My Experience with a Torn Plantar Fascia: Seeking Guidance
As a 25-year-old, I experienced an alarming incident about two months back. While I was dancing, a loud popping noise echoed, followed by an intense pain in the arch of my foot. This pain was so severe that I couldn’t apply any pressure without feeling agonizing discomfort. I sought help from my general practitioner, who promptly arranged for an ultrasound. The results revealed a tear that measured 12 mm in the short axis and 10 mm in the long axis, affecting nearly half of the fascia's thickness. Following this, I was referred to a podiatrist who advised me to avoid putting any weight on my foot and scheduled another ultrasound in six weeks. She mentioned that the tear needed to heal by at least 30% before I could start putting weight on it again. If the progress was satisfactory, she suggested a graduated reintroduction of weight over the subsequent weeks: starting at 25% for two weeks, then moving to 50%, and so on, with further physiotherapy likely needed after that period. Fast forward six weeks, I underwent another ultrasound that indicated my injury had improved to an 8 mm short axis and 17 mm long axis tear, now involving less than half of the tendon’s thickness. However, when I finally managed to see the podiatrist two weeks later, she seemed to misremember our previous conversation, insisting that I had been using a walking boot, which I had actually never owned. This misunderstanding led her to appear critical when I explained why I hadn’t begun to put weight on my foot yet, stating she had advised against it until our next meeting. She expressed concern about my leg losing strength due to inactivity and informed me that I would need to be fully weight-bearing at our next appointment, regardless of the tear's condition. If I wasn't ready by then, she indicated uncertainty about how to proceed. Now, I'm left wondering if I should seek a second opinion. Her inconsistent guidance is causing me a lot of stress, and my previous experiences with healthcare providers haven’t been great. This situation is adding to my list of challenging interactions with doctors and I'm not sure how to move forward.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 6:01:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel stressed and uncertain after experiencing a significant injury and navigating inconsistent medical advice. Your concerns about the management of your torn plantar fascia and the sudden push toward weight-bearing are valid. Let's clarify the situation and outline some next steps.
Main Points:
- Healing times for plantar fascia tears can vary greatly, and gradual weight-bearing is crucial to avoid re-injury.
- It's important to have clear communication with your healthcare provider about your treatment plan.
- Seeking a second opinion can be beneficial if you feel unsure about your current treatment.
Explanation:
A torn plantar fascia can indeed cause severe pain and difficulty with movement. The healing process typically involves avoiding weight on the foot, followed by a gradual reintroduction of weight-bearing activities based on ultrasound findings, which you've already been monitoring. Since your ultrasound showed improvement, this is a positive sign, but moving too quickly without proper support can risk further injury.
Your frustration regarding the lack of consistency in your podiatrist's advice is understandable, especially given the importance of a tailored recovery plan. It's essential to have a trusted healthcare provider who you feel comfortable communicating with, as this impacts your overall recovery experience.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Experience: Write down your treatment history, concerns, and the specific advice you received during your appointments. This will help clarify your situation when speaking with other providers.
-
Seek a Second Opinion: Consider reaching out to another podiatrist for a fresh perspective. A second opinion can help confirm your current treatment plan or provide alternative options that may be more in line with your recovery goals.
-
Physical Therapy Consultation: If not already offered, inquire about physical therapy programs specializing in foot injuries. They can provide exercises to maintain strength and mobility while gradually working towards weight-bearing.
-
Communicate Clearly: When you do see another provider, ask them to explain the reasoning behind their recommendations and make sure all your concerns are addressed. It’s important that you feel heard and informed throughout your recovery.
-
Follow Up on the ultrasound: Ensure you have another ultrasound scheduled as advised, as this can be crucial for tracking further healing progress.
Remember, your recovery is important, and seeking a path that feels right for you is perfectly acceptable. Don't hesitate to take charge of your health and ensure you're receiving the best care possible.
Related Questions
Persistent Itchy Rash Surrounding the Lips and Moustache Region
I am a 21-year-old male residing in India. Approximately three months ago, I began experiencing a bothersome, red rash on the area around my upper lip and moustache. Initially, I consulted a dermatologist who recommended the following treatments: - Hydrocortisone ointment - An antifungal cream - Chaptex Lip Care Balm Although there was some initial improvement, the rash has recently resurfaced, bringing with it severe itching, redness, and occasional swelling with fluid discharge from the infected areas. The regions around my lips and moustache seem to be the most affected. While there are no signs of blisters or pus, the inflamed skin often appears red and can weep, particularly after scratching. I have not altered my skincare routine or shaving products in any way.
Seeking Advice on Tailbone Injury from X-Ray
Earlier today, I had a fall from a height, resulting in a painful impact to my tailbone and the surrounding area against a sharp edge. It has been about 15 hours since the incident, and I'm experiencing significant discomfort. I would appreciate it if someone could review this X-ray to help determine if there’s any serious damage.
Concerns About a Tick-Borne Illness: Steps to Take Before Medical Consultation
I’m a 30-year-old male weighing 175 pounds, and I generally maintain a good state of health without any medications. Residing in Southeast Missouri exposes me to various tick-related ailments. Over the years, I’ve frequently encountered tick bites, developing a routine of checking for them nightly. On average, I find a couple attached to my skin a few times a year. My usual method involves removing them and applying antibiotic ointment along with a bandage for a short period, and I usually move on without issues. However, four days ago, I noticed a bothersome itch on the top of my foot by my pinky toe. At first, it was just a slight annoyance, so I didn’t pay much attention. The next day, the irritation escalated; the area became red and intensely itchy, resembling a rash from poison ivy or oak. I responded by applying hydrocortisone cream. Unfortunately, this morning, the discomfort increased, and now the rash has spread around the bottom of my foot, nestled between my pinky toe and the one adjacent. I was initially perplexed about how I might acquire a rash from a plant, given that I hadn’t ventured into wooded areas recently—my activities were limited to my yard and surroundings. Notably, I’ve never experienced a reaction to poison ivy before; the last time I handled it, about five years prior, I wasn’t even aware of its presence when I removed it from a tree. My suspicions now lean towards a possible insect bite, as I recalled discovering a small seed tick between my toes around a month ago, quite close to where the current irritation is. I plan to visit either urgent care or the emergency room as soon as I finish work today to seek professional advice. In the meantime, I would appreciate any recommendations on how to prepare for my visit. What specific questions should I consider asking the healthcare provider regarding my symptoms? Any insights would be helpful before my consultation begins.
Concerns Regarding Rabies Vaccination After Bat Encounter
Hello everyone! I'm currently residing in the UK and I recently returned from a holiday in France where I had a rather unexpected encounter with a bat. The creature flew directly past me, brushing against my ear. Thankfully, I did not sustain any visible injuries such as scratches, bites, or inflammation. After the incident, I consulted with a doctor while in France, who determined that there was no need for a rabies vaccination. I followed up with a doctor back in the UK who echoed that assessment, as I did not have any breaches in my skin. However, I’ve come across information suggesting that even minor, microscopic abrasions could potentially allow for the transmission of rabies. It's worth mentioning that the bat appeared to be acting normally, flying during twilight, and I simply happened to be in its flight path. I wonder if it's reasonable to seek further medical advice on this matter?
Struggling with Ongoing Diarrhea: Seeking Clarity and Support
For the last five months, my life has been turned upside down, and I’m at a loss for what step to take next. I’m reaching out in the hope that someone here might provide guidance or at least some comfort in knowing I’m not alone in this battle. I’m 28 years old, stand 6 feet tall, and currently weigh around 64 kg, which is below what’s considered healthy for my height. I've always been on the thinner side, but my weight has plummeted throughout this ordeal. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from smoking and drinking, which makes my current situation even more disheartening. Initially, I began experiencing some loose stools. It wasn’t alarming at first, just sporadic watery occurrences. However, it soon escalated to a daily routine with multiple episodes daily. The stools were always loose and never returned to a normal consistency. This relentless cycle has continued for months without any break or predictable pattern. In the beginning, I felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. After a visit to my doctor and some blood tests, it was revealed that I had a significant B12 deficiency along with a mild iron deficiency. Consequently, I began receiving Vitcofol injections—daily for the first week, then weekly for the following two months. Although my energy levels improved slightly, the diarrhea persisted relentlessly. Out of the blue, I also experienced a wave of severe anxiety, akin to having panic attacks. This was entirely unfamiliar to me and prompted me to see a psychiatrist. I was prescribed paroxetine, alongside a proton-pump inhibitor. Although the occasional panic relief medication proved helpful, paroxetine had an adverse impact on my mental state, prompting me to cease its use after three weeks. Interestingly, my anxiety subsided on its own soon after, but the diarrhea refused to budge. Simultaneously, I began to feel consistently bloated, lost my appetite, and the fatigue returned with force. A gastroenterologist prescribed a combination of a PPI and doxycycline, leading to minor improvements for just a few days before reverting back to my initial state. Then I encountered a new set of symptoms: insomnia, a racing heartbeat, and intense fatigue. The GI specialist switched my medication to ciprofloxacin in conjunction with a PPI and suggested I undergo thyroid and HIV testing if my condition didn’t improve—for which the results came back negative, leaving me feeling rather disheartened as I was hoping for some actionable insight. I’d like to emphasize that I have a history of IBS-C and NERD, having been diagnosed a couple of years ago. I previously experienced mild flare-ups about once a year, but this current situation is markedly different—chronic, intense, and resistant to treatment. Now, my gastroenterologist is recommending a colonoscopy. Honestly, I’m at a point where I hope they uncover something, not because I desire bad news, but because the uncertainty is unbearable. Every test that returns a "normal" result only deepens my confusion and stress. On a related note, my ex recently contacted me to inform me she tested positive for hepatitis. I subsequently underwent screening for Hepatitis B and C along with liver function tests, which all returned normal results, adding yet another layer of unanswered questions. I’m utterly exhausted—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sleep has become elusive, and both my work and personal relationships are struggling. All I want is to feel like myself again. Even just a few words of understanding from someone who has faced a similar challenge would mean a lot to me. If anyone has dealt with similar symptoms—persistent diarrhea, vitamin deficiencies, insomnia, anxiety, or fatigue—I would greatly appreciate any insights on what I should pursue next. I’m eager for advice on further tests, potential conditions (like IBD, SIBO, malabsorption, or even cancer), or any thoughts. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this. It genuinely means a lot to me.