Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent and debilitating foot pain you've been experiencing. It seems to be affecting your daily life significantly, and it's understandable to seek clarity on possible causes and relief methods.
Main Points
- Chronic foot pain can be related to a variety of factors including inflammation, hypermobility, and how your body adapts to previous injuries or changes.
- Immediate steps should focus on managing pain and inflammation while you await further medical evaluations.
Explanation
Given your history, the pain could stem from several sources including:
- Inflammation: Conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis could lead to ongoing foot discomfort, particularly following pregnancies that put a strain on your body.
- Hypermobility: This may contribute to joint instability, which can lead to chronic pain due to increased stress on tendons and ligaments.
- Biomechanical Changes: Shifts in how you walk (gait) due to pain can further aggravate your condition, leading to pain in different areas like the heels as you’ve experienced.
It's good that you've pursued medical evaluation, including x-rays and blood tests, as they can help rule out specific conditions. The normal results suggest that it's likely more related to mechanical issues or inflammation.
Next Steps
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Pain Management:
- Consider alternating ice and heat on your feet to manage inflammation (20 minutes on/20 minutes off).
- Since medications like Diclofenac and Naproxen haven't helped, discuss other pain management options with your physician. This could include corticosteroid injections or adjustments in medication.
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Footwear:
- Prioritize supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning. Look for shoes specifically designed to alleviate foot pain (consider options from brands dedicated to supportive shoes).
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Rest & Activity Modification:
- Allow your feet ample time to rest, and avoid prolonged standing or walking when possible to reduce flare-ups.
- When you do walk, ensure the distance is manageable to avoid exacerbating pain. Short, frequent walks may be better than longer stretches.
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Physical Therapy:
- If not already considered, ask your doctor about physical therapy. A therapist can provide tailored exercises to strengthen the feet and enhance stability. They can also provide advice for managing hypermobility.
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Weight Management:
- While this is a long-term approach, reducing weight gradually through a balanced diet and appropriate activity could alleviate some stress on your feet.
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Investigate Further:
- Keep a log of your pain levels, activities, and shoe types. This information can help both you and your healthcare provider identify triggers and effective strategies.
Conclusion
Dealing with such pain can be incredibly challenging, especially with young children. Focus on well-planned self-care strategies while working closely with your healthcare providers to adjust your treatment plan as needed. You're not alone in this, and with the right approach and management, there should be relief on the horizon. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to discuss or clarify further.
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