Visited the Podiatrist for Foot Pain Advice and Left with a Prescription for Physical Therapy
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 30-year-old female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds. Today, I consulted with a podiatrist seeking guidance on handling foot discomfort I've been experiencing at work. As a teacher, I commute on foot, and since the school year commenced, my feet have been in a great deal of pain. I’ve tried various shoe options, but even those that seem fine tend to wear out rather quickly. The ache is persistent, somewhat dull, and correlates with irritation in my plantar fascia, although it typically subsides after a few hours of rest. The discomfort particularly intensifies on days when I spend a lot of time standing at the board. I wanted to talk to a specialist not only for advice but possibly an examination, as I’m tired of purchasing improper footwear and insoles. To his credit, the podiatrist provided me with some insoles and mentioned that my foot could be cast for custom orthotics, pending insurance approval (he could only confirm that on Monday). Interestingly, he didn’t suggest any specific shoe brands but casually mentioned that some people prefer Hokas, followed by an odd question about my beach plans. I had clearly stated that my main concern was work-related foot pain; the beach wasn’t on my mind at all. It felt as though he wasn’t fully attentive to my concerns. I brought up a past instance where my mother suffered from plantar fasciitis, and he quickly jumped to proposing injections, which I turned down. He then informed me that I would also require six weeks of physical therapy—which he described as "painful at the start"—and would need to get X-rays. Despite my explanation that I reside in the city (while he practiced in the suburbs), he insisted that I should use the facilities he recommended in the suburbs, hinting that this was the preferable option. It felt as if he was vying for a long-term patient without adequately explaining why my seemingly minor ache necessitated such an extensive treatment plan. I felt pressured into scheduling a follow-up appointment a month later after I finish physical therapy, even though I was hesitant about proceeding with it before trying new shoes or inserts. Am I overreacting and possibly in need of more serious treatment than I anticipated, or was this podiatrist employing high-pressure sales tactics? I left feeling quite unsettled. While I don’t usually think of myself as someone who believes they know more than professionals based on online research, it was disheartening to feel unheard and as though I was being sold something. What should my next steps be?
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 1:50:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling frustrated and uncertain about the treatment plan proposed by your podiatrist for your foot pain. You deserve to feel heard and to have a treatment approach that aligns with your needs. It’s common to have concerns about recommendations that seem extensive or unclear.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your foot pain may be related to plantar fasciitis, which often requires a multifaceted approach to treatment.
- It’s essential to ensure you feel comfortable and informed about any recommended treatments, including physical therapy and the use of orthotics.
- Consider alternative options and prioritizing what makes you feel secure in managing your condition.
Explanation:
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain on the bottom of the foot, particularly during activities that involve prolonged standing or walking. Treatment typically involves:
- Proper footwear and possibly customized orthotics.
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- Gradual activity modifications to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Your concerns about the podiatrist's focus and the treatment suggestions are valid. It's important that your healthcare providers listen to your specific needs and explain why they recommend certain treatments.
Next Steps:
-
Reflect on Your Priorities: Take a moment to consider what you are most comfortable with moving forward. Is it trying new shoes/inserts, or are you open to pursuing the physical therapy and orthotics?
-
Research Footwear Options: Look for supportive footwear designed for people who stand for long periods. Brands like Hoka are designed for comfort, but it’s worthwhile to try on different brands to see what feels best. Consider shoes with:
- Good arch support
- Cushioning
- A wide toe box
-
Consultation for Second Opinion: If you're uncertain about the proposed physical therapy or injections, seeking a second opinion from another podiatrist may help clarify your options and confirm whether the suggested treatments are appropriate.
-
Gradually Increase Activity: If your pain improves with rest, consider gradually increasing your standing time and monitor how it feels.
-
Keep a Pain Journal: Document when the pain intensifies and any changes when trying new shoes or inserts. This information could be very useful for a follow-up appointment if you decide to pursue one.
You know your body best, and exploring alternate options or getting a second opinion could provide clarity and help create a treatment plan that feels right for you. Your comfort and health are paramount, so don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself during this process.
Related Questions
Swelling and Discomfort in the Ankle and Leg
I’m a 27-year-old, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds. For several months now, I’ve been experiencing discomfort in my ankle. The swelling is peculiar; it’s localized to the outer part of my ankle around the entire bone. The pain radiates from just beneath my pinky toe, extending through my ankle and calf, all the way up my thigh to my lower back and hip. It feels like everything is interconnected. I’m currently waiting for my new job's insurance to activate. Has anyone else encountered similar issues?
Seeking Advice for Ankle Discomfort
I am a 29-year-old male from India, standing at 5'8" and weighing 68 kg (approximately 172 cm tall). I have about 70% flatfoot condition. Recently, I went on a trip that involved extensive walking, averaging around 15,000 steps per day, which is significantly more than my usual activity level. Following this, I began experiencing pain just above my ankle, particularly when I step at a specific angle affecting the inner part of the ankle. To address this issue, I consulted a physiotherapist who applied pressure starting from my knee and gradually move downwards. While there was no discomfort at the knee, the pain intensified as he approached the ankle, reaching its peak right at the joint. The doctor diagnosed it as bone weakness and suggested that I should improve my intake of vitamin D (currently at 27) and calcium (currently at 8.2). Has anyone else experienced something similar? I would appreciate any insights or advice on managing this pain.
Exploring the Reasons Behind Discomforting Muscle Twitches Beneath the Ribs
A 24-year-old female reports experiencing generalized muscle twitches that she typically disregards. Recently, however, she has started to feel pain located just beneath her ribs, accompanied by muscle spasms in that area as well as in the spaces between her ribs. What could be contributing factors to these symptoms?
Experiencing Wrist Discomfort?
Hello everyone! I’m an 18-year-old female, and for the past few years, I’ve noticed some unusual problems with my wrist that seem to be getting progressively worse. Whenever I flex my wrist up and down, it makes these cracking sounds, accompanied by a sensation that feels like something is grinding or popping within it. Occasionally, the discomfort can radiate up my hand or down my wrist, especially when I extend it fully, intensifying that grating feeling. It’s hard to explain, but sometimes it seems slightly misaligned, almost as if there’s something amiss inside. For instance, when I grasp an object, it doesn't feel right, but after flicking my wrist back, it often returns to a normal state. Additionally, there are moments when my wrist feels tender and a bit stiff, particularly after it cracks multiple times. Eventually, it tends to slow down, and I experience significant soreness, stiffness, or weakness lasting for a few seconds. As for background, there’s a possibility I might have sprained my wrist during middle school while lifting my backpack too forcefully, which caused it to bend back further than it should have. At the time, I didn’t regard it as an issue worth mentioning, so I took no action. After that initial pain disappeared, the cracking and popping began. When I researched online, I found that such sounds can be normal; however, as the years have gone by, additional symptoms have developed. I appreciate your attention and understanding, and I apologize if my explanation sounds a bit off; I’m just unsure how to articulate it properly. Thank you for reading!
Strategies to Manage a Persistent Cough That Typically Requires Oral Steroids
Age: 33 years | Weight: 130 lbs | Ethnicity: Caucasian | Location: Ohio, USA **Medical Background** — I have a history of asthma, well-managed insomnia with 50mg trazodone, environmental allergies, chronic sinusitis, and ongoing post-nasal drip. Earlier this year, I underwent sinus surgery, which included turbinate reduction, septoplasty, and Clarifix cryo for the vidian nerve, as well as the removal of polyps and bone spurs, essentially providing a complete overhaul of my sinus structure. **Current Medications** — I am on Yazmin for birth control, trazodone at 50mg for sleep, along with daily doses of Claritin and Zyrtec (which I have relied on for over 15 years) to control my allergies. I also take Pepcid 10mg, use albuterol as needed (frequently in recent times), and employ flunisolide and ipatropium bromide nasal sprays. While the latter typically helps with my post-nasal drip, its effectiveness has waned recently. Additionally, I utilize a neti pot squeeze bottle a couple of times a week when sinus issues arise, but I no longer require it throughout the year. **Consultation Plans** — I am looking to consult with a pulmonologist and an ENT shortly. I may explore a follow-up Clarifix treatment as my original surgeon indicated that its effectiveness can diminish over time. However, if I can’t secure an appointment with the pulmonologist soon, I’ll likely have to visit urgent care. My goal is to establish realistic expectations for treatment and prevention and to develop a strategy for managing future occurrences. Over the years, I have experimented with a variety of nasal sprays and inhalers. While albuterol provides some relief, it does not prevent the cough, and previous treatments like Pulmicort and Breo have also ceased to be effective after a time. I have tried various steroid inhalers, but specific names escape me right now. My usual nasal sprays function well until my system is overrun by allergens or colds. In seeking advice, I find myself receiving conflicting recommendations on what treatment is most appropriate. Some doctors advocate for aggressive steroid use, while others express concerns about steroids and suggest I simply endure the discomfort until the cough subsides. Notably, my pulmonary function tests (PFTs) usually yield positive results; I can consistently exhale all the candles on a cake without any issues. I have never had a severe asthma attack requiring hospitalization or any significant drop in oxygen saturation. However, I do experience uncontrollable coughing fits that can strike unexpectedly and last from seconds to an hour. The only time I was treated with a nebulizer was during a college bout of bronchitis after a sinus infection, and I have never been prescribed a nebulizer for home use, only inhalers. I do possess a spacer for my inhalers. **Current Challenges** — Periodically, my allergies exacerbate, leading to severe post-nasal drip and a runny nose. I suspect that my workplace environment may contribute to this — as an RN in interventional radiology, the rooms are kept uncomfortably cold, resembling the conditions outside during winter, resulting in my nose running increasingly while I am on duty. Unfortunately, I have found that my usual nasal sprays are failing to alleviate the situation, resulting in persistent coughs and a sickly appearance. However, I am not genuinely ill; this coughing has been a continual issue since July, coinciding with a constant state of post-nasal drip. Though my nose isn’t perpetually runny, it becomes significantly worse while I work. Whenever I am away for a few days, I feel considerably improved, but returning to work seems to trigger my symptoms anew. This occurrence mirrors a similar allergy flare-up from last year, which I initially attributed to dust when moving homes in Tennessee. I received steroids at urgent care when my cough lingered for six weeks without resolution. Though I try to allow time for the cough to resolve on its own, it rarely does, with only a handful of instances where it has cleared up spontaneously, which typically takes months. After years of suffering through these issues, I finally found healthcare professionals who recognized the need for surgery, significantly improving my quality of life. The sinusitis once aggravated my asthma, which I used to manage infrequently with albuterol. However, any time I do catch a cold, my lung situation worsens dramatically; the resulting coughs are uncontrollable at times and can even lead to vomiting. The only effective treatment for these severe coughing episodes has been oral steroids. I want to emphasize that since my surgery and relocating from a highly allergenic environment, these episodes are now rare, occurring only once or twice a year — primarily when I get a cold or during July, which seems particularly burdensome for my allergies. I suspect that throat irritation, aside from the post-nasal drip, is not a major contributor, as I don’t typically experience any itching or scratching sensations. I do attempt to gargle saltwater to mitigate the post-nasal symptoms, though the relief is temporary. Using the neti pot yields brief benefits but doesn’t completely resolve the problem. My struggles are further complicated by the mixed messages I receive from different providers. As I’ve moved recently, I find it challenging to get appointments with specialists, which is exacerbated by my busy schedule. In the past, I encountered resistance regarding steroid prescriptions; for example, my primary care physician in Tennessee was reluctant to prescribe them more than occasionally, preferring instead to refer me to my allergy and asthma specialist. This inconsistent guidance has been incredibly frustrating, with past experiences ranging from being told surgery was unnecessary to realizing other doctors believed surgery would have been beneficial long ago due to my ongoing bronchitis issues linked to sinus infections. Since my previous doctor retired, I've had difficulty finding someone willing to prescribe steroids for my conditions, leaving me to navigate through a complex health system in Ohio where appointments must be made within my insurance plan’s large network. Most of my recent encounters have been unhelpful, particularly with one NP who appeared to view my request for steroids during a cold dismissively, despite my visible distress. My frustration grows when I am treated like I am in pursuit of unnecessary medications rather than seeking legitimate care to alleviate my symptoms. Thus far, inconsistent treatment approaches fuel my ongoing struggle with this persistent cough.