Podiatrist or orthopedist?

Question:

It’s a wonder you’ve been managing on this ankle for as long as you have. Fortunately you live in an area that must have some really good and creative ankle surgeons. Keep us filled in on what’s happening with all of this. — Nann cut the Gator cheer to email me Not all who wander are lost — bumper sticker

Response:

> It’s a wonder you’ve been managing on this ankle for as long as you have. > Fortunately you live in an area that must have some really good and creative > ankle surgeons. Keep us filled in on what’s happening with all of this.

I saw the podiatrist today. Seems I have bilateral achilles enthesiopathy and tendonitis. Duh. I new that. But, rather than inject with cortisone, or do any other nastiness, which is fine by me, she prescribed PT. She said PT will make a world of difference. So, here we go to PT, AGAIN. As far as my ankle goes, she said that bone cysts are not that uncommon. That they are not malignant (which I wasn’t even worried about), and that it’s not as bad as my RD led me to believe. However, she did say that the cyst on my fibula is "huge" and referred me to an orthopod to evaluate it and my ankle instability. That appt isn’t until July 10th. I can wait till then. I’ve waited this long. But, man, that ankle xray looks very very weird. The orthopod I will be seeing is the one I saw way back when, who initially made my hip OA and torn acetabular labrum dx. He’s affiliated with the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, so I’m comfortable with that. — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

I was talking about scary for Di. hehehe I like the side tracks better myself. Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Well, in some ways it’s easier to organize someone else’s home than one’s > own. I moved into my house almost a year ago, and there’s still some stuff > that isn’t done. I get side tracked too easily. >Yeah — all those women trying to organize another woman’s home. Wow, >how scary is that!! LOL >Duckie >> I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work >> > to do to get it really comfortably livable. >> Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house >> together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout you’ve >> ever lived in. LOL >> (((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) >> Hang in there. Things really will level out for you eventually. I hope you >> get more rest tonight. >> — >> Nann >> cut the Gator cheer to email me >> Not all who wander are lost — bumper sticker >– >Removing the duck to email me privately won’t help a bit now. hehehe >(.)> >I fix what I can, and accept what I can’t. >http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Paku/paku.html >http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Garden2002/garden2.html > — > "it’s good to know that this country hasn’t lost touch with its > founding values and principles: freedom for all, a government of the > people, for the people and by the people and a personal relationship > with Loki." — sam h shares his vision of the American Dream

– Removing the duck to email me privately won’t help a bit now. hehehe (.)> I fix what I can, and accept what I can’t. http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Paku/paku.html http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Garden2002/garden2.html

Response:

Yeah — all those women trying to organize another woman’s home. Wow, how scary is that!! LOL Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work > to do to get it really comfortably livable. > Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house > together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout you’ve > ever lived in. LOL > (((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) > Hang in there. Things really will level out for you eventually. I hope you > get more rest tonight. > — > Nann > cut the Gator cheer to email me > Not all who wander are lost — bumper sticker

Response:

Well, in some ways it’s easier to organize someone else’s home than one’s own. I moved into my house almost a year ago, and there’s still some stuff that isn’t done. I get side tracked too easily. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yeah — all those women trying to organize another woman’s home. Wow, >how scary is that!! LOL >Duckie > I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work > > to do to get it really comfortably livable. > Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house > together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout you’ve > ever lived in. LOL > (((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) > Hang in there. Things really will level out for you eventually. I hope you > get more rest tonight. > — > Nann > cut the Gator cheer to email me > Not all who wander are lost — bumper sticker >– >Removing the duck to email me privately won’t help a bit now. hehehe >(.)> >I fix what I can, and accept what I can’t. >http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Paku/paku.html >http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Garden2002/garden2.html

– "it’s good to know that this country hasn’t lost touch with its founding values and principles: freedom for all, a government of the people, for the people and by the people and a personal relationship with Loki." — sam h shares his vision of the American Dream

Response:

> I would think a podiatrist for the heels and an orthopod for the ankle. My > dad had some tendonitis in his ankle from the RA. It wasn’t exactly like the > pain you describe, but everything differs from person to person. A > podiatrist gave him cortisone shots in a couple of key places and it cleared > right up for him. > Orthopod for the ankle though.

I made an appointment to see the pod tomorrow morning. I knew she’d take me really quickly, and I really really want to get this heel thing resolved. I’m also hoping she will refer me to a good ankle/foot orthopod. I am bringing along my xrays, of course. I picked them up from my RD after work this evening. Boy, that ankle is really scary looking. It’s like a rounded chunk is missing from the base of my fibula, and it looks like it’s torqued around a bit. And my tibia looks thickened, with an enlarged circumference. And, I thought it was just all soft tissue swelling. No wonder my ankle hurt so much all this time. I likened it to a severe migraine-type headache in my leg. And, I just tried to ignore it, thinking well hell, ya break something and it hurts for the rest of your life. I guess the good thing is that I’m getting this taken care of before something catastrophic, like a tearing sprain or worse, occurs. I also told my boss that if I have to go out on leave again because of a protracted recovery from ankle reconstruction, then I’m just going to take a disability retirement. It’s just not fair to the park, and all the workload that needs doing, to be out of work so much. He appreciated that. Maybe I’m just jumping the gun a bit here. Oh God…… I’m obsessssssssssssing againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

> I have to be back in Westport by 9:30 AM on Sunday morning…. > but Friday and/or Saturday is no prob…of course, the idea MAY be > giving Di fits of panic when she reads it….<grinning> > RevSue

Moi? Panic? Moi? Holy shit, yeah!!! <bg> But, after the initial panic, you all know I’d welcome any and all of you. Completely and wholeheartedly. Ya know that. — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

Oh, I LOOOOVE the Ferry that lands in Orient Point….I always forget where it leaves from without looking it up! I think we should go help! <grinning> RevSue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work >>to do to get it really comfortably livable. >Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house >together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout you’ve >ever lived in. LOL > Sounds good to me! Do you want to take the ferry from New London or > Bridgeport? >(((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) > Ditto.

Response:

I have to be back in Westport by 9:30 AM on Sunday morning…. but Friday and/or Saturday is no prob…of course, the idea MAY be giving Di fits of panic when she reads it….<grinning> RevSue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > This is starting to sound like a plan. Leave one car in New London, > take one. Go help Di. You probably couldnt do it on a weekend, though! >Oh, I LOOOOVE the Ferry that lands in Orient Point….I always forget >where it leaves from without looking it up! I think we should go help! ><grinning> >RevSue >>> I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work >>>>to do to get it really comfortably livable. >>>Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house >>>together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout >>>you’ve >>>ever lived in. LOL >>Sounds good to me! Do you want to take the ferry from New London or >>Bridgeport? >>>(((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) >>Ditto.

Response:

I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work > to do to get it really comfortably livable.

Ok, should we get the northeast gimps together and come put your house together for you? Of course it might become the most "unique" layout you’ve ever lived in. LOL (((((((((((((((Di)))))))))))) Hang in there. Things really will level out for you eventually. I hope you get more rest tonight. — Nann cut the Gator cheer to email me Not all who wander are lost — bumper sticker

Response:

I love my Podiatrist and Ortho Doc. I like my Podiatrist more for injections. He’s so gentle and tries to make them as painless as possible. He’s injected my heels, ankles and metatarsals several times and allowed me some good and painless days for a good long time before I needed foot surgery. When my feet needed surgery, I went to my Ortho, who specializes in foot and ankle surgery. That’s all he does and he’s one of the best. In any event, they are both great docs. And, I’m not really sure why I went to the Ortho instead of the Podiatrist for my surgeries. But, I felt more comfortable that way. My Pod was generally more conservative than my surgeon. Though, my surgeon still tried to treat conservatively for another 6 months befoore we decided surgery was necessary. Not sure this helps LOL. But, I hope you get those heels fixed up soon and get some answers about your ankle too! Be well, Patty *~A friend is someone who reaches out for your hand, and touches your heart.~*

Response:

> But then, he said I should see a podiatrist. Now, what should I do? I > have a feeling that my pod would only be sending me to an orthopod > anyway. But, she could help me with my heel pain, I suppose. > Aaaaaccckkkk!!!!

I would think a podiatrist for the heels and an orthopod for the ankle. My dad had some tendonitis in his ankle from the RA. It wasn’t exactly like the pain you describe, but everything differs from person to person. A podiatrist gave him cortisone shots in a couple of key places and it cleared right up for him. Orthopod for the ankle though. — Nann cut the Gator cheer to email me I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. – Dr Seuss

Response:

says… > this stuff, how has work been going for you? > Duckie

Caroline, I’d like to say that things are going really well. Actually, they really are. I love my new cottage. But, I just have so much work to do to get it really comfortably livable. On top of that, my landlady called this evening. My first rent check bounced. Grooaaaannnn. I dunno what happened. I’ll call the bank tomorrow to straighten it out. My landlady was not concerned, thank God, but I felt completely embarrassed. Oh you know…… just another stresser in my life. It’s great to be back to work. But, because of the enormous work load, and my specific and specialized field, no one else does my job (except for one part, where they hired someone on special contract to maintain in my absence). So, for the most part it all piled up awaiting my return. It’s good to be needed. <g> Thanks for asking. :-) — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sorry to hear about your ankle Di. It certainly sounds like something > that needs investigating further. When I was debating the ortho vs > podiatrist question, I found out the following. > First, in most states there is little or no difference between the two > in terms of what they can or can’t do surgically on ankles and feet. > Second, most orthopods receive little or no training in feet and ankles. > It is not a regular part of their rotation. Only those orthopods who > specifically want to do feet and ankles get training in them. Those who > do are usually members of the College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. > I’ve had surgeries from both. My experience has been that podiatrists > are more holistic in their approach, while orthopods who do feet and > ankles are more surgically oriented. I would not go to an orthopod who > has not received training specific to feet and ankles, and who does not > have a significant foot and ankle practice. > In either case, you shouldn’t go to anyone who does not do the surgery > you need regularly. My guess is that your condition is unique enough > that you might need to see someone affiliated with a medical school. > Those are usually the docs who see the difficult cases. > Hope that helps! > Walt

Walt, this helps HUGELY!! Thank you. Tomorrow, I’m going to call my podiatrist. She seems to be really good. I think I’ll consult with her, and if she thinks I need an orthopod, then I’m sure she can recommend someone specific to feet and ankles. My other option is the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. I dunno. This whole thing really threw me for a loop. And, it’s scaring me so much. It’s now 3:30ish a.m., and I’ve been awake for hours. I can’t sleep. My heels hurt. My ribs hurt. My ankle/leg hurts. And, I’m supposed to be at a coastal science meeting tomorrow all day on the beach. The beach part is great, of course. But otherwise, I’m feeling kind of wrecked. I need hugs. :-( — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

this stuff, how has work been going for you? Duckie > Well, I saw my RD this afternoon. I told him that I am feeling so much > better since starting the Kineret. Most notably, I have almost no hip > pain and I have lots of energy. But, my biggest complaint continues to > be my heels. I asked him if the pain would eventually go away, or what? > So, he took some xrays.

— Removing the duck to email me privately won’t help a bit now. hehehe (.)> I fix what I can, and accept what I can’t. http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Paku/paku.html http://home.attbi.com/~maroldc/Garden2002/garden2.html

Response:

Sorry to hear about your ankle Di. It certainly sounds like something that needs investigating further. When I was debating the ortho vs podiatrist question, I found out the following. First, in most states there is little or no difference between the two in terms of what they can or can’t do surgically on ankles and feet. Second, most orthopods receive little or no training in feet and ankles. It is not a regular part of their rotation. Only those orthopods who specifically want to do feet and ankles get training in them. Those who do are usually members of the College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. I’ve had surgeries from both. My experience has been that podiatrists are more holistic in their approach, while orthopods who do feet and ankles are more surgically oriented. I would not go to an orthopod who has not received training specific to feet and ankles, and who does not have a significant foot and ankle practice. In either case, you shouldn’t go to anyone who does not do the surgery you need regularly. My guess is that your condition is unique enough that you might need to see someone affiliated with a medical school. Those are usually the docs who see the difficult cases. Hope that helps! Walt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > But then, he said I should see a podiatrist. Now, what should I do? I > have a feeling that my pod would only be sending me to an orthopod > anyway. But, she could help me with my heel pain, I suppose. > Aaaaaccckkkk!!!!

Response:

Hi Di, Wow, my sympathies. If you can afford it, go to both. The podiatrist can make orthotics and other aids that will help you walk better. But with 1/2 the ankle bone gone, you may want to consult an ortho doc and see if he can do something as well. Good luck, Jean Mc

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I saw my RD this afternoon. I told him that I am feeling so much > better since starting the Kineret. Most notably, I have almost no hip > pain and I have lots of energy. But, my biggest complaint continues to > be my heels. I asked him if the pain would eventually go away, or what? > So, he took some xrays. > The first thing out of his mouth while evaluating my xrays was "Well, > I’ve seen worse." Damn, that guy is a trip. He finishes looking at my > xrays and says that my heels look good, and the pain is likely achilles > tendonitis or enthesitis. Footwear and maybe a trip to a podiatrist may > help. But, my heels are the least of my problem. > Aaaaaaaacccckkkkkkkkk!!!! > He asked me about my broken ankle that I had when I was 16. Yup, he > could see the damage. But, what he also saw and showed me is that it > looks like half my ankle is missing. MISSING!!!! How do you lose an > ankle? He said that I have serious cystic changes to my ankle, > apparently replacing what should be bone on the xray, and I should see > an orthopod ASAP. > But then, he said I should see a podiatrist. Now, what should I do? I > have a feeling that my pod would only be sending me to an orthopod > anyway. But, she could help me with my heel pain, I suppose. > Aaaaaccckkkk!!!! > So now I’m thinking that I may be looking at some kind of ankle surgery > in the near future. Maybe some kind of reconstruction, or God forbid, a > replacement. I knew my ankle is bad. It has been getting progressively > more and more unstable. My RD said he can clearly see that on the xray. > This is endless. Anyone have any thoughts about pods or orthopods? I > never mentioned my knee after mentioning my ankle to him. Cripes, I can > only deal with one thing at a time, I think. This is very depressing, > particularly because I just got back to work after four months. Also, > does anyone have any good websites bookmarked that they can send me > about cystic changes to bone and joints? This is really scaring me. > I’m sorry I haven’t been posting very much lately. I’ve been so crazy > busy with this move. And, my son is visiting for a few weeks, and he’s > monopolizing my computer. I do try to read a little bit, but I’ve > missed so many posts. I just don’t have the time. > — > Di > "May all your weeds be wildflowers." > Anonymous > dabell at optonline dot net > www.pbase.com/di > www.loveyourmother.homestead.com > http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

Based on my own experience I would strongly suggest seeing a really good podiatrist for your heel pain. My Rheumatologist referred me to one who immediately diagnosed and successfully treated my foot problems. I had never been to one before. — DeLores Wilson Hillsboro, OR

Response:

Well, I saw my RD this afternoon. I told him that I am feeling so much better since starting the Kineret. Most notably, I have almost no hip pain and I have lots of energy. But, my biggest complaint continues to be my heels. I asked him if the pain would eventually go away, or what? So, he took some xrays. The first thing out of his mouth while evaluating my xrays was "Well, I’ve seen worse." Damn, that guy is a trip. He finishes looking at my xrays and says that my heels look good, and the pain is likely achilles tendonitis or enthesitis. Footwear and maybe a trip to a podiatrist may help. But, my heels are the least of my problem. Aaaaaaaacccckkkkkkkkk!!!! He asked me about my broken ankle that I had when I was 16. Yup, he could see the damage. But, what he also saw and showed me is that it looks like half my ankle is missing. MISSING!!!! How do you lose an ankle? He said that I have serious cystic changes to my ankle, apparently replacing what should be bone on the xray, and I should see an orthopod ASAP. But then, he said I should see a podiatrist. Now, what should I do? I have a feeling that my pod would only be sending me to an orthopod anyway. But, she could help me with my heel pain, I suppose. Aaaaaccckkkk!!!! So now I’m thinking that I may be looking at some kind of ankle surgery in the near future. Maybe some kind of reconstruction, or God forbid, a replacement. I knew my ankle is bad. It has been getting progressively more and more unstable. My RD said he can clearly see that on the xray. This is endless. Anyone have any thoughts about pods or orthopods? I never mentioned my knee after mentioning my ankle to him. Cripes, I can only deal with one thing at a time, I think. This is very depressing, particularly because I just got back to work after four months. Also, does anyone have any good websites bookmarked that they can send me about cystic changes to bone and joints? This is really scaring me. I’m sorry I haven’t been posting very much lately. I’ve been so crazy busy with this move. And, my son is visiting for a few weeks, and he’s monopolizing my computer. I do try to read a little bit, but I’ve missed so many posts. I just don’t have the time. — Di "May all your weeds be wildflowers." Anonymous dabell at optonline dot net www.pbase.com/di www.loveyourmother.homestead.com http://bensonpolymeric.com/folding/start.html

Response:

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