I’ve been an orthopaedic surgeon for over 25 years. I specialize in foot and ankle, but I’m interested in other areas of medicine as well. In short, I’m passionate about medicine, as well as the truth… That’s why I’ve taken to the web. I’m going to use this as a springboard to discuss real issues in medicine, and hopefully guide patients to a better experience with their medical needs.
Some, namely my colleagues, may find my point of view dissenting. For that, I don’t apologize. My goal is to help the patient, not win a popularity contest. For those of you reading, I appreciate your time.
If you have any issues you would like to discuss, you can post on the entries here, tweet me @angryorthopod, write on my Facebook page at Angry Orthopod or find me on Quora.
-AO
I know this post is older but after reading it I felt the need to pass something on. I developed PF almost 3 years ago after a two-week course of prednisone which caused my feet to swell to the point that I could only wear this pair of flip-flops that I used by the pool. I walked in these exclusively for three weeks until I could get my feet back into normal shoes comfortably. The next week there was that nasty pain in my arch. Podiatrist insisted I wear a popular brand of OTC insoles. I dutifully complied but they… Read more »
This is a very eye opening story for everyone not because it is unusual, but because it is extremely common yet basically unknown. For some reason arch supports/orthotics in the US are the rage and in my opinion way over prescribed. I find in my patients who have orthotics or had them in the past caused more the original or even another new pain (like you) or do nothing at all. Yet we do as the doctor says and keep on wearing them. All in all they really don’t cause any real harm in most cases except to one’s cash… Read more »
Hi Dr. AO, I had ankle surgery about 12 years ago, after being hit by a car. I had a medial malleolus reattached with a few screws, they have since been removed (11 years ago). I have lost a small amount in the range of motion compared to the good foot. I have suffered from PF on and off thru the years. I run about 20-30 miles per week. On a good note, doctors and PTs have prescribed calf stretching thru the years. However, this time, stretching cause sharp pain at the insertion point of the PF. Trigger point or… Read more »
Hi Susan, Your question has frankly upset me a bit, so the morning got off to a good start. Thanks for that. As long as you have reasonably characteristic plantar fasciitis the pain is acceptable with stretching. Just make sure to modify the amount of your foot is on the step which will also adjust the intensity of the stretch. More foot on the step means less intense stretch and vice versa. Of course, never get too far off the step as the intensity actually reduced due to inhibition and the metatarsals get overloaded unnecessarily. I don’t mind some easily… Read more »