Experiencing Significant Foot Discomfort
34-year-old male, weighing 100 kg and standing at 183 cm, has been suffering from intense foot discomfort for several days. Initially, the pain was localized at the top of the foot near the toes, but has since migrated towards the area surrounding the base of the metatarsal. Diagnostic imaging was performed, eliminating the possibility of a serious fracture, but the sensation does not resemble a typical soft tissue injury. The situation is deteriorating as I have been putting weight on my foot after receiving clearance from a specialized nurse. The discomfort consists of a persistent dull ache accompanied by a sharp, distressing pain that exacerbates with any twisting motion or when pressure is applied to the area around the midfoot. Upon reviewing the x-ray, I observed two distinct horizontal lines across the metatarsal, while a previous x-ray revealed only one such line. Strangely, there is no discernible bruising or swelling present on the foot. Would it be advisable to seek a second opinion from a physician? I have been unable to walk for nearly a week, and the urgent care facility does not instill confidence in their examinations. The worsening of my condition raises concerns that they may have overlooked a potential stress fracture.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 12:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing significant discomfort in your foot, which is understandably concerning given the persistent pain and changes noted on your imaging. While serious fractures have been ruled out, your description of worsening symptoms and the distinct lines on your metatarsal raises the possibility of a stress fracture or other underlying issues that may have been missed.
Explanation:
Stress fractures may not always show clear signs on initial x-rays, and symptoms can sometimes develop progressively. The pain you're feeling, especially with twisting motions or pressure, suggests there could still be an injury that needs further evaluation. Your weight and activity level could also be contributing factors to the discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Consider Seeking a Second Opinion: Since you feel uncertain about the evaluation you've received, it’s valuable to consult another physician. A specialist, such as an orthopedist, can provide a more comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and imaging results.
-
Limit Weight Bearing: Until you get clarity on your condition, try to keep weight off the affected foot as much as possible to prevent further aggravation of the injury.
-
Use Ice and Elevation: Apply ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to help reduce any inflammation and discomfort. Elevating your foot when resting can also help minimize swelling.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the nature of any pain or discomfort. Note if there's any swelling or bruising developing, even if it hasn't been present yet.
-
Footwear Adjustments: If possible, wear supportive shoes that reduce pressure on the affected area. Avoid high heels or tight shoes, as they may exacerbate pain.
Given your symptoms and the significant impact on your mobility, getting a second opinion is a prudent and necessary step. Your well-being is essential, and it's important to pursue a solution that addresses your discomfort comprehensively. Please take care, and let me know if you need more guidance or support.
Related Questions
Concern Over Lack of Follow-Up and Care by PA
Greetings, I’m a 43-year-old Asian American woman, standing at 5’2" and weighing 145 lbs, residing in Texas. For more than ten years, I have been suffering from chronic pain. Throughout this time, I have explored various treatments, including sessions with chiropractors and injections, and I began seeing a pain management specialist in November 2024. My chronic pain symptoms have considerably worsened, particularly since 2023. Since that year, I have primarily been treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) at a local primary care facility, having met the supervising physician only once during my initial appointment. I have grown increasingly worried due to what seems to be inadequate follow-up regarding my lab results and a tendency to downplay my symptoms, leaving me feeling as if my care is fragmented and focused only on specific issues. This is the most medication I have ever been prescribed, which raises my concerns about the adequacy of the care I am receiving. Is this typical procedure, or is it something I should formally address? Here are my main concerns: My lab results reveal that my liver enzymes have been consistently elevated in 2023 and 2024. An ultrasound conducted in 2023 did not result in any further imaging or specialist referrals despite my elevated enzyme levels. In 2025, my liver enzymes remained high, but the PA attributed this to elevated triglycerides and recommended adding Vescepa to my regimen. My lab results from April 2025 indicated elevated levels in various markers: - **ALT:** 53 U/L (High – norm: 5–40) - **Ferritin:** Elevated 271 (increased to 307 by June) - **B12:** 1170 (high, with no supplementation) - **WBC:** Elevated at 11.8 K/uL (norm: 3.5–11.0) - **Absolute Neutrophils:** 8.44 K/uL (High – norm: 1.5–7.5) - **Absolute Monocytes:** 1.05 K/uL (High – norm: 0.2–1.0) - **Absolute Immature Granulocytes:** 0.14 K/uL (High – norm: 0.00–0.10) - **MCH:** 33.2 pg (Slightly high – norm: 25–33) As part of my treatment, my pain doctor prescribed Lyrica (pregabalin). During my visit with the PA in April, I voiced concerns about experiencing nausea, cognitive fog, headaches, feelings of unsteadiness, blurred vision, and dehydration. The only significant alteration to my treatment was an increase in my Lyrica dosage from 75mg to 150mg. My B12 level was notably high at 1170, and the PA's only response was to schedule a follow-up check on my B12 levels in a few weeks. After stopping Lyrica independently, my distressing symptoms subsided, and I have since returned to taking 75mg, leading to normalization of my B12 levels. I also reported consistent muscle pain, lower back discomfort, and tightness, which resulted in a prescription for 800 mg ibuprofen and lidocaine patches, yet there was no further evaluation or imaging discussion post-visit. My insight about my health changed when I visited a hand specialist for surgery unrelated to this pain. I expressed that I felt as though my body was aging rapidly due to chronic pain. By examining my swollen joints and toes, the doctor noted signs of inflammation and referred me to a rheumatologist, who subsequently diagnosed me with small fiber neuropathy and prescribed Prednisone and Sulfasalazine. The rheumatologist has indicated the need for additional tests for conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and has requested a liver ultrasound. They are now referring me to a hepatologist, as the ultrasound revealed signs of fatty liver disease or steatosis. When I informed the PA about my elevated ferritin levels and the potential implications regarding inflammation—with normal iron levels acting as a possible indicator—her response felt dismissive despite her evident understanding of the significance of these lab results. I find myself questioning whether I am overreacting. There has been no conversation about potential liver diseases nor a review of my medications with insights on their effects on liver or kidney function. I was not referred to a rheumatologist nor warned about autoimmune conditions, leading me to feel that my symptoms were trivialized and attributed to the aging process or perimenopause. **Current Medications Include:** - Wellbutrin (Bupropion XR) 450mg - Zoloft (Sertraline) 25mg - Propranolol 20mg (prescribed by the PA) - Diazepam 5mg as needed - Adderall XR 10mg - Pregabalin (Lyrica) 75mg (from my pain doctor) - Fenofibrate 54mg (from the PA) - Atorvastatin (Lipitor) 20mg (from the PA) - Hydrocodone 7.5/325 as needed (from my pain doctor) - Tizanidine 4mg as needed - Prednisone - Sulfasalazine - Duloxetine (Cymbalta) 30mg (tapering off Zoloft) - Curcumin phytosome 6/14 (from rheumatologist) - Neuronrex st 6/16 (from rheumatologist) - Sulfasalazine 500mg 2x 6/27 (from rheumatologist) - Prednisone 5mg 6/27 (from rheumatologist) - Omega 3 2700 (from rheumatologist) - Vitamin D3 1000 (from new PCP) I am aware that this is quite a list, and my goal is also to streamline my medication now that I am consulting with more specialists. Interestingly, my blood pressure, which has been normal previously, only began to rise in 2023. Is it typical for a PA to lack engagement with lab results and side effects? I regret having suffered in silence for so long, only to learn that I likely have an autoimmune condition. Thank you for your understanding.
Ongoing Neck Lymph Node Swelling and Small TR5 Nodule - Biopsy Not Recommended?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male dealing with a small TR5 nodule measuring under a centimeter, alongside numerous other small nodules scattered throughout my thyroid. Two months ago, an ultrasound revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in my neck and beneath my jaw, with the largest measuring 2.7 centimeters. Recently, I underwent another ultrasound, CT scan, and some laboratory tests. The imaging results confirmed that the lymph nodes remained enlarged, although there was a discrepancy regarding the presence of lymphadenitis. Interestingly, the ultrasound indicated that one of these enlarged nodes exhibited significant vascularity, a detail that the CT scan was unable to corroborate. Laboratory results came back completely normal, showing no signs of inflammation or infection. The radiologist suggested a biopsy, citing the prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes as a concern. However, the ENT specialist and hematologist, to whom I was referred due to this issue, advised against the procedure, reasoning that it would involve removing the entire lymph node(s) and likely reveal nothing significant. They proposed to schedule a follow-up ultrasound in six months. Moreover, my family is encouraging me to not dwell on this matter, but I find myself unsure of the next steps. What should I consider doing?
Unusual Bumps Near My Anus
About five to six days ago, I discovered an unusual blueish-violet bump around the area of my anus. At first, I thought it resembled an external hemorrhoid, and I assumed it would fade away on its own. However, when I examined the area today, I noticed that there were now two bumps instead of one. They even hurt when I touch them, particularly after using the restroom. This has left me quite anxious. Do you have any ideas about what this could possibly be? I'm a 15-year-old male, and I’m not currently taking any medications, nor do I smoke or engage in any harmful activities. I haven't experienced any issues in this region before.
Persistent Discomfort in Right Lung for Two Months
I am a 38-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 190 pounds. I am Caucasian and I stopped smoking around three years ago, as well as quitting alcohol consumption five years back. My daily medication includes 100mg of metoprolol tartrate, and I do not engage in recreational drug use. For over a decade, I’ve experienced a mild wheezing sound, particularly during exhalation. However, in the last two months, I've noticed an increase in my urge to clear my throat and a vague heaviness in my chest. This sensation seems to originate from the lower section of my right lung, which feels as if it struggles to expand fully. I find that sitting down and relaxing considerably alleviates this feeling. Despite this discomfort, I’m still capable of jogging and can hold my breath for up to three minutes, which reassures me somewhat, yet the situation still causes me concern. Occasionally, I do experience pain on that side, though it appears to have lessened. Interestingly, there seems to be a significant psychological component to the discomfort; for instance, I noticed the pain intensified abruptly when I received a phone call I was anxious about, but it vanished almost instantly after the conversation ended. While I understand that an online platform can't provide a medical diagnosis, I would greatly appreciate any comforting thoughts on my condition since I fear it might indicate a serious health issue.
Should I Consult My Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Lymphocytic Colitis Diagnosis?
I’m a 30-year-old woman with a medical history that includes polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety, and recently, lymphocytic colitis. In addition to these conditions, I also have a background of cubital tunnel syndrome. I underwent surgery last year to correct the issue on my left side, but unfortunately, my right side is beginning to show similar problems and has worsened recently. Additionally, I am experiencing a pinched nerve in my left hip which results in pain and numbness. Just two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis following biopsies taken during a colonoscopy. This procedure was necessary due to my ongoing struggle with more than a dozen episodes of watery diarrhea that have persisted for the past two months, although I've experienced similar issues intermittently for nearly a decade. Finally having a diagnosis feels like a relief, and the Budesonide medication appears to be beneficial. Upon researching lymphocytic colitis, I learned that it may increase my risk for rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other autoimmune disorders. About a year ago, I had surgery to alleviate compression on my left ulnar nerve, which was severely pinched to the point of needing correction—my surgeon described my nerve as being constricted like an hourglass. Despite the surgery, I've still not regained full function in my pinky and ring fingers on that side, and now I’m beginning to experience similar symptoms on my right hand. On top of that, I have persistent hip pain, with the nerve-related symptoms primarily affecting my left side. My mobility is further restricted due to upper back and neck pain, making it difficult to engage in activity for prolonged periods. I’m only able to manage work by sitting on my couch with my laptop. Interestingly, I notice that light physical activities like walking tend to alleviate my hip pain, even though initiating movement can sometimes be painful. I find that walking daily helps maintain a level of control over my symptoms, though the discomfort tends to amplify after periods of inactivity, particularly in the mornings. I've scheduled a follow-up appointment with my doctor for two weeks from now, but I'm grappling with the instinct to cancel it. Part of me fears that the doctor will dismiss my concerns as irrational for linking these various symptoms. Despite the discomfort being manageable, I frequently rely on the maximum dosage of acetaminophen, which I realize might not be the best option for my health. Do you think it would be beneficial for me to discuss these concerns with my doctor?