Quote:
Originally Posted by R K T
Hi Doc.
I've had foot pain for a long time from working, standing and walking on concrete for over 30 years.
I feel like I'm walking barefoot on sharp gravel. Burning pain is constant, never stops, over the entire foot (both feet)
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Same here.
Working on tile floors in a kitchen for 35 years with all the heavy lifting, plus all types of extreme sports have been abusive to my back and feet. Sometimes my feet feel like they are on fire. My lower back always felt like someone was sticking me with a knife. Last year I went to the Doc and was diagnosed with Spondylolysis. I was told that I had fractured my lower vertabrae, probably when I was younger. A couple lower vertebrae have also shifted forward and surgery was recommended.
Long story short.
I skipped surgery, and after all the Cat Scans, MRI's and e-rays had been diagnosed I went to a Physical Therapist and put together a plan. He has pretty much changed the way I feel. I was told to cut out all compression sports like running, skiing, windsurfing etc. He put me on an exercise regime to strengthen my stomach and lower back mussels, I ride a bike now 7 or 8 miles, 2-3 times a week ( and building), and I am very careful about how I twist and turn and bend to pick things up.
Now that the pain in my back is subsiding I tend to notice the burning in my feet more. I soak my feet in ice water 2-3 times a week for a half hour while I watch TV in the evening. That has seemed to help. I also wear a cushioned insole in my shoes and have gotten rubber mats to stand on at work. I was on anti-inflammatory for a while but have since gone to Aleve every morning with breakfast. I also take very hot showers in the morning and run the pulse jets on the shower head while I stretch my back out, Slowly.
So, between being careful, not compressing my spine thru sports or heavy lifting, the exercises, the hot showers, cold foot baths and Aleve, I pretty much have gotten to where I can manage the pain without surgery or major medication. It sounds like a lot of work but it really isn’t, other than stretching in the shower each morning and the Aleve, I mix it up, I don’t go thru all the above routines every day. It’s doing it this way or surgery, and I really don’t want to go there.
The Physical Therapist was the way to go for me. I'll be 59 next year.
I hope it all works out for you.