Broke something in foot, dismissed by surgeon

A couple of evenings ago I heard, felt a big SNAP in the outside of my foot accompanied by sudden severe pain and swelling. I'd had surgery there for "flatfoot," a year since last September - since the Evans ostoeotomy surgery. nearly 17 months ago.

Nothing showed on x-ray. Plate and screws were fine. Podiatrist said some small bit of the end of the tendon gave way - all I did was stand up momentarily without my shoes and otrhotics.

No treatment, no more visits scheduled. Last steroid injection didn't do anything. Go away.

So many other conditions, but this one is not related, so I am looking for an idea for second opinion. What sort of surgeon, pain doc treatment?

I don't really expect/want more surgery. This one was a big mistake (Evans osteotomy - look it up). It hurts worse than a few months after the original ankle breaks and reapirs. Torn Tendons were ignored originally. I complained then!

Podiatrist surgeon says the muscle belly is swollen (obviously!) and he thinks there has been a small break (snap) in one of the little tendons that go to the small toes. But this new snapping and swelling, pain is happening every month or so, if I stand on bare feet for a moment without my orthotics and shoes. 3 X-rays showed no plate or screw breaks. No treatment, no relief. I can't move my foot sideways, either side direction. Up and down is sort of OK.

I'm debating with myself about second opinion - another orthopod or podiatrist or ??? There's an expert orthopod who speializes in ankles, but he works in a hospital where I can't get pain relief - they don't allow Dilaudid and I don't react to Morphine or Fentanyl - Norwegian heritage - common cytochrome mutation (look that one up!).

My pain doc could give me more meds, I suppose. not a cure. Pain is not from spine! It's real - see the swelling!!

My mom had almost the same problem!!! Her doctor was just a podiatrist. He did surgery on her foot. Well, it did not heal, or he screwed up, because she was left unable to walk or do anything! He said oh ya, looks like the plate I put in your toe broke. I will have to do surgery again. Due to unknown anemia, she was not able to do the surgery. She gave up after that, and just used an electric scooter to get around, not able to walk or put pressure on her foot. Her pain doctor gave her medication for the pain. Unfortunately, she was like this for two years before she passed away. Not to scare you, it had nothing to do with her feet.

I have had my share of foot problems. Went through 3 podiatrists before going to an orthopedic surgeon. Had surgery on both of my feet. The surgery did not work, I was left with chronic pain. He gave up on me, so I saw a pain management doctor. With medication, I am able to walk again. So I completely understand the frustration you are going through!

My suggestion would be to get a second opinion, but go to an orthopedic surgeon who knows what they are doing. Make sure you ask him questions. Drill him until you feel comfortable with him. My situation was different, I don't believe there really was a cure and my doctor tried his best. But out of all the doctors I went to, the orthopedic surgeon was the one who I felt most comfortable with (besides the pain management doctor). If you can, get x-rays, and maybe an mri (I know its expensive but it should tell you what is going on with the tendons, and if you do need surgery again THIS will give them an exact answer as to what is going on). Mention this to your doctor, do not be scared to ask for testing. Once you figure out a plan, and say maybe you do need surgery, DO PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER! It was my one lifesaver, and the one thing my mom never did.

I really hope you do not need surgery and that this can be figured out. While you are waiting on the doctors, please be sure and rest your foot, it sounds like it could possibly get worse if you do not take care of it now. Resting can be hard, I know, especially when you have to keep house and go to work. But do your best! A boot might help, you can still walk with it on.

Ask your pain management doctor for more meds. I know he might look at you like you are crazy. Maybe do some research for him and show him this is what you are dealing with and its real! Mine was really nice and understanding, and yes he did go through the phase of "is this coming from the spine" but I told him most likely it is not. My back hurts, yes, but we found its from arthritis. Yay, another thing to deal with! Ok sorry enough about me.
You can get through this, be more stubborn than the doctors! Keep us updated! And most importantly, know you are not alone.

Alcie, the only thing I know you can do for the swelling is ice & elevating the foot. I am afraid if you put heat on it, it will just make the inflammation worse. I do not believe your PM dr will script the 3 Oxycontin a day. According to the prescribing on ER's the max is 2 a day. Depending on how much per day that you take for BT pain, he may rx one extra short acting on a temporary basis. I just would not count on it happening.

I hope things change for you.