Seeking Help for Persistent Foot Pain: Metatarsal Joint Issues and Plantar Fasciitis
Hello everyone, I’m 27 years old and work as a software engineer, which means I spend a lot of time sitting. Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with foot pain for more than a year now, and I’m reaching out for guidance, especially from anyone who has faced similar challenges. Initially, I experienced light discomfort in my metatarsal joint, which I inaccurately assumed was just a wart, so I didn’t pay it much attention. The situation deteriorated after I attempted some cardio workouts without shoes, which made the pain significantly worse. After this, I consulted a physician who suggested treatments including **Airtal (Aceclofenac)** and **Lalap (Lornoxicam combined with Paracetamol)**, diagnosing me with Complex Fatigue Syndrome. While **Airtal** provided momentary relief, it wasn’t effective for the long haul. To deal with the pain, I began using **specialized footwear** and even modified my Crocs to lessen pressure on my metatarsal joint, which provided some minor improvement. However, in an attempt to avoid pain, I unconsciously shifted my weight to my heels, which I suspect led to the development of **plantar fasciitis**, causing even more discomfort than I initially experienced. My brother, who practices medicine in Ireland, suggested a **lidocaine injection** that surprisingly alleviated the metatarsal pain initially. Nonetheless, the pain related to plantar fasciitis reemerged after about a week. An **MRI** was conducted, revealing the following impressions: > **Bright STIR edema signal with strandy changes along the proximal phalanx of the second toe, extending up to the metatarsophalangeal joint, and the proximal phalanx of the third toe. A subtle bright STIR signal is also noted at the head of the second metatarsal bone. The findings are nonspecific and could indicate inflammation or arthritis. There is also a possibility of stress-related injury, and an infectious process cannot be completely ruled out.** > **There is thickening of the plantar fascia with associated bright STIR strandy changes and marrow edema in the calcaneus where it attaches, suggesting plantar fasciitis.** I have attempted **physiotherapy**, which included calf stretches and ultrasound therapy, but saw minimal results. I’ve since started a brief course of **oral steroids**, which help ease the pain during the day, but this solution is not sustainable long-term. Currently, I feel quite stuck; my ability to move freely is limited, my physical fitness is suffering, and while I’m eager to return to the **gym**, I feel as though I’ve exhausted all possible remedies. If anyone here has dealt with similar issues involving metatarsal pain alongside plantar fasciitis or has discovered effective treatment options, I would be grateful for your insights. Any encouragement, recommendations, or advice would mean a lot to me.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 1:20:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex situation that involves metatarsal joint issues and plantar fasciitis, which is understandably frustrating, especially given your desire to return to physical activity. Your thorough description of your symptoms and previous treatments gives a clear picture of your struggles.
Key Points:
- You are experiencing persistent pain in your metatarsal joint and plantar fascia, with limited relief from current treatments.
- The MRI findings suggest inflammation, potential arthritis, and the presence of plantar fasciitis, contributing to your discomfort.
Explanation:
Metatarsal joint pain and plantar fasciitis often result from overuse, improper footwear, and changes in walking mechanics (like shifting weight to your heels). The inflammation and pain can limit mobility significantly. While medications and temporary solutions like injections may provide short-term relief, they do not address the underlying mechanical issues or structural problems that may exist.
Next Steps:
-
Footwear Evaluation: Ensure that you are using supportive footwear designed for your specific foot issues. Consider seeing a specialist who can recommend custom orthotics, as these can help distribute pressure more evenly across your feet and relieve heeling pain.
-
Controlled Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
- Continue gentle stretching, focusing on your calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. Tightness in these areas can contribute to your pain.
- You can incorporate strengthening exercises for the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Simple exercises like toe curls and picking up marbles with your toes can help improve support for the metatarsal area.
-
Activity Modification: While you may be eager to return to the gym, it’s crucial to engage in low-impact activities. Options such as swimming or cycling can maintain your fitness levels while reducing stress on your feet.
-
Physical Therapy: If possible, seek a specialized physical therapist with experience in treating foot pain. There may be more targeted therapy techniques, such as dry needling or more advanced modalities, that could provide relief where standard physiotherapy has not.
-
Weight Management: If applicable, managing body weight can reduce pressure on your feet and lower leg joints, alleviating some discomfort.
-
Pain Management Options: Explore other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief or consult about alternative options like topical treatments or supportive braces for added stability during activities.
-
Monitor Progress: Keep a symptom diary to identify what activities exacerbate or relieve your pain. This information can help tailor your treatment plan and inform your health provider of any changes.
-
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers: Regularly update your healthcare providers about your ongoing symptoms, especially if new issues arise. They might suggest further investigations or adjustments to your treatment plan based on your changing condition.
While these steps can take time and patience, consistent application can lead to improvement. Remember, your situation is not uncommon, and plenty of people experience similar challenges. Stay hopeful and proactive about finding solutions, and be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey. If you have more specific questions or need clarification on any points, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Misdiagnosis
Hello everyone, I recently stumbled upon this subreddit and felt it would be the ideal platform to share my experience. I initially posted something similar under r/Asthma but soon realized that this community might be more appropriate for my concerns. To provide some context, I’m a 25-year-old woman with no personal history of smoking, although I have been heavily exposed to secondhand smoke throughout my life. There is a family history of asthma and COPD on my side. I was diagnosed with asthma during childhood but seemed to outgrow it as I got older. Throughout my younger years, I frequently battled respiratory and sinus infections, and in my teenage years, I suffered a severe case of walking pneumonia. Following that episode, my breathing worsened significantly, prompting my doctor to reinstate the asthma diagnosis and prescribe albuterol inhalers without performing any additional tests except for an X-ray to confirm the pneumonia had resolved. Over the years, I’ve noticed a gradual worsening of my symptoms. Each primary care physician I've consulted has prescribed various inhalers and medications, but the relief they provide has been minimal. For years, I have dealt with a persistent dry cough described as that of a seasoned smoker, yet my doctors continuously assured me it was merely asthma, claiming that my inhalers would alleviate it. When a coughing fit does occur, it can be so intense that I end up gagging, losing control of my bladder, and feeling dizzy. Fast forward to two weeks ago: my cough intensifies with physical activity, and I have a physically demanding job. Typically, my inhaler assists me with breathing, but in this instance, it was ineffective, and emergency services were called to administer oxygen. My oxygen saturation dropped to 93% until the oxygen and my rescue inhaler were applied. I declined hospitalization after feeling better with the oxygen. I took a day off work to recuperate. I managed to see my primary care doctor afterward. Having been on Advair and albuterol for years, I was also prescribed Singulair last year due to flare-ups. In my recent visit, my doctor substituted my Ventolin (albuterol) with Airsupra and introduced Spiriva, along with short courses of Mucinex and Prednisone. At the appointment, my lungs sounded clear, and my oxygen levels were between 99-100%. There was no wheezing, just persistent coughing. Returning to work the following Thursday proved challenging; within three hours, I experienced another severe coughing episode that felt as if my throat might rupture. I was gagging, tearing up, and struggling to remain upright, feeling dizzy and breathless. Several doses of my rescue inhaler provided little relief, and emergency services were contacted again; I was subsequently transported to the emergency room. My oxygen saturation was stable at 97-100%, yet I continued to feel breathless and my painful coughing persisted. Respiratory treatments seemed to exacerbate the coughing, and magnesium failed to provide relief. Both the paramedics and ER staff expressed concern when I mentioned my chronic cough that had persisted for years without improvement. Initially, emergency responders detected only a faint wheeze and diminished lung sounds on one side, although they later reported normal findings. No fluid or wheezing was noted, just continued coughing. CT scans and X-rays of my throat and chest returned normal results. After three days in the hospital, my lactic acid and CO2 levels returned to normal. Despite being treated with steroids and cough suppressants, I found no alleviation of my symptoms. I have now received urgent referrals to a pulmonologist, an ENT specialist, and an allergist, and I recently followed up with my primary care physician. Her only recommendation was cough drops and to wait for my upcoming Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Additionally, the hospital prescribed Pantoprazole for potential GERD, which hasn't significantly helped. My follow-up blood tests revealed that while my CO2 levels improved, they still remain low, and there are no current indications of an autoimmune disorder, though I am awaiting several results. After undergoing the Pulmonary Function Test, the findings were unusual. Though I await an appointment with the pulmonologist, I reviewed the notes from my test. They indicated, "Spirometry is normal. Lung volumes demonstrate hyperinflation and air trapping. Diffusing capacity is normal. No substantial bronchodilator response observed." When I inquired with the technician who administered the test, she mentioned two possibilities: either my lungs weren't inflamed enough to demonstrate a response, which seemed unlikely considering my extensive coughing fits, or the underlying issue might be irreparable with medications. This situation has left me anxious that I may be dealing with more than just severe asthma. For years, I communicated to my doctors that my condition seems to deteriorate, and that none of the prescribed medications eased my cough, yet they continuously reassured me that it was manageable. Now, after being hospitalized, I recognize the critical need to take this seriously. I rarely experience wheezing or fluid but instead contend with a persistent cough similar to that of a long-term smoker. My cough worsens with movement, eating, drinking, taking deep breaths, lying down, waking up, laughing, excessive talking, exposure to extreme temperatures, dry or humid air, stress, and irritants such as dust, smoke, and potent odors. It feels like merely existing prompts my coughing. Although I always have a cough, the triggers mentioned intensify it. I frequently feel congestion in my throat and chest, accompanied by a tight and painful sensation. I have the incessant urge to clear out whatever feels obstructive, but nothing ever emerges. My coughing often leads to dizziness and incontinence. If I'm not actively coughing, I seem to be clearing my throat repeatedly to manage the mucus. During any illness, my cough tends to worsen, resulting in the need for prednisone. Antihistamines provide partial relief solely for nasal symptoms, without helping my throat and chest. When my rescue inhaler does work, its effectiveness lasts only for a short time before I revert to my previous condition. My lungs may feel momentarily unobstructed thanks to the albuterol, but the coughing inevitably returns until my chest aches again. An ER doctor suggested possible diagnoses of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Post-Nasal Drip, or GERD; however, medications for allergies and acid reflux have not meaningfully addressed my coughing or breathlessness. It does not seem connected to my sinuses but rather feels like my airways are obstructed, hindering deep breaths. Until I meet with the pulmonologist, my best hypothesis has been Cough-Variant Asthma, but given the lack of response to bronchodilators in my PFT, my confidence in that is wavering. In reviewing my results, I cannot help but consider the early stages of COPD or emphysema, especially since my breathing seems to worsen over time, although my age typically mitigates those concerns given my extensive exposure. I've ordered a test for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency from AlphaID to discuss with my pulmonologist just in case. I am certain I have asthma, but I’m beginning to suspect that there may be additional complications involved. For years, my primary care provider dismissed my concerns, despite my insistence that something felt off. It wasn’t until I required EMS intervention that she finally began the referral process to specialists. I find myself in a state of confusion and unease. Has anyone here experienced anything resembling my situation? I'm looking forward to consulting with the pulmonologist about my test results in the coming week or two, but I’m apprehensive that they will simply dismiss my concerns like previous practitioners have done.
Seeking Guidance on Ice Treatment Post-Surgery
I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing 158 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. I lead a non-smoking lifestyle, consume three alcoholic drinks weekly, and do not have any known allergies. I'm currently recovering from right hand and wrist surgery, which took place five weeks ago. I need some advice regarding the use of ice for my treatment, as my wrist remains quite swollen. While I understand the advantages of icing, I find the experience quite intolerable. I attempt to immerse my hand and wrist in ice water completely, but the pain is so intense that I can barely last more than 15 seconds. Is this a challenge of mental resilience where I need to push through the discomfort for the sake of a proper 10-minute soak? In the past, I worked with racehorses, and we would apply ice to their legs for 30-minute sessions, significantly accelerating their recovery. I recognize the effectiveness of this method, yet the pain from the cold is unbearable. Should I endure this discomfort for longer periods?
Rash on My Arm: Should I Be Concerned?
Hi there! I’m a 65-year-old female, and for the past four days, I’ve been dealing with a strange rash on my arm. Unfortunately, I can’t visit a healthcare professional until Monday, so I’m hoping to get some clarity in the meantime. I’ll share some images. If they don’t upload here, I’ll post them in the comments instead. The first image, taken last night, is a bit out of focus, but this morning, the rash has appeared even redder. Although it doesn’t itch now, I did experience some itching during the initial two days. As for my health history, I generally don’t have major health concerns apart from elevated cholesterol levels and a recent A1C reading of 5.9, but I do not have diabetes. I keep fairly active for my age group. During the first couple of days, there was some pus, and I managed to clean it with an alcohol wipe, which helped remove it. Could this be related to a spider bite? I noticed some small spiders (specifically daddy long legs) in my bedroom, especially near the balcony door, and I eliminated a few of them today, so that could be a possibility. Should I be wary of any serious complications from this rash? Any advice would be immensely appreciated! My ER co-payment is quite steep, and there’s no urgent care facility nearby. My only option is to request an appointment with my primary care physician next week, but I’m uncertain if it’s something that warrants immediate attention.
Navigating Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Patient's Journey
As a 60-year-old man living in New York, I faced a challenging battle with prostate cancer approximately 4.5 years ago. My initial biopsy results indicated a Gleason score of 6. However, in September 2025, my PSA levels alarmingly soared to 27.7. To investigate the possibility of an infection, my doctor prescribed a month-long course of antibiotics. Afterward, my PSA levels showed a slight reduction, dropping to 25.5. Following another biopsy procedure, the Gleason score unexpectedly escalated to 10. This prompted serious discussions with my healthcare provider. He explained that, given the radiation treatment I had previously undergone, the surgical removal of my prostate would be quite complex, with very few surgeons willing to perform such a procedure. Consequently, I sought a second opinion from a specialist in urological cancer. The specialist echoed similar concerns, indicating that the potential complications could severely affect the urethra and rectal lining. Instead of surgery, he proposed cryoablation as a viable alternative. Simultaneously, I commenced treatment with testosterone hormone blockers. To say that this experience has been frustrating is an understatement. Most importantly, I also struggle with urination issues that complicate my daily life. I am reaching out for any insights or advice that might assist me in navigating this difficult situation.
Micronodules Detected in Lung
Hello, I recently underwent a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan to assess arterial plaque, and I was pleased to receive a favorable score of 7.75. However, the report highlighted the presence of several clustered micronodules located in the right upper lung, accompanied by adjacent ground-glass opacities. I am a 60-year-old male, 6 feet tall and weigh 190 pounds. I do not currently take any medications and generally enjoy excellent health. There is a family history of heart disease on my father's side. Additionally, I am a non-smoker, apart from occasional use of cannabis, and consume alcohol very infrequently. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide!