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Suggest Treatment For Pain At The Ball Of The Foot
Question: I have developed a lot of pain in the ball of my feet, right beneath my toes. It is very oainful so I avoid walking very much . Can you help me with a guess at what is wrong and what I should do? I am 80 years old and diabetic.
Brief Answer:
It can be due to plantar fasciitis or diabetic neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in the best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if you are suffering from a condition which is commonly present in diabetics and is usually the result of long-standing microvascular complications of diabetes and is called diabetic neuropathy.
It's better to have a good tight control of diabetes with a close liaison with your primary doctor and sugars levels charting. Repeated follow-ups may be needed. Good control can potentially reverse the condition. Using medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin are helpful at this stage with the symptoms. Duloxetine can also be used after discussing with your doctor.
The other possibility can be of another condition called planter fasciitis and is usually treatable with life style modifications like bed rest, decreasing physical activities and using soft heel or foot pads underneath. Taking OTC analgesics like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for few days may be needed but after discussing in detail with your primary doctor to rule out potential side effects with such longer usage and with antacids coverage.
Physiotherapy is also very helpful but initial review with the Orthopedician and follow up for improvement of symptoms should be done and if needed other options like extracorporeal shock wave therapies or surgical options may be discussed if medical therapies fail to respond.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope this has answered your query if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Regards.
It can be due to plantar fasciitis or diabetic neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in the best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if you are suffering from a condition which is commonly present in diabetics and is usually the result of long-standing microvascular complications of diabetes and is called diabetic neuropathy.
It's better to have a good tight control of diabetes with a close liaison with your primary doctor and sugars levels charting. Repeated follow-ups may be needed. Good control can potentially reverse the condition. Using medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin are helpful at this stage with the symptoms. Duloxetine can also be used after discussing with your doctor.
The other possibility can be of another condition called planter fasciitis and is usually treatable with life style modifications like bed rest, decreasing physical activities and using soft heel or foot pads underneath. Taking OTC analgesics like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for few days may be needed but after discussing in detail with your primary doctor to rule out potential side effects with such longer usage and with antacids coverage.
Physiotherapy is also very helpful but initial review with the Orthopedician and follow up for improvement of symptoms should be done and if needed other options like extracorporeal shock wave therapies or surgical options may be discussed if medical therapies fail to respond.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope this has answered your query if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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