Suggest Remedies For Pain In The Left Foot

Posted on Mon, 9 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Answered on

Sat, 4 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes< I have an achy pain in the sole of my left foot when I was that began yesterday. It has improved a bit today and I did go to my exercise class (no impact) but I am aware of the ache yet. Will stretching help? Any advice. I have never had this before.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible stress fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern. From what you describe it sounds like a stress fracture, which is a small crack in the bone. This is usually caused by overuse due to strenuous physical activity, daily running or even spontaneously due to brittle bones, thinned bones or lack of vitamin D. It is often possible to be able to walk with such a fracture, while having mild to moderate pain.
I recommend you do an x ray of the foot and rest for a while. I also recommend taking vitamin D supplements under the doctor’s instructions.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Wishing you good health and all the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (1 hour later)

OK I guess I need an x ray, do I see my orthopedic dr or my primary? Or do I see a podiatrist? I have been taking vitamin D regularly since 2009 (3000 mis per dr recommendation) as well as Calcium. My physical activity has not been strenuous but I am active. By rest for a while, do you mean not engage in normal activity? Do I need a physical therapist also? (I have knee replacements and was told I have strong bones.)
I regularly exercise but not strenuously and I have taken calcium and via D for decades. I understand x rays do not show a stress fracture until it starts to heal.
This pain began when I was not doing much at all. I suddenly noticed it late yesterday around the house. Today I went to my exercise class and that seemed to help. It is now uncomfortable tonight. It feels as if physical therapy might be helpful?

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Inflammation of tendons

Detailed Answer:
From the additional information you provided it does not sound like a stress fracture, as, in this case, the pain would intensify during use, rather that at the end of the day or rest. I am more inclined to think it may be a tendon inflammation due to a bone spur. Rubbing of the muscle tendons on the bone spurs for an extended amount of time causes irritation and subsequently inflammation and pain, which is felt more at rest.
I still think you should get an x ray and see an orthopedic surgeon.

I hope this helps. Wishing you good health and all the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vishesh Rohatgi

Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (7 hours later)

Thank you. It feels better today (Tuesday) after feeling painful last evening when I walked on it and sometimes ached while resting. Wondering if it could be a muscle or tendon. I will check with my orthopedic dr soon. Thank you. Would a podiatrist be in order as well?

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, a podiatrist can help also

Detailed Answer:
It could be a temporary muscle or tendon inflammation. The only way of knowing for sure is with a physical examination, which a podiatrist can do too.

I hope you feel better soon.
Wishing you all the best.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee