Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Am A 75 Year Old Male, And My Problem
Question: I am a 75 year old male, and my problem is my feet have become excruciatingly painful to the extent I cannot walk without crutches, and even then, I can barely hobble.
In 2000, I developed drop foot in my left foot and subsequent pain in the upper part of the foot for about three months, when the pain subsided and I had no more problems. An MRI at the time disclosed bulging discs at L4 and L5, and some stenosis.
I had no problem since then but last September, I developed numbness in both feet and extreme pain in my lower back for several months. I saw a chiropractor but got no relief. I never saw a physician or had an MRI. The back pain became far less, but the numbness in my feet has continued, and from time to time, I had pain in the balls of my feet. I am overweight so I'm sure some of the problems with my back are caused by this.
I also had a total prostatectomy in 2005 and zero psa until may of 2018 when it was less than .02. IN January of 2019, it was less than0.1, All my blood work was normal at that time.
Several times, I developed what was thought to be tendonitis in my left foot which was very painful but usually resolved in a few weeks. Once I received a shot of steroids in the foot. Last week, my left foot began to hurt and became very painful to the extent I couldn't walk on it. I saw my primary care doctor who agreed he thought it was tendonitis. I had a painful right hip which caused me to limp, and I believed that triggered the tendonitis. Last Thursday, my right foot began to hurt also, to the extent I couldn't walk. The pain is excruciating in all the joints in my toes, the ankle joint and top of the feet, and both feet have become swollen. I also don't feet well and since last week had a fever of 99. 2 intermittently. I've been taking 600 MG of Ibuprophen every six hours which gives me some relief. My doctor also has prescribed doxycycline just in case this was caused by lyme disease, which I do it is. I am becoming very despondent, anxious and have an overwhelming sense of dread. I have an overwhelming fear of physicians and hospitals. Do you think this will resolve on its own, or do you believe this is a very serious situation. I am completely overwhelmed and very anxious to hear your response.
In 2000, I developed drop foot in my left foot and subsequent pain in the upper part of the foot for about three months, when the pain subsided and I had no more problems. An MRI at the time disclosed bulging discs at L4 and L5, and some stenosis.
I had no problem since then but last September, I developed numbness in both feet and extreme pain in my lower back for several months. I saw a chiropractor but got no relief. I never saw a physician or had an MRI. The back pain became far less, but the numbness in my feet has continued, and from time to time, I had pain in the balls of my feet. I am overweight so I'm sure some of the problems with my back are caused by this.
I also had a total prostatectomy in 2005 and zero psa until may of 2018 when it was less than .02. IN January of 2019, it was less than0.1, All my blood work was normal at that time.
Several times, I developed what was thought to be tendonitis in my left foot which was very painful but usually resolved in a few weeks. Once I received a shot of steroids in the foot. Last week, my left foot began to hurt and became very painful to the extent I couldn't walk on it. I saw my primary care doctor who agreed he thought it was tendonitis. I had a painful right hip which caused me to limp, and I believed that triggered the tendonitis. Last Thursday, my right foot began to hurt also, to the extent I couldn't walk. The pain is excruciating in all the joints in my toes, the ankle joint and top of the feet, and both feet have become swollen. I also don't feet well and since last week had a fever of 99. 2 intermittently. I've been taking 600 MG of Ibuprophen every six hours which gives me some relief. My doctor also has prescribed doxycycline just in case this was caused by lyme disease, which I do it is. I am becoming very despondent, anxious and have an overwhelming sense of dread. I have an overwhelming fear of physicians and hospitals. Do you think this will resolve on its own, or do you believe this is a very serious situation. I am completely overwhelmed and very anxious to hear your response.
I am a 75 year old male, and my problem is my feet have become excruciatingly painful to the extent I cannot walk without crutches, and even then, I can barely hobble.
In 2000, I developed drop foot in my left foot and subsequent pain in the upper part of the foot for about three months, when the pain subsided and I had no more problems. An MRI at the time disclosed bulging discs at L4 and L5, and some stenosis.
I had no problem since then but last September, I developed numbness in both feet and extreme pain in my lower back for several months. I saw a chiropractor but got no relief. I never saw a physician or had an MRI. The back pain became far less, but the numbness in my feet has continued, and from time to time, I had pain in the balls of my feet. I am overweight so I'm sure some of the problems with my back are caused by this.
I also had a total prostatectomy in 2005 and zero psa until may of 2018 when it was less than .02. IN January of 2019, it was less than0.1, All my blood work was normal at that time.
Several times, I developed what was thought to be tendonitis in my left foot which was very painful but usually resolved in a few weeks. Once I received a shot of steroids in the foot. Last week, my left foot began to hurt and became very painful to the extent I couldn't walk on it. I saw my primary care doctor who agreed he thought it was tendonitis. I had a painful right hip which caused me to limp, and I believed that triggered the tendonitis. Last Thursday, my right foot began to hurt also, to the extent I couldn't walk. The pain is excruciating in all the joints in my toes, the ankle joint and top of the feet, and both feet have become swollen. I also don't feet well and since last week had a fever of 99. 2 intermittently. I've been taking 600 MG of Ibuprophen every six hours which gives me some relief. My doctor also has prescribed doxycycline just in case this was caused by lyme disease, which I do it is. I am becoming very despondent, anxious and have an overwhelming sense of dread. I have an overwhelming fear of physicians and hospitals. Do you think this will resolve on its own, or do you believe this is a very serious situation. I am completely overwhelmed and very anxious to hear your response.
In 2000, I developed drop foot in my left foot and subsequent pain in the upper part of the foot for about three months, when the pain subsided and I had no more problems. An MRI at the time disclosed bulging discs at L4 and L5, and some stenosis.
I had no problem since then but last September, I developed numbness in both feet and extreme pain in my lower back for several months. I saw a chiropractor but got no relief. I never saw a physician or had an MRI. The back pain became far less, but the numbness in my feet has continued, and from time to time, I had pain in the balls of my feet. I am overweight so I'm sure some of the problems with my back are caused by this.
I also had a total prostatectomy in 2005 and zero psa until may of 2018 when it was less than .02. IN January of 2019, it was less than0.1, All my blood work was normal at that time.
Several times, I developed what was thought to be tendonitis in my left foot which was very painful but usually resolved in a few weeks. Once I received a shot of steroids in the foot. Last week, my left foot began to hurt and became very painful to the extent I couldn't walk on it. I saw my primary care doctor who agreed he thought it was tendonitis. I had a painful right hip which caused me to limp, and I believed that triggered the tendonitis. Last Thursday, my right foot began to hurt also, to the extent I couldn't walk. The pain is excruciating in all the joints in my toes, the ankle joint and top of the feet, and both feet have become swollen. I also don't feet well and since last week had a fever of 99. 2 intermittently. I've been taking 600 MG of Ibuprophen every six hours which gives me some relief. My doctor also has prescribed doxycycline just in case this was caused by lyme disease, which I do it is. I am becoming very despondent, anxious and have an overwhelming sense of dread. I have an overwhelming fear of physicians and hospitals. Do you think this will resolve on its own, or do you believe this is a very serious situation. I am completely overwhelmed and very anxious to hear your response.
Brief Answer:
Can be due to arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your details carefully. The pain in the joints of the foot and ankle is likely to be due to arthritis. Regular pain killer like ibuprofen and rest with a hot compress can help in decreasing the discomfort. The numbness in the feet is likely to be due to nerve root compression at the level of spine due to the disc bulge. You need to get an MRI scan of the back done to find the extent of nerve root compression.
This is not a very serious situation but needs a medical attention and prescription medicines in case the pain and swelling are persistent.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be due to arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your details carefully. The pain in the joints of the foot and ankle is likely to be due to arthritis. Regular pain killer like ibuprofen and rest with a hot compress can help in decreasing the discomfort. The numbness in the feet is likely to be due to nerve root compression at the level of spine due to the disc bulge. You need to get an MRI scan of the back done to find the extent of nerve root compression.
This is not a very serious situation but needs a medical attention and prescription medicines in case the pain and swelling are persistent.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Can be due to arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your details carefully. The pain in the joints of the foot and ankle is likely to be due to arthritis. Regular pain killer like ibuprofen and rest with a hot compress can help in decreasing the discomfort. The numbness in the feet is likely to be due to nerve root compression at the level of spine due to the disc bulge. You need to get an MRI scan of the back done to find the extent of nerve root compression.
This is not a very serious situation but needs a medical attention and prescription medicines in case the pain and swelling are persistent.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be due to arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have read your details carefully. The pain in the joints of the foot and ankle is likely to be due to arthritis. Regular pain killer like ibuprofen and rest with a hot compress can help in decreasing the discomfort. The numbness in the feet is likely to be due to nerve root compression at the level of spine due to the disc bulge. You need to get an MRI scan of the back done to find the extent of nerve root compression.
This is not a very serious situation but needs a medical attention and prescription medicines in case the pain and swelling are persistent.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Since reading your reply, I did see a podiatrist who took x-rays of both feet and told me he didn't see any osteoarthritis. He wasn't sure what could be causing the extreme pain and swelling but did mention the possibility of some type of gout condition causing the soft tissue inflammation and pain, however, this has been persisting for over two weeks and I am barely able to walk. I have had gout episodes which effect my big toe, but the pain and swelling resolved within a week. 600 MG of Ibuprophen brings substantial relief, but I'm not I'm reluctant to take more daily because of the potential side effects. My internist suggested I take a course of doxicycline for 21 days as a precaution in the event this has been caused by lyme disease, however, I don't believe I've been bitten by a tick in many years. No blood work has been performed to date. I am overweight and as explained, have had neuropathy in both feet for nearly one year. Any other thoughts on what could be going on? The pain, which is severe, is on all areas of the foot, as if tendons , joints or muscles have been injured. Thank you so much.
Since reading your reply, I did see a podiatrist who took x-rays of both feet and told me he didn't see any osteoarthritis. He wasn't sure what could be causing the extreme pain and swelling but did mention the possibility of some type of gout condition causing the soft tissue inflammation and pain, however, this has been persisting for over two weeks and I am barely able to walk. I have had gout episodes which effect my big toe, but the pain and swelling resolved within a week. 600 MG of Ibuprophen brings substantial relief, but I'm not I'm reluctant to take more daily because of the potential side effects. My internist suggested I take a course of doxicycline for 21 days as a precaution in the event this has been caused by lyme disease, however, I don't believe I've been bitten by a tick in many years. No blood work has been performed to date. I am overweight and as explained, have had neuropathy in both feet for nearly one year. Any other thoughts on what could be going on? The pain, which is severe, is on all areas of the foot, as if tendons , joints or muscles have been injured. Thank you so much.
Brief Answer:
Needs detailed evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The extreme swelling and pain needs detailed evaluation including the kidney function tests. Tissue inflammation due to gout also needs to be ruled out. You need to consult your physician for proper investigations. Keeping the feet elevated on pillows while resting will help in decreasing the swelling.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Needs detailed evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The extreme swelling and pain needs detailed evaluation including the kidney function tests. Tissue inflammation due to gout also needs to be ruled out. You need to consult your physician for proper investigations. Keeping the feet elevated on pillows while resting will help in decreasing the swelling.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Needs detailed evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The extreme swelling and pain needs detailed evaluation including the kidney function tests. Tissue inflammation due to gout also needs to be ruled out. You need to consult your physician for proper investigations. Keeping the feet elevated on pillows while resting will help in decreasing the swelling.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Needs detailed evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The extreme swelling and pain needs detailed evaluation including the kidney function tests. Tissue inflammation due to gout also needs to be ruled out. You need to consult your physician for proper investigations. Keeping the feet elevated on pillows while resting will help in decreasing the swelling.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
