Living with Chronic Foot Pain

Here are details about my journey of living with chronic foot pain since I was a child.

Blogger Sarah Hearts shares about her journey as being a twenty-something with debilitating chronic foot pain and how she's learned to cope with the pain.

February 2013

I’m about to get personal now and I apologize in advance that this isn’t the most exciting/crafty post here on Sarah Hearts. I’ve learned that a lot of you come here for inspiration to create you own projects but I thought if I share a little more about my life that maybe just one reader might be encouraged by my experiences (or at least smile along with me).

My foot pain started when I was in ninth grade. There wasn’t a particular accident that caused it. I think it was a combination of being slight flat footed and riding horses all the time. I would experience a really intense burring on my heels and arches after riding and just walking around. The first doctor I went to thought it was caused by a cyst or tumor in my foot (which I had removed last year). They referred me to an orthopedic doctor, who then referred me to an orthopedic nerve foot specialist. I had MRIs, CT scans, Cortisone Injections, and a nerve test (have you ever had this done? It was not fun at all. Dye is injected into several places and you have to lie still for a couple hours). They finally concluded that I had loose, extra bones in both my feet that needed to be fused to other bones to prevent them from moving around and irrupting my nerves. My parents thought it was very invasive procedure for such a young person, though we were all considering I have the surgery.

Shortly after that visit I had a serious horseback riding injury that required three surgeries and years of physical therapy so everything with my foot pain got put on hold. The pain kinda ebbed and flowed throughout the rest of high school and college. I think my mind put the pain on the back burner because of all the pain I was experiencing from my elbow injury in high school and later my pelvis fracture that happened in college.

Almost two years ago I woke up and was unable to put any weight on my feet. I went to the local urgent care clinic and they referred me to a sports medicine podiatrist. After several visits, he determined that I have plantar fasciitis and an entrapped (or severely pinched) nerve in both feet. Though I hadn’t received that diagnosis before I was desperate to find some relief. I started with getting good fitting supportive running shoes (which I was told were the only shoes I can wear, I know right?) then physical therapy, custom orthopedics for my running shoes, more injections and still had no relief. I found that my pain was only getting worse so I decided on what was seen as the last option, to have surgery to release both the ligament on the bottom of my feet and the pinched nerve that was near both arches. I had the surgery on my left foot last January and on my right foot last July.

feet-5

I was prescribed Lyrica after my first surgery when the physical therapy wasn’t improving my condition. I was worried about taking a medication with the potential risk of crazy side effects but I was desperate. I still woke up with intense pain even before I stepped out of bed and running errands were so hard to do. I started on a very low dose and worked my way up to a moderate dose. I was extremely drowsy for the first couple of months. I also found that I would occasionally have intense, realistic scary dreams. I hated this. I didn’t feel like myself. But I found a little pain relief for the first time.

Around 8 months after the first surgery I still was having unbearable pain so my doctor referred my to a pain management doctor. Not only was I terrified that having a nerve stimulator implanted in my spine would be my only option but I also thought that they would just want to put me on narcotics. Neither of which happened though I did double the amount of Lyrica I was taking and I also started taking Cymbalta. I was so drowsy for the first couple of weeks that I didn’t feel safe driving and I would fall asleep at my desk. I wasn’t ever a coffee drinker but now I have to have a cup a day to keep me awake. I also found that I have days where I just don’t feel like myself or feel sad and can’t explain why. I’m trying to outweigh those side effects with the benefits of having pain relief.

In addition to the meds I was also “prescribed” to ride at least 3 times a week and do cardio 5 times a week. I made a few changes to my routine and switched from riding english to western and opted to use an elliptical rather than a treadmill and I’m actually feeling the most normal that I’ve felt in years. I’m having more pretty good days than bad ones though I’m still experiencing pain. Yet rather than an intense burning it’s an ache. Most days I my feet still ache before I even get out of bed but I feel like I’m slowly reaching a resolution on how to manage my pain and gain a bit of my life back.

Do you have chronic pain? Or have you taken any of the same prescriptions? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I’ve found that there aren’t many people in their late twenties that deal with chronic pain and I’m happy to answer any questions here or you can always contact me directly. It’s a tough thing to deal with and it’s really encouraging to know that someone else may be going through the same things.

April 2014 update

It’s been over a year since I wrote this post and I have received so many emails, comments, and encouragement from other people living with all types of chronic pain. Since it’s been over a year in my journey, I wanted to provide you with a brief update in hopes that it may be helpful to some of you.

Last fall, my pain seemed to come back stronger and I was having more bad days than good. I felt like I hit a plateau with the Lyrica and Cymbalta as the burning pain came back strong. I asked my doctor if I could try going off both medications as I felt like they weren’t helping at all. I wasn’t happy with the mood swings and the twenty pounds I gained while on both medications. So with his supervision, I slowly tapered off both medications. It was rough. Really rough. I got intense headaches around the same time every day for over a month and my mood was all over the place. Once I was finally off both medications, the pain in my feet was both an intense ache and a burning sensation, not that much worse than with the medication. I went about 3 weeks without any medication and went back to my doctor after enduring a painful few weeks. He prescribed Mobic (the generic is Meloxicam) which is a prescription strength anti-inflammatory drug. I had never tired anything like this since my pain was always diagnosed at nerve pain. I now take a low dose daily and have found more relief than I ever did with other drugs.

I’m still trying to ride and exercise several times a week, as I found that it’s be great for my overall health and mood. There’s something so rewarding in getting back to your daily routine when pain has previously prevented you from doing so. I have also found that keeping this foot massager under my desk to be so, so helpful. I just use it whenever I’m sitting at my desk and it’s provided a lot of relief. I feel like my pain is much worse the days I don’t use it. I also have found some great (and stylish) shoes that provide enough support of my achy feet. I still never go bare foot for longer than necessary and wear supportive slippers around the house.

Though my feet aren’t pain free, and mornings are really rough, I am finding ways to reduce the pain and that gives me hope. If you’re also living with chronic pain, remember that you’re not the only one.

October 2014 update

This summer I was once again starting to have way more bad days with unbearable pain than good days. Not only was the pain present before I got out of bed, it lingered throughout the day even though I was still taking Meloxicam, an anti-immaflamtory drug, daily. Over the past few months I had found some relief with it but over time it seemed like it wore off. My pain management doctor prescribed an EMG nerve test because I hadn’t had one since I was 15. I was really hoping that the test would give me an diagnosis, no matter what it may be, so at least then the doctors would know what to do. The results from the test were inconclusive and my pain was still pretty much undiagnosed. Several doctors I’ve seen feel that the nerves in my feet simply fire pain signals when they shouldn’t causing pain when I shouldn’t have any pain.

August rolled around and it was time for another checkup with the pain management doctor and I felt extremely defeated. I had nothing to report to him as nothing had improved since my last visit so I decided to cancel the appointment. I really didn’t want just switch medications for yet another time and I’d had been having doubts about taking Meloxicam long-term. I felt it was time to try something new. So I made an acupuncture appointment. I had never done acupuncture before, but after taking my horse to a holistic vet this year and seeing the huge improvement in his health (that’s definitely another post to share), I decided that a holistic approach was worth trying for me. After all, I felt like I had exhausted all other options.

I stopped taking all my medications and tried acupuncture.

I’m not really scared of needles but they were a bit uncomfortable since I learned that the pressure points for heels and arches are in the wrist. It wasn’t magical and I wasn’t immediately healed. I wish I could say I was but I did start to notice an overall improvement as the days went by.

I’ve now had four acupuncture sessions over the past 8 weeks and I can honestly say my new normal, without any medication, is so much better than it ever was with any medication I’ve tried. Last month Kevin and I visited St. Augustine and walked all around town all weekend. It wasn’t until later that week that Kevin stopped me and said, “You just walked all weekend and didn’t say anything about your feet. That’s incredible.”

I still have bad days and my feet ache while I’m writing this post, but I am having so many more good days now. I also started  a weekly therapeutic yoga class that is targeted towards people with chronic pain and I found it to be very energizing and relaxing. I’m able to ride my horse several times a week (I’m riding western dressage now and loving it) and I’ve been going to the gym a few times a week. That’s definitely something I didn’t see myself being able to do a couple years ago. I still can only wear very supportive shoes and I keep using my foot massager daily but I feel as though for the first time ever, I may be on the road to healing.

Have you given acupuncture a try? I’d love to hear how it’s affected you. And as always, if you have any more questions feel free to contact me.

122 comments

  1. This was such a great read! I’ve struggled with horrible GI issues for over a year and still have no relief as doctors are stumped as to what is going on. I can’t even drink water without severe pain. Chronic pain is so draining both mentally and physically since it really takes a toll on your entire body. It’s also difficult since others can’t always see your pain and therefore they assume you are fine. Props to you for covering a tricky topic that most people tend to avoid talking about!

    1. Thank you for sharing your story. I wanted to know if your pain in your food sometimes cause your knees and back to hurt also?

    2. AMEN! I have intense IBS-D from something I picked up when deployed to Djibouti, and I also have chronic foot, hip, knee, and back pain from a tumor that the military refused to treat for over 4 years. By the time I’m done with work, I’m completely and utterly drained. Now I’m being forced to retire from the military due to the medical issues, but I don’t have any energy left to find a new job. It’s just so depressing!

  2. I think it’s so inspiring that you shared your story. I couldn’t imagine your pain and you are so brave to share this. I know many people will come across this post and it will touch them in a perfect way.
    I had Melanoma (skin cancer) last year and was, and still am, a little shy about sharing my story but you’re right.. someone might need to hear about it and feel touched and supported.

    Cheers to you for sharing!!
    Hugs!

  3. Thank you for sharing your story. I think it is very corageous of you to share your story as well. I have no experience with chronic pain, but I hope you continue to find some relief in your daily life.

  4. Like Laura, I have GI issues also and after a frustrating and scary year of several doctors and numerous tests, they had no answers. I’ll be 28 next month and it’s rare if I go a day without some sort of discomfort or pain. Now that I’ve put that into words and read it back, it’s scary to think I probably won’t ever feel “normal” again. But the silver lining has been helping a woman I work with who has similar symptoms as mine maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that trigger discomfort. So I guess going through this hasn’t been for nothing. I’ve been able to help someone else cope with their pain. And I think that’s what your experience has done also. Thank you for sharing!

    1. My daughter has chronic foot pain despite meds, PT and surgery.
      I sm desperate to find her a cure.

  5. I too have had foot pain since high school and I’m 24 now. I’ve always had a difficult time finding pain relief, and I also hate the idea of having to wear good running shoes all the time just to prevent extreme pain. I’ve started wearing comfort shoes like Born, Aerosoles and Clarks which have helped, but I still can’t have long days without being in extreme pain at the end of the day. Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah!

    1. Hi I just found this Sarah and I also have had feet problems for 5 years now . Fast forward I take 4500 mg of Gamapetin a day I do have a permanent implanted tens unit $ 200,000 later I’m still have chronic feet pain in both up to both my knees . I also had a Nerve Conducting Test that showed negative.. I was diagnosed with SFN
      ( small fiber Neuropathy ) I still have pain all the meds and tens unit still does nothing . As I’m writing this it’s hard to even concentrate . I’m down to a wheelchair to go out doors and walked at home . I can’t drive and haven’t in almost 2 years I can’t feel my feet . I can’t feel cold or hot temperature sensations . I’m at a loss and so is my neurologist. Told me there is nothing else he can do . I been to every specialist you can look up all puzzled . Nothing they can do . Every day is a bad day . SFN will kick you in the pants
      As Sarah did I went to orthopedics for relief
      Tore my Achilles 2 times and didn’t even know I did it I’ve had 4 blood clots in right leg it’s been a ride and still is ..

      1. Hey Chris, I see you wrote this relatively recently. I’ve had foot pain for the same duration and two surgeries + that implant (had to remove due to infections). It’s the worst thing ever having neuropathy problems in your foot since everything requires walking and I am sorry you haven’t had any luck. I am going to try some nerve blocks but everything is so expensive and no guarantee it will work… I always feel alone in these things but honestly I wish other people did not have this problem because it sucks. Mine also started in 2016, and I am not even 18 yet

  6. Sarah, thanks for sharing your story! You are strong, girl! I will keep you in my thoughts.

    I just turned 29, and I agree that it seems like there aren’t too many young people out there dealing with scary health issues. A year ago last month I started having episodes where my heartbeat would jump to over 200 bpm, and I had no clue why. One day I passed out in the shower, and I was rushed to the ER. They had to reset my heart, which was the scariest experience I’ve ever had in my life – the only time I’ve ever really felt like I was going to die. Four days later it was determine that I had atrial fibrillation, and three months after that it was FINALLY determined that my a-fib was just an electrical issue, not coinciding with a structural problem. My world was upside-down for almost four straight months. I’m now on medication that keeps my rate and rhythm under control (for the most part) and hopefully will never have to have a procedure done. Unfortunately I can’t exercise all that much because once my heart rate gets up, it stays up and starts going bonkers.

    My husband (also 29) was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when he was in college, and takes 6 pills a day to keep it under control.

    I hope my story gave you something to relate to. Everyone has something. To keep things in perspective I try to remember how blessed we are that our issues aren’t very serious. If this is the worse health issue I ever have, I’m SO VERY LUCKY.

    Stay healthy and positive! Have a great weekend! xo

  7. I have Ulcerative Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorder – diagnosed at 25 years old. Those were the days when I thought doctors had ALL the answers,and people under the age of, oh, 65, should just be healthy. But I’ve learned over the years – as all the drugs fail, as I cut out all my fave foods (turns out I’m allergic to dairy, gluten, and eggs – and can rarely tolerate alot of other foods too! argh!), as I deal with the drug side effects and the doctor’s telling me things I don’t believe, I’ve changed my mind. I’ve met soooo many other people who have their own diseases and pain issues. I’ve learned the hard way that in actuality, I think it’s rarer to find someone who IS just plain old healthy. It seems like everyone has something wrong with them. So seeing you share your story – and the comments of others dealing with issues too, feels right. We’re all in this together, right?
    I’m glad to hear you’ve found things that are helping you – I’ve found just a little bit of optimism goes a heck of a long way!
    And it’s so nice to see you sharing this on your blog. I’ve spent many weeks so sick I could hardly blog, but felt like I shouldn’t say anything, because it can be such a downer. Kudos to you for sharing and staying positive!

  8. Although I cannot relate to your situation, I can only imagine what you are going through. You are such a strong person to be able to stay so strong and together after years and years of agony. Go you!

  9. Sarah, You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this story with all of us. I couldn’t have been more lucky to have you as my Alt roomie. You’re such a talented designer and to think that you get up in the morning every day and still produce wonderful work for your readers & clients while dealing with this is just amazing. I’m so excited to follow along as you keep moving forward in this awesome journey of yours! xxo

  10. I started having foot pain too. My feet would hurt very badly when I would get out of bed in the morning. My fiance and I both believe it is the plantar faciitis as well. I swam all through high school and tried to do track for conditioning when my knees started hurting horribly. I was told it was because my arches had fallen. It pulls on the tendons in the back of my ankle which pull on my knees. I ended up getting special inserts for my running shoes. A couple years ago the pain started in the mornings and I think it was because I had been wearing crocs. Very comfy on my feet at my chocolatier job where I stood and ran around all day but not very supportive. I am blessed to have a caring fiance that looked into it when I started telling him about it. He found special athletic tape and learned how to tape my feet for support when I was at work. I am very lucky that the pain has gone completely away in one foot. One is still sore but the tape really helped strengthen my other foot so I am hoping it will still help. I know I am very fortunate to only have a mild issue with it, especially after reading other stories. Love reading this blog. :)

  11. Thank you for sharing something so personal. I had no idea the pain you have been dealing with. The fact that you deal with this type of pain and still produce such beautiful posts is inspiring! I have been dealing with a lower back/hip pain in my right side for about 10 years. It hurts mildly while sitting and when I stand it can hurt badly to walk. Almost like the hip bone/rear bone feels “stuck” until I make an effort to pop it. I look crazy bending strangely every time I stand but otherwise every step I take will be painful.

    The first time I went to my Dr, she didn’t even LOOK at my back. Didn’t lift my shirt, didn’t take any X-rays. She told me maybe I was too skinny (even though I fall in the appropriate weight range for my age and height) and there wasn’t enough meat on my rear and that I was “too young” to have back pain. Two years later, still pain on my right side so I saw a new doctor. Turns out that yes, my low back/hip/rear area on the right side is showing bone deterioration on X-rays and that I have mild degenerative disc disease. There isn’t much to do about it except for physical therapy. It is a daily pain that hurts worse some days than others but it is not to the point of debilitating pain or anything requiring surgery, thankfully. I did learn my lesson though, to always listen to your body and your intuition about these things. I hope and pray you find some relief! Thank you for always being such an inspiration to others. :)

  12. Hi Sarah,
    Thank you so much for sharing your story. As others have commented, I am so amazed at all you do in spite of your pain! I suffer from chronic pain as well and am 28 years old. I get 12 migraines a month–not all are “debilitating” but even the mild ones are painful and I get the nausea, light sensitivity, etc. Also, I have a chronic nerve pain syndrome that affects my lady parts (sorry, TMI, but since we’re baring all…). It is a mild dull itchy pain that is usually in the background, but prevents me from being intimate. I can’t wear pants for more than a few hours at a time and have to wear thigh highs or else cut a big hold out of the crotch of stockings. In addition, I have TMJ syndrome, wake up clenching most nights, and have very limited jaw movement. So while I don’t have pain every single day, between the three of these things there is usually pain in one part of my body or another, and it is a drag to say the least. I have had the migraines since early childhood, and the other two conditions began in my early 20s. I have to work part time because full time is just too much, and even so I always end up maxing out on sick days and have lost two jobs as a result.

    BUT, the news is not all bad. I have had many treatments for the migraines which has reduced the frequency and severity (they used to be much worse!). In the past two years I have been able to start having “a life” again, I can go out and make and usually keep plans. I also do a lot of crafting at home and just recently became motivated to start my own blog! Which is why I felt compelled to share my story–I am so inspired and encouraged to hear that there are others who have found ways to do what they love in spite of their pain. Of course, I wish that you DIDN’T have these pain issues–but know that you are not alone!

    I wish you more success with your remedies! Be well!

  13. P.S. I am a horse-back rider too! :) (Well, I WAS until I became too old for my parents to finance it, haha).

  14. Thank you for sharing your story! I’m 29 yrs old and have had a chronic pain illness (fibromyalgia) for about 4 years. I have taken Lyrica before, but wasn’t able to handle the side effects. I felt like my doses kept having to be increased. It was like my body would crave it, so I go off that and now I take a mixture of meds including Cymbalta. I have doing well on it. I also take Exalgo which is a small dose of morphine. That has greatly helped more so than any other med. I also do acupuncture every two weeks. If you haven’t tried it I strongly recommend it. It has been the best alternative treatment I have found. I wish you all the best in your chronic pain struggle. It’s a process. It seems that one day something works to relieve pain and the next day nothing seems to work. We can only take one day at a time. It seems that that seems to be just enough.

  15. Hi there, Sarah!
    I came across your blog via reddit.com
    I must say, it is BE-YOU-TEE-FUL!
    Anyway, I found your post about chronic pain. I wanted to let you know, I can relate. I suffer from Fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and a myriad of other problems. I recently began chronicling my journey with it over at my website, PositivityInPain.net.
    I was wondering if you had a button that I could put on my blog, I’d love to share your page! (I also run a facebook page, and we have over 16,000 fans) I was wondering if it was okay to share your page there as well? I think alot of our fans there would love your site!

  16. I empathize with your story! I have a genetic nerve disorder that causes chronic pain. It’s a management nightmare. I take gabapentin for daily pain relief. I just got medicine for sleeping- Ambien, and I realized that I haven’t been sleeping well for years. Changing meds or adjusting meds is no fun. I send good wishes your way for pain-free days (we can wish :))

  17. Sarah,
    Thank you for sharing your story.
    I too have chronic pain. I have type 1 diabetes, a connective tissue disease (an autoimmune disease that causes severe pain throughout my body), and was diagnosed 7 months ago (after suffering for years) with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is an inability to digest my food…so essentially everything I eat causes pain, nausea and vomiting, and malnutrition….yuck!!
    I am also a full time artist.
    It was so encouraging to find your blog. I was attracted to your blog for your DIY articles….all the while thinking how great it is that you do so many great things that I no longer have the energy or strength to do much of anymore. To stumble upon your post about pain has given me newfound hope!!! It has shown me that others also suffer from chronic pain and accomplish so much!! It is hard some days to know that I can not accomplish as much in a day as I used to. I told this fact to my dr who very gently told me that I have to find my new normal. Thank you for reinforcing what he has said….you have such a lovely blog, and do such beautiful work! Since you shared your story, and others have commented and shared theirs I know I am not alone!!

  18. I, too, have chronic foot pain! I have all sorts of problems: accessory navicular bones and flat feet that have caused me problems all my life, and the last two years I’ve been struggling with plantar faciitis, bone spurs and achilles tendonitis. I know, right? I have done all the shots, boots, stretching, prednisone and now wear custom orthotics. I’ve been advised against surgery because there are no guarantees. I am 43 and overweight, but it’s like a double edged sword. I’m gaining weight because I can’t exercise, and I can’t exercise because my feet hurt. My next avenue to explore is weight loss surgery. I figure if I can shed 50 lbs. it might help alleviate some stress on my feet. Hope your feetsies are feeling better. Thanks for letting me vent.

    1. Hi Everyone,
      I’m writing to let you know if you can avoid surgery do. I’m 53 & have had 7 foot surgeries since 1997 & I am in the worst pain you can imagine. All because of flat feet. I did the athletic shoes with custom orthotics & for summer had custom Birkenstocks with the custom orthotic built in. But with surgeries my feet changed so much. On one surgery the tendon that runs from the big toe up the front of the leg had to be cut & retied so it shortened the tendon causing my big toe to stick up. That has made the joint under my big toe grind into the ground, shoes anything I step on & OMG it hurts. Because of this I can now only wear flip flops & not just any flip flops, they can’t be too hard or too soft. I’ve tried everything under the sun for padding to no avail. I wear flip flops 24/7, sun, rain, snow, you name it. With socks in winter. The only socks I can wear are Dollar Tree diabetic socks, all others hurt too much. I have cadaver bone & metal fused into both feet. I’ve rejected some of the metal (it’s in a bag in my purse) then had to have it replaced when my feet started to collapse again. Every bone in my right foot except 1 is fused. Most are fused in the left. My Achilles’ tendon snapped on my left leg so that had to be reattached. At the moment I feel as if my ankles are going to snap off when I stand/walk. Both knees have cysts & arthritis as a result of my bad feet. I began pain management in April 2006 & have been taking narcotics since then. I get relief from them but still have a lot of pain & hate that I am a “legal” drug addict! I considered having the spine simulator, went thru all the steps including the mental evaluation, when I found out it only blocks 50% of pain if you’re lucky & makes your ears ring which mine already do I decided not to do it. I went to another Dr who everyone was saying was the best, to see if he could at least help with the joint under my toe. Boy I’d love to wear slippers again. The Dr looked at the xrays & said my feet were “hopeless “. He apologized for being so blunt & said he had never seen such a mess in a pair of feet & that I’ll be stuck in flip flops forever because I need the cushion on the bottom. After that visit I saw my GP & started antidepressants. I’m still trying to find one that works.
      Sarah, I thank you for writing this, I thank all of you that have told your stories. I never knew how many people were out there with foot issues. I do feel alone so often. To the you & everyone suffering with other types of chronic pain, hang in there. My 19 year old son has stomach issues. Plus he had ACL knee surgery. He gets it too. Thank you for sharing. Bless you all. Gail

    2. I am 49 and I have been through it all with my feet even surgery on both for plantar fasciitis. I’m a year out with my second one and in constant pain. Yes I’m over weight and I know it doesn’t help. My Dr. Has me on Mobic also but it barely helps. I keep ice packs on my feet when I get home from work but I can hardly walk by then. I can’t walk at all without shoes. It’s getting unbearable. When your feet hurt you hurt all over. Thanks for your post. May try acupuncture next, I’m at my whits end?

  19. I come across your blog searching on how to make cupcake picks, see the mention of chronic pain on the side, and click to this post. So in case it could ever help, I have to write this comment. You might have one of two hereditary faulty foot structures that could be the root of your pain. Although these foot structures are very common, almost no one knows about them. I have one of these foot structures and have endured the pain and bodily chaos it can cause for many years. I am in treatment now. I suggest you look at http://curingchronicpain.com/abnormal-foot-structures-that-cause-chronic-muscle-and-joint-pain. I would be glad to share my experiences with you if it would help!

  20. I can completely understand your pain, I am a 35 year old that has just been diagnosed with big tears in my plantar fascia. This has been miss diagnosed for a couple of years. I have days when I feel really depressed and unhappy and not sure how to cope and other days its just OK. It is hard to do the things I want to do, hard to even do the mundane jobs like housework. No one seems to understand what its like to live with foot pain day after day. I have hopefully now found a good podiatrist and hope to be finally on the right track to managing this pain. I just wanted to write to say your not alone and good luck.

  21. Its kind of ” partner in pain “feeling that i get after reading this post of urs.
    I am suffering from heel pain on inner leg side since 2.5 years right after my marriage. Consulted from orthopaedic surgons to astrologist for it. Taken 21 b12 injections and so many pills, but theres little relief, i wear totally soft footwear continuosly, right from the moment i get out of my bed, the pain is more in mornings.,

    Its having negative effect in my life in so many ways, its crippling and m not finding a way out .

    Please help me out with this..

  22. I have plantar fasciitis and last year had a lisfranc fracture in my right foot. First surgery was unsuccessful so 4 months later i had a second, involving a bone graft and plates and pins. Its been 364 days since the last surgery and still so much pain across the plates, in my arch and ankle. Exercise exacerbates the pain. Cery depressed and tired.

  23. In my teens and 20s I was very active; biking, running, tennis, aerobics, etc. In my early twenties I began having stomach problems, but could not get a diagnosis. I felt like the doctors thought I was a hypochondriac looking for attention. After years of suffering great abdominal pain and bouts of diarrhea which became bloody and uncontrollable, a kind and knowledgeable doctor diagnosed me with ulcerative colitis. I thought since I finally had a diagnosis and with the doctor’s assistance, I could begin to regain control over my life. Several years went by trying different cocktails of prescriptive meds that always included prednisone. This is where my warning to everyone comes. Prednisone is not meant to take long term! If I knew then what I know now, I would question any and every time a doc gave me a script of prednisone or gave me a steroid injection. To this date, I am unaware of every side effect that has changed my life forever due to the ingestion of steroids, but I can tell you I have painful, crippling arthritis because of it. All of my joints, including my back, hands, hips, knees and feet are effected. My feet are absolutely the worst. I have a ton of shoes I cannot wear because the pain is too great. After a couple of podiatrists, one doctor had some custom orthotics made for me. They seem to help a lot, but most of the shoes I own do not have removable insoles. It’s real bad when I first stand up and the pain never goes away. I have felt very alone with this affliction since no one else I know has a problem with their feet like this. Thank you for sharing your story and reading mine. Best of luck all!

  24. Sarah…gosh, I don’t know where to begin. I ‘m 38 yrs old and have been struggling with chronic bilateral feet pain for over 10 years now. I’ve tried everthing from medications (gabapentin and lyrica and tramadol) to creams, physical therapy, othotics, splints, accupuncture, massage, orthotics, heel cups, 3 surgeries! Nothing has helped at all and my feet continue to get worse and worse. I used to be able to at least stand up for 20-30 min before that pain was unbearable but now I’m done to 30 seconds before I must sit. I have a 2 year old and this affects every moment of everyday. I have had every nerve test, MRI, CT scan, Xray, blood test, etc that you can think of and everything comes back negative. Its very very hard to manage a pain when you don’t even have a diagnosis. I can ride a bike with minimal pain? Is your pain gone when you sit down? Mine is. It’s my only saving grace as I don’t have any pain when seated. But the time I get to sit with a 2 yr old is minimal. I’m so tired of this pain and can’t believe there is nothing that can be done to help us. Please let’s put our heads together and try to help each other out. Jodie

    1. Hi Jodie,

      I’m in the same predicament as you and Sarah. I’m reading this post and want to cry. I feel like no one really understands because they can’t see the pain. I hate turning down fun things like hiking, going to the fair or shopping. The pain gets so bad that all I can think about is getting off my feet. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t have foot pain.

      Have you found anything that helps? I was recently tested and was told that I have small fiber neuropathy. It’s difficult to diagnose because it doesn’t get picked up on regular nerve conduction studies. I’ve tried many meds but no of them give me much relief.

      Anyways, I’d love to keep in contact. It helps to know people that understand. It’s so hard to live with everyday and I can’t even imagine having a little one to boot. Sending positive thoughts your way.

      Amber

      1. Not sure when you wrote this, but I am suffering from the same thing Amber. My email is DSusi3@gmail.com.. would love to talk to you and see if you have found anything that helps!

  25. I couldn’t imagine what you are going through. Whenever I get pain on both my feet and would revert to topical gels or anti-inflammatory. Have you tried doing yoga positions to alleviate the pain? I hope you would somehow find the best way or a cure for this. Thanks for sharing.

  26. Dear Sarah, I have a nerve condition called RSD or CRPS. It is only controllable not a cure exists. This cruel monster is at times unbearable. I received this diagnosis 8 months after getting hit by an automatic door in my elbow area. Some folks are not diagnosed for many years. I appreciate the fact my orthopedic doctor was aware of this unusual condition and confided with her dad who also practiced in the same field. If you google RSD or CRPS a lot of information will be available. I am no doctor, but many of the people who have commented may be suffering from this. It can be dated as far back as the Civil War. This can develop at all ages and for all kinds of reasons. There are national non-profit organizations to help and local support groups located all over the USA and the world. NEVER EVER STOP TRYING TO GET HELP AND DO NOT GIVE UP. THIS IS WHAT CHRONIC PAIN SUFFERERS DO. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE JUST HAVE TO HAVE A POWER TO KEEP THE CHIN UP! THE SUN COMES UP EVERY DAY. GIVING UP IS THE EASY WAY OUT. FOCUS ON THE AMAZING LITTLE THINGS. DAY BY DAY. I hope I helped. Heaven help us all.

    1. Peggy,
      I wrote above about my feet & along with all the issues they have I’ve been told I too have CRPS. If it wasn’t for my son & husband I would have given up a long time ago. Your words are inspiring. Last night I spent several hours rescuing stray kittens from a stray cat I have been feeding. I knew she had a litter, but had no idea where or how many. I found 2 & searched for hours on foot for more. So today I am suffering & can’t hardly walk. It take all I have just to take a bath, I can’t stand in the shower the bottom is too hard & it’s too small for a seat. So thank you for writing the positive words, I needed to read them today. Gail ????

  27. Have you heard of melt method? I have chronic foot pain along with other pain issues related. It’s great for people with bad feet. I highly recommend buying the program. It’s not too expensive and it’s a something that you can do daily. Don’t give up. Pilates and yoga are also great exercise programs that you can use to stay in shape without stressing your feet!

  28. Hi, I just found your blog throgh pintrest. I had severe foot pain, and through an elimination diet figured out that corn was causing the pain in my feet. I have been eating corn free for 5 years and my feet only hurt if I eat corn (which is only accidentally now). Please contact me if you have questions. I’d love to help if I can.

    1. Hello Jennifer! I hope you are doing well. I’ve recently came across your comment and I am interested to know what is it that you did? I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!

  29. I went from being very active to hardly go out of the house I,ve had 3 Sugery on my right foot and 1 on my left they ( The podiatrist orthopedic surgeon ) i’ve had several Morton which are small tumors that grow in between the joints of the foot also had planter fascia -itis surgery I had physical therapy and still continue to have chronic pain and the doctors don’t know why. I,ve been on several medications and see several different specialist . I think the most frustrating thing is not knowing why it hurt or having people look at you like you’re not telling the truth about how much pain you are in.

  30. Thanks for sharing your story! I have chronic pain in my left foot, I have a wheelchair for when it gets bad. I’m so glad that riding is helping, that’s good motivation for me to pester my trainer for lessons. The best treatments so far have been RFA (Radio Frequency Aberation) they microwave the nerve, it dies and grows back. It’s not usually for feet, but my pain doc was willing to try it. Something that you didn’t mention was diet. I went 80-90% raw for two years and it made a big difference in my daily pain. I learned corn really set off my pain ( seems like there were a couple others too) every body is different. I try to keep hope for the future and the technology/medicine to come. Good Luck!

  31. Hi, I found your blog not too long ago and it def hit close to home. My girlfriend has been suffering from chronic foot pain for the last two years. Her story is very similar to yours from the pain to the medication. At this point she’s just trying to manage the pain. She’s holding off on the surgery as a last result as it has a shaky success rate. Recently, I stumbled across a procedure known as PRP( Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. I was wondering if you might know, or anyone on this blog might know more about it. It seems to have a pretty high success rate. Heres a link to the article that started my digging into the procedure: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-robert-a-kornfeld/chronic-foot-pain_b_863372.html

    Thank you for your post. Hopefully I’m on to something!

  32. I’ve had any knee surgeries, now have total knee replacements, Fibromyalgia and Neuropathy in both feet. My Dr. put me on Mobic but did not check for Kidney problems. I did have kidney problems but getting off Mobic and some other Meds. has cured my kidneys! But I’m still in pain at times, but I’ve turned to using natural products and Essential Oils!

  33. Sarah, thank you for posting your story. It assuaged some of my despair because you, a young person, detailed the endless attempts so many of us older people have tried without success to end chronic foot pain. My bi-lateral foot pain began after a huge pile of books landed on my feet at work. I had a fracture and bone bruise on one foot, two sprains on the other and possibly an ankle fracture ( podiatrist noted edema in talonavicular bone) to go with the sprains. After wearing a brace and a boot for over a month, I was in terrible pain and I could barely walk. The uninformed blame my prolonged recovery on my age, they even have the nerve to tell me outright that I have “arthritis.” My X-rays, MRI , blood tests show no such thing.

    The PT says my leg muscles have forgotten how to work. He says I have PTT, a peroneal tendon problem, but my feet are not flat I have arches. He has treated my feet with the Graston Technique which has helped, but it is extremely painful therapy and my legs are badly bruised afterward. I am about 50% better and can walk a little bit, but I walk very slowly. I lost dorsiflexion in my left ankle and it kills me to squat. I walk down stairs like a toddler, because of this inflexible ankle. Both feet are painful in the heel which makes me think I also developed PF. I sleep with my feet in homemade PF socks and I stretch my them before I get out of bed. When I first took my job over a year ago I walked 3-6 miles a day and I moved like a mountain goat, now I am a snail. ):

    Tramadol did little for me. Vicodin helped a bit, but I can not work and take it. I am trying Neurontin to see if that helps. My PT wants me to wear compression hose, which is the only thing he and my podiatrist agree on. The PT wants me in minimalist bendy shoes with no orthotics, while the podiatrist wants me in rigid shoes with rigid orthotics. I do not know what to do anymore.

    As the weeks go by I am getting more and more depressed.

  34. I am 25 and have had pain in my back on the right side and about in the middle of my back for about 6 years now. It all started after I had my gallbladder removed (2009) so it is in that area, kind of deep in my ribs. Living with pain every single day, I completely understand where you are coming from. I’ve tried countless medications, acupuncture, yoga, etc. They tell me that during the gallbladder removal, they may have nicked a nerve or a nerve got caught up in some scar tissue and that may be the cause but they don’t know for sure. So for now, I have a neurostimulator that helps but when the pain gets so bad that the stimulator won’t even calm it down, I get intercostal nerve ablations, which is a nerve block of your ribs basically. Those normally help but only a limited about of time. It is so very frustrating. I have also had to go off of medications (pain meds), and that is the hardest thing to do, but you are so very strong for doing it. The mornings are also bad for me for some reason. I’ve never been able to figure it out. I wish none of us were in pain, but glad that someone “gets me”.

  35. Thank you for your post. I’ve just been battling with my left foot pain for 14 years. Burning, tightness, tingling, etc is a 24/7 battle. When you mentioned that you battle with both your feet with me just dealing with one its a lot…wow. I had a sports injury, neuromas, broke hammer toe, two nerve surgeries 2001 and 2002 and a cyst removed last year 2014. Back in 2002 my awesome podiatrist tried everything except the surgery you did on your plantar facia. I ran from that surgery anxiety ridden. Running I miss but wow intense extreme pain it causes. Over the past 15 years weight fluctuated. Bought a kayak and ended up with a lipoma the size of an almost softball. Now at my heaviest weight 190 lbs. gotta get back to my ole weight 145-150. Sports injuries are tough. Tried strausburg sock, injections, nerve blocks, gabapentin (spelling error), stretching, heat, cold, and numerous other things over the year. Your a breath of fresh air knowing that there are others battling, and your battling twice what I am experiencing. I’m 48 now. Thank you so much for your post. I can relate but knowing your battling more so with this makes me want to try harder to get back in shape over time.

  36. This post describes the last nine years of my life. My husband has severe bilateral foot pain that he describes as both burning and aching. He doesn’t stand or walk unless he must. He’s otherwise a healthy, pretty stacked guy. We actually just returned from our pilgrimage to Mayo Clinic in AZ where we spent $6000 and found out nothing. He was initially diagnosed with plantar fasc and we did all the conservative treatments. Stretching, physical therapy, icing, ice dipping, ice massage, cortisone shots, special shoes, every night splint ever made, acupuncture, acupressure, ultrasound, orthotics, cold laser, special diets. Everything. When none of that worked he had the more conservative release by Topaz in both feet. That didn’t work either. At that point I drug him to a rheumatologist, a neurologist, an orthopedist, pretty much everyone except the Pope looking for a diagnosis. Everything came back normal. I had his spine MRI’d, which was normal except for a slight stenosis. They put him on Cymbalta, Lyrica, Mobic, Uloric, lidocaine pain patches, Voltairin ointment… The list goes on and on. We finally went to Mayo to see if maybe he has some kind of neuropathic condition, but the doctor we saw thinks the problem is in the foot somewhere, not a nerve condition. I am beyond frustrated. He has described his life before as “waiting to die”. It’s hard to raise kids with someone who is maxed out everyday just by being alive. We are headed to a new neurologist and podiatrist on Friday. One thing of note, we had a functional nutrition test here in Texas through a lab called Spectracell that showed he was deficient in vitamin b5, or pantothenic acid. The Mayo neurologist wouldn’t even look at the test. He also has terrible IBS. Wondering if anyone else out there has any similar gut issues?

    1. I also forgot to note that he had a gastroc release, tarsal tunnel release and fascia release on his right foot/leg and it remains unchanged.

      1. How is he today? I have bilateral foot pain. PF in both feet, had tarsal tunnel release surgery in the left and amnio injections into plantar fascia in the left 3 months ago. 10+ months out from surgery and my foot is still painful. I’ve tried PT, voltaren cream, lidocain patches, meloxicam, gabapentin, taping, compression socks, ultrasound therapy, deep tissue realease, orthotics, pricey shoes, etc… and since surgery I have the inability to have any stroking touch to the tarsal tunnel area. I am beginning to suspect CRPS in my left ankle/foot.

  37. I suffered from Plantar Fasciitis tree years ago, and the only thing that gave me results were the stretches. I copied most from You Tube but the pain would always come back and the injections for me were pretty much out of the question. i say that to say this, i spent hundreds of dollars trying to cure my fascia and i don’t want anyone else to have to spend as much as i did with no luck http://www.howtocureplantarfasciitis.org

  38. Brandi you may want to have you husband checked for RSD or CRPS I think it’s called today. I have terrible burning in my foot and hurts awful. I went to a orthopedic Dr. Who diagnosed me with RSD in 1988. Tell him to be positive if at all possible. I was told by the doctor if you give in that’s it. Feet problems make you tired. Good luck!

  39. Hey after reading your story I had to share mine because of how similar it is!!!

    I have an ongoing chronic foot pain which has been affecting my daily life for the past 3 to 4 years. The pain is in between the first & second metatarsal webspacing/junction & travels to under the arch of my foot (Right foot).
    It all started 4 years ago when I was playing soccer & injured my big toe. I kicked the ground with my toe and at the same time I kind of tweaked my ankle. For days after that I rested & compressed my foot with ice. The big toe swelled up for a few days & went back to normal. I thought nothing of it as I always injured myself. I rested & thought it would be fine. 2 weeks had gone by, and my pain is still unbearable. There was no swelling anymore, and my foot looked perfectly fine. But I couldn’t walk. So I went to the doctor. He did the usual. Sent me to get an xray, the xray came out clean. No sign of any fracture, no bone misalignment, nothing.
    After that he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who also checked my foot out. He sent me to get an MRI. The MRI came out fine, except for small liquid around my joint in the big toe, which didnt ring any alarms of distress. He told me to relax and let it heal, it will take time. So I took his advice…. 2 months pass, 4 months pass, 6 months pass. Im unable to walk longer than 100 meters without feeling pain. I most certainly cannot run or carry any weight with me or it will trigger chronic pain. Resting and not putting any weight on the foot is fine, I don’t feel any pain at all when not using it at all.
    After 6 months had passed I booked to see another orthopedic surgeon, I needed to get this foot sorted. I love sports & I cant stand the fact that I was partially immobile. This new orthopedic surgeon was a foot specialist. He booked me in to get 3 MRI scans. One of the forefoot, one of the mid foot & one of the hind foot. Surprisingly all came out CLEAN. His only advice was, its a nerve issue. Go see a neurologist. So I went to a neurologist. He did a nerve conduction test, came out crystal clean. Absolutely no issues. He prescribed me Lyreca and said see how that goes. It kind of helped but not really (maybe only 20% help), however it also had side effects – it made me go slightly blind. I stopped using it immediately & ran out of ideas. The neurologist said something that really upset me. “You’re either overly obsessing with this and there is no real issue, your mind thinks that there is pain but there isn’t, or you’re just going to live with it and get used to it”. How can my mind make up such chronic pain.
    Anyways I left it at that, 1 year had passed, 2 years had passed I just learned to get used to it. After the 2 year mark, my health started deteriorating, no running, no sports, no gym, absolutely nothing. Gaining weight, getting depressed, it was affecting my everyday life. (Im only 27 by the way!!!!!!!!!!! This all started at 24). So after 2 years had passed I booked in to see a Podiatrist, maybe he could help me, get me some inner soles etc. I booked in to see a Podiatrist & he had a look at my foot, my stance, the way I walk etc. He noticed that I have been walking on a supinating angle on my right foot, I started walking on an angle since the beginning of the injury. It kind of avoided the pain. He prescribed me inner soles and fixed my foot alignment. I started wearing them for a few months however it did not help with my pain. He injected me with cortizone in the affected area, but no luck, he started injecting anaesthesia on certain nerves to isolate nerve issues, still no help. He finally referred me to a Podiatric Surgeon, someone who should be the best of the best with foot problems. I went to see him, he saw all my previous MRI scans, XRAYs and made me do a CT scan. All came out clean. I also did a weight bearing Xray. Every single scan came out completely clean.
    I’ve come to a point in my life where this is affecting me so badly that I drink my depression away. I take painkillers on a daily basis & dont know what to do with myself. Im only 27 and I cant do anything. I cant work, I cant walk, I cant go up stairs NOTHING. Luckily I have a job as a Software Tester so I sit all day.
    The exact point of location for my pain is in the webspaces between my first and second metatarsal of my right foot. Its right in between that junction of the 2 metatarsals. Sometimes the pain travels to the arch of my foot. (This is all in the right foot.) I try do a deep massage of the web spacings & sometimes I can get to a point where it hurts so much when I touch it. Its deep in between the 2 metatarsals, sometimes it feels like its under the 2nd metatarsal. Closer up towards the lisfranc joint. In between that junction of the 2 metatarsals. & sometimes it is in the arch of my foot, directly under the first metatarsal. When I do a deep massage I feel great sign of relief. However only when I massage it, When I stop massaging, the pain is still throbbing.
    I dont know what else to do.
    The pain is chronic, it hurts alot, it also intensifies during cold weather.

    1. Hi Marty, I’m not sure if this will make it to you, but while I was reading your story I was trying to remember if I’d written it, so I had to respond. I’ve gone through a literally IDENTICAL situation with my right foot, except it started as a dancing injury when I was 20. It’s now been 4 years with minimal relief, having seen every doctor under the sun, the same thing with X-rays and MRI’s coming back clean, and doctors telling me “you’ll be fine.” I’ve also had cortisone injections that actually made things worse because they atrophied my foot tissue. I’ve mostly excepted that I’ll never dance again.
      I try to stay positive most days, but chronic pain is exhausting at times. Today is one of those days, since I started a new treatment last week and was super hopeful, but its not looking that great anymore.
      The best thing in my life right now is my bike. I bought a bike a year after this started and it was fantastic. Then I bought a car which was even better, but not as great as the bike because exercise is key. But I can only ride it 6 months of the year.
      Here’s hoping someone can fix our feet one day. Never give up!
      Solidarity from Canada :)

  40. I have read your article twice once when I was first diagnosed with a nerve condition in my left foot and again tonight. It brings tears to my eyes hearing other young woman like myself living fulfilled lives. After being diagnosed with plantar fictitious then Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I tried all sorts of pills that didn’t work. Had a stimulator implanted and the surgery went wrong. Leaving me in constant nerve pain from my waist down. At 27 I had to live in a hospital then a nursing home I have had to learn to stand again and walk. Living in continuous pain and hearing other strong ladies succeed gives me hope. I want my life to look like that again some day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  41. I too ride horses (have a horse blog) and have some foot pain. Not like you describe, but I have definitely had to alter that styles of shoes I wear. I have a theory that I might have done some damage to the ball of my right foot from swing dancing (too many twirls?). Anyway, I am happy to peruse your blog and get some creative inspiration.

  42. I know this is a shot in the dark… Do you drink lots of sodas or colas? I developed pain in my feet and it completely went away when I got rid of soda from my diet. It doesn’t make any sense to me, but I heard it on on the radio one day and tried it and it worked. I hope that you find complete relief one way or another. xo

  43. I was in a a three-wheeler accident in 1984. I flipped 35 feet in the air. I healed well but about 10 years later, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I had an L-4, L-5 fusion in 2013 due to the injuries. I have to say that now, I hurt just about everywhere. But the last three months have been miserable with plantar fasciitis. I’ve had shots three times in my heels but in the meantime, my knee is causing me a lot of pain. I’ve got a lot of allergies and can’t take pain medication. I am considering taking Lyrica because I don’t feel like doing anything with this pain. I hope it works enough for me to be more mobile. I look fine but no one knows how I feel. Thanks for saying that I’m not alone living with pain.

    1. I’m sorry to hear you’re having pain after you’ve already been through. You are definitely not a lone and sending good thoughts your way!

  44. I had a very deep pain in the calcaneal branches, it was the worst pain I have ever felt. I had a feeling it was mortons neuroma because I wear heals very often, and it turned out it was.

  45. I remember the first time i put weight on my feet early in the morning and yelped as well. Every since then i ha to give up running and take it easy at work. I am usually an active person, so this really tormented my life. I got two cortisone shots from my podiatrist but i was still in pain. I have spent a lot of energy in curing my plantar fasciitis, and i would love to share with others what worked for me http://www.howtocureplantarfasciitis.org

  46. I have serious bone and joint disease. It started in my 30’s. 2 lumbar fusion, 1 cervical fusion, multiple foot surgerys and am in need my left foot fused. I have been putting it off. Now it hurts extremely bad. I am 56 I am so tired of the pain and surgerys.

  47. Wow is so incredible to find out that i am not the only one going through this unbearable pain. I had a total of 3 surgeries to both of my feet, i had gone through a number of rounds of the steroid injections, i have taken lyrica which i had to stopped early on the trial do to severe mental thoughs and swelling. Here i am 2 years later after my first surgery experiencing more severe bilateral pain then before, and not able to return to work. I just don’t know what’s going to happen in the near future with me and this pain even when i am sleeping, i am tired of the painful injections on a regular basics and the physical therapy that doesn’t work. I was diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis and nerve damage. Thank you

  48. I’m not sure when this was posted but I’ve lived with flat feet since I was young. I’m only 18 now but I grew up with horrible chronic pain. I randomly searched stories wondering if there were people who struggled like me. I have severe flexible flat feet and was diagnosed about 6th grade. Since then I have gone through doctors and orthotics. Being casted every year is normal for new orthotics. I only wear tennis shoes because they are the only shoe my orthotics will fit in. I have struggled with taping, physical therapy, sport event pain, planters ficiitis, surgery talks about reconstructive surgery, and visits to mayo clinic. It’s just great to find someone who knows what feet pain feels like, thanks for sharing (:

  49. My chronic pain started in my early 30’s. I have what’s called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) or CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome). It sounds quite similar to the pain you’ve described about your feet. I don’t keep up with my blood much anymore but it does show the beginning of my journey. Might be something you bring up to your doctor. And if you can stay away from Lyrica, then do. The weight gain & other side effects far outweigh the benefits. Good Luck!

  50. Your story sounds like mine. Going on 6 years with chronic foot pain. I’ve done good shoes, custom orthotics, taping feet, exercising, cortisone injections that only work for about 8 weeks. The cortisone shots have been going on now for 2 1/2 years. Just had MRI’s done. Waiting to see what is said.

  51. I am 32 and I walked on crutches for 3yrs and I received two surgies back to back on my right ankle and foot and I have screws in my ankle and foot .. The Dr said I would never walk again and I prayed and believed God for my healing and I’m walking today thank God!! So stay encouraged no matter how long it takes be blessed in Jesus name?

  52. I am 32 and I walked on crutches for 3yrs and I received two surgies back to back on my right ankle and foot and I have screws in my ankle and foot .. The Dr said I would never walk again and I prayed and believed God for my healing and I’m walking today thank God!! So stay encouraged no matter how long it takes be blessed in Jesus name?

  53. Thank you for sharing. I have a 16 yr old daughter suffering from chronic hand and foot pain. Like so many people who suffer, the Drs have ruled out dozens of diagnoses and causes, but cannot ID a cause and so there is no treatment. We are staying away from the meds, which seem to get px randomly. Will try yoga & accupuncture. Best of luck to you.

    1. Hi Julie! I am sorry to hear your daughter is experiencing chronic foot pain. My pain started as a tween so I know first hand how hard it can be. I encourage you to definitely try acupuncture. It’s the only thing that has been effective! Though I still have pain daily, it’s helped more than anything I’ve tried. Best of luck!

    2. Hi ! Julie
      Try to research on the website ” earth clinic” is about illness that natural remedies may help at least to alleviate if not complete cure them.
      Hope you find something that will help your daughter.

  54. Hi!! I broke my right foot in a car accident and developed chronic pain. 2 1/2 years later I am still in physio therapy x 2/ week, massage therapy every 3 weeks. I find the Physio helps keep pain symptoms manageable most of the time. Laser therapy helps the most. Massage therapy helps my nervous system
    Relax and therefore decrease the pain. I also take Lyrica, Cymbalta, Naproxen. I also take Cialis to help with circulation in foot and it helps so much. I was diagnosed with “CRPS”, complex regional pain syndrome by a Pain Management Doctor. My pain is numbing, tingling, burning, sore, and throbbing. They have helped me so much in learning how to pace myself and not to over do it. Getting your sleep is a huge factor in keeping pain under control, so I was prescribed a sleep med, Zopiclone. I hope this helps others!! ?

  55. Thank you for sharing. I literally feel your pain. Chronic pain in my right arch/foot/ankle that no one can seem to help me with is profoundly affecting my quality of life. I am battling depression and anxiety largely as a result of the chronic foot pain, which prevents me from doing what I love most: Hiking in the Colorado mountains on a regular basis.

    I feel pretty hopeless right now, but it is inspirational to hear about someone who has pushed through, and continues to push through it all :-)

    I know now that I am not alone.

    Thank you :-)

  56. I can’t believe how many other people are going through chronic foot pain with no answers. I’ve only had mine for a year now and it feels like forever. I’m a wife and mother of two girls. Before fall of 2015 I had a pretty normal life. We went to Colorado. I hiked up and down a mountain. I loved walking and running around the disc off course with my husband. In fall of 2015 I noticed my feet were aching after walking with a coworker (we walked every day during our breaks). I had pain in all parts of my feet but mostly on the inside curve. It felt kind of like a Charlie horse cramp. But I also had other pains that felt like the bones are brittle or that the bottoms of my feet were bruised. I’ve seen several doctors. Had x-rays. Had orthotics. One doctor wanted to give me a shot but I didn’t think it was the right diagnosis. Tomorrow i’m getting an MRI. The pain is usually manageable if I don’t walk too much. But even a trip to Walmart has me soaking my feet and sometimes crying at night because it hurts so much. I’ve used a cane and a wheelchair several times when we go anywhere that requires much walking like them mall. I’m 38 years old. It’s hard to believe I might spend the rest of my life not walking anymore.

    1. Hey Stephanie, realize you posted this a while ago… did you ever figure it out? I’m experiencing all the same symptoms and have had all imaging / testing done (all inconclusive). Thank you and i’m sorry you’re dealing with this!

  57. Good afternoon,
    I’m first sorry for your pain. I hate Mobic it gave me no relief me sick. I used to take a high does of narcotics until I started using acupuncture as well. it does help so much. I’m interested in the yoga you spoke! I’m wondering if I can find a class like that. Just something to thin about I use a salve I make myself an it helps my pain so much I will leave my email if you buy chance would lie to try it. It is all natural and it really does help my pain. elishac2008@gmail.com if you would like to try some feel free to email me . I’m not selling anything I just know it worked for me and I hate to see anyone in pain.

  58. I’ve had the exact same surgeries as you and same scars I’m 41 with four kids and used to do hair ,but can’t be on my feet for more than a couple minutes at a time . Some days are worse than others to where I can’t walk at all. I really feel for you and was very inspired by hearing that I’m not alone thanks for sharing your journey with me I am yet to be told to go to another nerve conduction test and yet more injections and physical therapy all of which have not helped me so far I haven’t tried acupuncture but all the medications have failed me as well or use a wheelchair in my home in the evenings because the pain is intolerable I’m so glad that you can understand what this is like and I’m trying to stay positive and it’s so hard for other people to understand or relate So thank you. I don’t have good health coverage in fact almost none at all so I have to pay for all my orthopedic appointment by myself and it’s adding up. Do you think that continued nerve test are going to even be any help for me? Doctors are saying tarsal tunnel and then other weren’t orthopedist or saying I have arthritis and nerve entrapment and might need ankle fusion to relieve pain!

      1. HI all, I’m sorry about what you all are going through. My pain started with a broken big toe when I was 20, arthritis developed, then when I was in my 40’s I ran barefoot on the beach and broke my sesamoid bone in the same foot. I hobbled around Punta Cana and sucked it up to do fun things with the family, came home, was misdiagnosed, found out a month later that I broke it and was put in a cam walker, that didn’t do enough in my mind, saw more doctors and one recommended a fusion of my big toe to get rid of arthritis and so I’d flex my foot properly and take weight off the sesamoid so I could run again. I foolishly accepted, that was the start of my chronic pain. I thought I was recovered, played soccer and tore my peroneal tendon in the same foot, rested it, got planters in my right foot from compensating, then found out my fatty pads on the bottom of especially my left foot were gone pretty much. These protect the metatarsals so when you walk you can feel the bones on the bottom of your feet. I then popped my metatarsal in my second toe tripping over something, it was stressed because my first toe doesn’t bend in the middle joint from the fusion. Warning, never get steroid injections in the bottom of your feet, it eats at the fatty pads and never go barefoot on hardwood floors, it will do the same. Protect the pads. Surgery is a huge decision, especially when it comes to feet so don’t let a doctor play God unless it’s absolutely necessary. I had the injection in my ankle and had an averse reaction to it, never had it on the bottom of my feet but doing research I have learned this. I feel like I”m not the mom, etc. I can be because of being so restricted and in pain all the time. I took my daughter to Kohl’s yesterday and there was not one chair I could sit on, how do the elderly do it?! I’m so tired of talking about my foot and being in extreme pain, unable to do ordinary things, I try to suck it up for the family and put on a good front but today is one of those days that I’m really tired and don’t feel like expending the energy to make it appear like everything is hunky dory! I will check out the foot massager and see if that helps. Another thing is acupuncture…I think I’ve tried pretty much everything else. Good luck everyone, hang in there!

  59. Hi Sarah,
    I too have chronic undiagnosed foot pain for years now. It’s gotten so bad that I would do just about anything for relief. I wear orthotics. I had X-rays and MRI but other than a neuroma that wasn’t the most painful they couldn’t find anything. I have very high arches so they think that could have something to do with it. I’ve put on a lot of weight because I can barely walk which just exasperated the situation. Thank you for recommending acupuncture. I hadn’t gone that route yet. Your blog is the closest representation of what I’m experiencing and I don’t understand why it’s so rare.

  60. I struggled with the same symptoms when my twins were about 3 years of age. Although mine wasn’t quite as severe as yours. I can totally relate to the first thing in the morning pain.
    No matter how much pain medication I took, I could still feel the pain. And like yours, I couldn’t really contribute it to anything I may have done to cause the pain.
    Mine eventually got better after suffering for a years.
    The solution to healing my feet was doing hyperbaric therapy with my son. At the time, I was trying to help my son heal from his vaccine injury and this was a fortunate ?side effect. I’m not sure if I would have ever gotten better if it wasn’t for the hyperbaric therapy.
    I later attributed my foot pain to being a side effect to taking a type of antibiotic known as
    Fluoroquinolones.
    They are known to cause neuropathy which is foot pain.
    Taking fluoroquinolones is also known to many as being floxed.
    I know it’s been a long while since your foot pain started but do you remember taking any antibiotics prior to having your foot pain?
    Here’s some info on the potential side effects from this particular type of antibiotic.
    https://floxiehope.com
    I hope your accupunture treatments continue to help the pain.

  61. Hello Sarah,

    I know the post is old and you might feel better now.

    I am a doc and would love to know how are you doing now? Does pain reduced? did you got the right diagnosis?

    It seems like you might have sural neuritis (Plantar fasciitis OR OS Trigonum)

  62. My podiatrist said surgery might help my severe pain from torn or ruptured plantar plates, but may result in increased peripheral neuropathy. I may have been misdiagnosed with Morton’s Neuromas and had surgery in 2008. A later MRI revealed my problem to be torn plantar plate. Over the years, the pain has gotten worse. I would like nonsurgical help if possible. Some days I can barely walk. Is there any help for me?
    Thank you,
    Margie

  63. Your story touched me as I am going through similar nerve pain and other issues. I have tried the meloxicam awhile ago when I first started having back issues and found that it worked. Once the nerve issues started I started Lyrica and yes the crazy dreams are intense. I’ve been on it for over 2 years now and it still seems to be the only med that helps with the nerve pain. Right now they have me on Hydromorphone Cotin, Hydromorphone, Toradol, Lyrica, Cymbalta. The side effects are terrible but it does help with the pain. I guess you sometimes have to choose pain relief over side effects. I am also getting the spinal cord stimulator inserted in the next few months. It’s a last resort. I have tried a specialized yoga that helps people with disabilites and found that it worked well on relaxing me which is very hard. The only problem was it’s so hard to get out of bed and into a vehicle some days so I stopped that. I also did acupuncture and found it worked great just after a few but can get expensive as it wasn’t covered on benefits. Chronic pain isn’t fun but I always try and stay positive (very hard sometimes) and always find that someone is going through it worse than I am. Thanks for the read again. Please update as you can.

  64. I’m 32 and have had chronic foot pain for 5 years. I have tried everything there is for plantar fasciitis, every conventional and alternative, holistic healing modality there is. I think my podiatrist is running out of ideas. He has tried to perfect my orthotics but it doesn’t make a difference. Not a candidate for injections or surgery because I don’t have enough fat pad every time we ultrasound the tendon it’s healthy, no signs of inflammation or bone changes. I’m down to working 2 1/2 days a week, I’m a vet tech and it breaks my spirit that I have had to cut back. I can’t even run errands without pain. Social activities are hard because of pain.

  65. Sarah, this story sounds so familiar. I am only 28 years old and I have been dealing with severe foot pain daily for the past 7 months. Sometimes my pain is so severe i can barely make it through my nursing shift. My orthopedic doctor told me i should consider going into another field rather than nursing. I have tried all treatments, other than surgery. Do you recommend it? I have recently tried acupuncture and i go back this Monday for another session. Anyway, thanks for your help and i hope you can find some relief. You are definitely not alone.

    1. There seems to be so many of us pain sufferers out there.My foot pain started when I was a kid.I have pain from the inner ankle that radiates down into the foot.This is in both feet.The pain is strong pins and needles and burning pain.I can only stand for 3 to 5 minutes at a time.I have tried all the lyrica,endone,panadeine forte etc etc and have seen so many specialists.The best diagnosis I have to date is a medial planter nerve entrapment.I have had 3 separate operations,the first was the tarcel tunnel release,it did nothing.Then they went lower and I did get some relief but wasnt a full recovery.The third surgeon made the problem worse than ever.This is what happen i guess when you can only afford to get operated in a small country town where you live.I now finally have private cover so I hope to find a surgeon one day that is familiar with this condition.Im so over pain and the fact that I cannot do anything most days.If anyone can help,I would so appriciate it

      1. To Add to my last post,I have now been operated on 5 times…yes 2 more operations and still no better.My advise,avoid the surgeons if possible.Im 53 yrs old now and still looking for an answer to my neuropathy that I have had since I was a young child.My feet are the nightmare of my life.I think it will be a case of live with it,but I will keep looking for answers.I have been told now that I have a very rare condition where the nerves get tangled in fibrous tissue.Am I the only one or is someone else living with this horrible condition.

        1. If any one else is out there and has this rare condition,I would love to talk.
          My condition was agrovated by an electrocution at the age of 11.I had pain before the electrocution but was much worse after.
          Anyway,I hope you all find some answers.
          Ray

  66. Feet and heel pain. Almost 12 years, no diagnosis. Started at 24, now turning 36. At worst, can’t stand or walk, at best just in lot of pain 24 hrs/day & can’t walk any more than necessary. Worse (as if that seemed possible!) from some of the things I have tried the past 2 years. The past few months, in fear of losing job & having no life. The past 3 wks I have missed more than 55% of work, HR called me today and I finished the last 3 hours of week sobbing and having customers start at me. I am going to try acupuncture again next month. When you talk about it, or think about it, you constantly mention the pain. Although the pain is nothing- it’s the extremely low quality of life, inability to do daily activities, feeling worthless & crazy, and the fact that something so sudden/ridiculous/unexplained deciding your life for you, such as you can’t have kids, that is what’s so painful, not the pain!

  67. Mason Noah
    I was diagnosed with RA at age 50. Now I’m 55 and I was in pain constantly, not to mention the intense fatigue. I was on Remicade, Arava, folic acid, and Percocet. It started in my neck and spread to both hips, hands, feet, back and just in the last two months, to my knees. I purchased RA herbal remedies online from a great herbal home called GOOD HEALTH HERBS HOME,I only used the herbal remedy for 5 weeks, my RA disappeared.pleases anyone out there going through RA pain don’t hesitate to purchased RA herbal remedy from GOOD HEALTH HERBS HOME,contact details wwwgoodhealthherbshome .com . I am so grateful i find a miracle cure. I feel like i am 30 years old now,am so strong and healthy ..

  68. Thank you for sharing your story. It helps me to see others like you who are willing to share their stories, so that I, too, can open up and not feel alone.

    I’m 23 and I have had GI trouble since I can remember..since then I have had all sorts of odd issues, such as Benign Positional Vertigo, Costochondritis, back and neck issues – all which have ebbed and flowed over the years and come back with a vengeance at some point.

    Most recently, however, I have had debilitating foot pain in both feet. One day I developed some sort of nodules on the inside of both feet and ohhhh the pins and needles and pain that followed…I’m on day 11 of 12 of a course of Prednisone (which I have been on for all of the other things I mentioned before) for what my podiatrist thinks is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome…goodness only knows where this diagnosis will lead.

    I see a Rheumatologist in March, who can hopefully put all of these odd and end problems together and somehow come up with a diagnosis..

    I’m seeking relief and understanding, just as anyone else with chronic pain.

  69. I am sorry you have suffered with so much foot pain. I have been going through the same for many years. I had surgery, tried arthritis medications along with turmeric, glucosamine, fish oil and anything else I can try that is natural. I have had ct scans and mri’s. Several cortisone injections and many visits to podiatrist’s. I wear custom orthotics in mens extra wide fit shoes but the pain rushing around at my job trying to stick to my school cleaning time limits can be unbearable. I have flat arches and top of left foot I have a raised bone that causes grief. The doctors I have been to will prescribe Mobic but they do not want me taking them daily due to them being bad for you. I take one when I can no longer stand the pain and it gives some relief. Even stepping out f bed can feel like my feet are on fire. I was born with the two toes nearest my big toe being webbed. They are now spread wide apart and slight hammer toes which also cause toes to bend under while walking which cause ingrown. Extremely painful. Thoughts are with you and I truly do know your suffering.

    Kerry

  70. I have diabetes, wide feet, and flat arches. This dilemma has put me on a lifelong quest for a truly comfortable shoe. My quest has ended at last ! orthofeet’s shoes are remarkable! After a full day on my feet, it’s like I haven’t even had shoes on! My feet have never been happier!

  71. I too have suffered with chronic pain; bilaterally with the right one the more severe. At times it would either wake me up or keep me awake all night. This started at the beginning of 2012. I saw seven, yes 7 doctors – a GP, 2 podiatrists, a chiropractor, 3 Orthopedic surgeons. The treatments at the Pod were: soaking in Iodine (?), Tens, Ultrasound, massage by a heavy handed woman and hard as a rock Orthotics. All to no effect! Then at the 1st Ortho a couple of Cortisone shots, only mildly effective. At the second Ortho Physical Therapy. Again not much help. I heard about Avicencia Laser treatment that was supposed to somehow heal the damaged nerve. Again – no help. Back to a different Pod; another Cortisone shot and a recommendation to see a Neurologist. Nope! Didn’t see the relevance. Finally I was referred to another Ortho who was specialized in the foot and ankle. I studied ALL the literature on the scholar portion of Google relating to this miserable pain and found out that if done correctly when the damaged nerve is excised it should be implanted in the interosseous muscle and the distal end cut proximally as far possible to the affected webspace. I asked him “What happens after the nerve is excised”? He answered exactly as the textbook recommended. So I went with the surgery. That was in August 2013. The entire month by month episode is written in the blog I created listed above. I am mostly pain free with occasional problems with the left but am believing it will resolve without resorting to a sometimes iffy surgery.

  72. I cannot walk or stand more than about 30-40 min w/out severe pain, my husband shops, I cannot work, no insurance so I stay home mostly, doesnt hurt too often if I stay off them, am 60 yrs old, started about 5 yrs ago in one foot, got real bad then other foot did the same thing, not diabetic, am overweight, wasn’t when it started, I am so limited, need to work, but am stuck, inflamation meds, exercises, and pain meds do not work, insoles and good shoes do not help either. Was told it was facsititis stuff, but no one took x-rays or even looked at my feet. Stinks cause I cannot live my live, no quality of life. Thanks, Karen Carr

  73. A little late to your site and almost ready to just give up, if I mention the feet pain to a doctor they think diabetic nerve pain and will not look any further. Just fined forty days of antibiotics because I took some a while back and it seemed to help some until they were gone, it hasn’t worked. My former doctor had me on tramadol for years have not taken in over a year now but now otc meds do nothing. The only relief I have found which is crazy is antibiotic cream with pain relief. Accidentally figured that out when my cat bit me. It is every other day, feels like they are swollen but they are not, very sensitive even on so called good days. And I am so sick of this.

  74. I’m experiencing similar things. I’m 40 years old. My foot pain started out of the blue three years ago. I was just a normal girl with normal feet. One day, I was walking on lunch break with a co-worker and noticed terrible pain after walking for just a few minutes. It got worse and worse, starting in one foot, then both. Six months later I was walking with a cane. A year later, I had to use a mobility scooter all the time. I was passed from one specialist to another: neurologists, podiatrists, orthopedics, rheumatologists… nobody knew what to do. I was given x-rays, MRIs, shoe inserts. I was put on Gabapentin which started a year of hell for me. I’m scared to death of any medications now. Sometimes the pain would lessen, for months at a time, for no reason. This last time, I had about 6 months without pain. It was after I was given medicine for being hypothyroid. I thought maybe that had cured my feet. But then, a couple weeks ago, the pain returned suddenly and full-force. I went from walking around almost normally to hobbling just to get from my chair to the bathroom. It is so hard to find hope. It’s so hard to have unexplained pain that no one can diagnose. The docs just want to throw medicine at it or pass me on to someone else. I’m so thankful to have an awesome hubby & family to care for me… and I fear what will happen if I’m ever on my own. I miss being able to do simple things like getting groceries or standing at the sink or stove to cook or wash dishes. I’m clinging to my faith right now and praying for another season of less pain.

  75. I am amazed at all the posters with similar stories about this awful foot pain. I have become hopeless and not sure how to stay positive.

  76. I have had bilateral bunion surgery 1 and half years ago to prevent mild with no bunions getting worse. This was the a bad decision as I now have constant pain neuroma pain and neuropathy pain in my big right toe. I drives me crazy as nothing seems to work. I have tried cortisone injectiins, ultra sound, cold laser, dry needling, orthotics etc. Wish I had never had the operation as every day I have to battle this ongoing pain. It wears you down and stops you from being active and happy. Tempted to have the neuromas cut out but scared of the pain and down time to recover. Hard to relax or do anything physical with chronic foot pain.

  77. So I was researching if there is anything I can possibly due for my foot pain and this blog popped up. I’m so glad I found it. I never thought about acupuncture for my pain but I work at a hospital and we just had a seminar on using acupuncture for chronic pain, although I couldn’t attend. I am in my mid-thirties but I have had foot pain since I was a pre-teen. Back then I saw a physician who said I had plantar fasciitis and we did a LOT of things (including me wearing a hard cast for 6 weeks) to try to resolve it. It never resolved but it improved and we just kind of gave up on it after that. My left ankle has been swollen for about 21 years now, it just never goes away only better or worse at times. I learned a lot about how to deal with it. I tape my feet when they start to hurt, I’ve realized more pricey shoes are SO worth it (Olu Kai and Vionic are my favs, I can even wear the vionic heels and I’ve never been able to wear heels!), I get inserts for my shoes, I have compression sleeves for my ankles, I found massagy balls to roll my arch on (although a tennis ball works amazing too) and I soak my feet on a regular basis. Lately, the pain has been worse and I’m not 100% sure why. I am on my feet more often because I started and internship and I have a job where I walk most of the time. So I think I might give acupuncture a try and see if adding that to the mix will help. Thanks for writing about this!

  78. I had foot pain during years without finding any solution while trying to find answers with several specialist. Some years ago I found the solution I was looking forward and that was simply start wearing espadrilles from a brand I discovered in one of my travels to Spain. The touch of everything, the sole, the cotton and no presence of glue, making posible the foot to breathe between the sole and the insole. All my problems were solved by wearing this kind of shoes, espadrilles. I always take three or four pairs from Montané brand when I go to Barcelona. Have a look at http://www.montaneshoes.es

    Hope you are all well on this post-covid Era. Respect your feet, they are important.

  79. I am 45 yrs old and have lived with chronic foot pain for 10 years due to a running injury. First diagnosed with Plantar Faciiatis, then tarsal tunnel syndrome. From 2012 to present Ive had three surgeries (plantar faciaatis release and tarsal tunnel surgery), stretches, meds, cortizone shots, prp, wearing splint at night, PT, Chiro, deep tissue massage. Nothing seeem’s to work.

    Heat and taping help the most though.

    I also have a bulging disc in S1 and L4-L5 for the last seven years preventing me to sit most of the time. So I end up standing, and irritate my foot. Its a catch 22!

    All of my afflictions are on my left side due to abnormal walking which throws my gait off.

    I am currently going to a chiro and getting heat laser treatment, accupuncture with micro currents and adjustments.

    Also, I have very high arches so have to wear custom orthotics every day.

    Some days are better than others but feel I will have to live with some type of pain for the rest of my life (sigh). I know they’re other people that have it worst than me so I try to stay positive!

    1. Hey Shannon, wow it’s crazy how much our stories mirror one another. I just found this blog and realize your post is really old. I’m curious if you ever found a solution to your pain?
      Thank you!
      Hannah

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  81. Sarah – I just stumbled across your blog. My husband is going on 2 years of undiagnosed chronic foot pain. He’s had every test done, every scan, all the shots, tarsal tunnel nerve entrapment surgery, etc and still no answers. Do you have an update? Has anything worked to relieve your pain?

  82. I’m so glad I stumbled across this while trying to figure out my foot pain. I really was beginning to feel like I was crazy and my Podiatrist just wanted me to get out of his office asap. He has done nothing but cost me $$$. I have been seeing him for 3 months now and the pain has only gotten worse. I’m scheduled for physical therapy this week but after reading a lot of stuff on Google the past few days I think the acupuncture sounds the most positive. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

  83. I just got a diagnosis for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, so I hope the treatments (orthotics, ice) will help. Thank you for all of the comments and insights here. Any advice on my condition is appreciated.

    1. I have had foot pain for about two years, I’ve had two surgeries. I’ve used Gabapentin for 3 months & it effected my memory terribly. I”m now on lyrica, it helps but I don”’t want to live on drugs. I stopped the lyrica for three day & it was unbearable so am taking it again. I had a surgurry on my right leg, nerve decompresssion at the knee, the mid calf & a torsel tunnel relief three monthe ago. the pain still persists but it’s copable, But as I said I don’t want to live on meds. I use a mat that sends pulses to my feet but it doesn’t have a long term effect. I pray you find a curesoon. My most recent doctor said he believed he could help me so I’m holding out for 4 months to see if it will subcide. Then go to the other leg.. He says we can COCOURE ALL THINGS THRU FAITH. Keep the faith,

    2. I have had foot pain for about two years, I’ve had two surgeries. I’ve used Gabapentin for 3 months & it effected my memory terribly. I’m now on lyrica, it helps but I don’t want to live on drugs. I stopped the lyrica for three day & it was unbearable so am taking it again. I had a surgery on my right leg, nerve decompresssion at the knee, the mid calf & a torsel tunnel relief three month ago. the pain still persists but it’s copPable, But as I said I don’t want to live on meds. I use a mat that sends pulses to my feet but it doesn’t have a long term effect. I pray you find a curesoon. My most recent doctor said he believed he could help me so I’m holding out for 4 months to see if it will subcide. Then go to the other leg.. He says we can COCOURE ALL THINGS THRU FAITH. Keep the faith,

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