one possibility I've considered is a plantar plate tear. However, the pain affects both feet, and I wonder if it's plausible that I might have overcompensated for the discomfort in my left foot, subsequently straining the right. I've also observed that my left foot’s toes, particularly the fourth and fifth metatarsals, seem to be curling slightly when at rest, although not excessively. When standing, only my big toe maintains a straight alignment, while all other toes on this foot tend to angle outward, with my left toes pointing slightly to the left and my right toes to the right. My profession requires that I remain active almost constantly as a teacher, although I attempt to take breaks to sit down whenever possible. I would greatly appreciate any assistance or suggestions! I briefly considered the possibility of Morton’s neuroma, but I don’t experience typical nerve-related sensations like tingling or numbness, nor does the pain radiate to other areas. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 11:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent foot pain, especially when it impacts your daily activities, can be quite challenging, and it sounds like you've already taken several important steps towards understanding and managing it. Your description of the discomfort, particularly in the balls of your feet, as well as the patterns you've observed, helps to guide possible next steps.
Explanation
You mentioned that the pain intensifies in the morning and somewhat improves throughout the day with the use of wider shoes and insoles. This could suggest that your feet are undergoing stress due to pressure on the metatarsal bones or could potentially relate to conditions such as metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, or even structural concerns due to your hypermobility.
Interestingly, the way your toes curl and the differences in pressure between your left and right foot may imply an imbalance or overuse injury, which can be common in individuals who are hypermobile or who have altered biomechanics.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions that could help alleviate your foot pain:
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Modify Footwear:
- Continue to wear wider shoes with appropriate arch and metatarsal support. Consider footwear specifically designed for people with foot discomfort, such as sneakers with good cushioning and support.
- Limit time spent in shoes that may not provide adequate support for your arch and metatarsals.
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Maintain Foot Care Routine:
- Consider regular sessions of gentle stretching for your foot muscles, particularly targeting the calves and the muscles in your feet. This can help relieve tension.
- Use ice packs on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking, to reduce inflammation.
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Controlled Activity:
- Given your teaching profession requires constant activity, try to integrate short periods of seated rest when possible and alternate between standing and walking as much as feasible. Taking breaks may help reduce the strain on your feet.
- Experiment with more supportive footwear options while at work, even if that means changing shoes during the day.
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Consider Before MRI:
- Since the MRI is pending, keeping a symptom diary can be fruitful. Track your pain levels, any swelling, or changes in your foot's position, which can provide useful information to your healthcare provider.
- If certain activities (like driving or Pilates) seem to worsen your condition, consider avoiding them until you’ve had further evaluation.
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Physical Therapy:
- Once your MRI results are available, discussing with a physical therapist could help you learn exercises and stretches that strengthen your feet and improve flexibility. They can also assist in correcting any gait issues due to hypermobility.
Note
While the possibility of a plantar plate tear or Morton’s neuroma is worth considering, the absence of typical symptoms and your foot structure could indicate that the underlying cause might be more related to biomechanics or soft tissue strain. Stay patient and proactive about your care, and keep in touch with your healthcare professional regarding any new symptoms or concerns.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need support navigating this situation!
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