CyberPT Physical Therapy Forum : Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions

CyberPT Physical Therapy Forum : Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:05:42 +0000 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:56:06 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 11.03 30 www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=30 <![CDATA[CyberPT Physical Therapy Forum]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_images/pt_logo.gif http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/ <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Turf Toe / Ball of Foot pains]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1915&PID=2618&title=turf-toe-ball-of-foot-pains#2618 Author: RacingTurtles
Subject: Turf Toe / Ball of Foot pains
Posted: Jun 20 2020 at 10:56am

Hi there,
First off, I'd like to thank you for opening this post. I appreciate you for taking the time to read this wall of text that I know I'm going to write. I'm here because of an issue that I thought was taken care of has risen up again. I have seen a professional about it as well as several friends (one is a physical therapy assistant, another is working in sports medicine on several college football and baseball teams)
Their answer was the RICE method and to squeeze a little rubber ball with my toes.

Intro
My name is Apu. Professionally, I'm an engineer. I love cars, animals, and doing stuff introverts do. Naturally, I have too many cars I work on and too many pets. Currently I am home shopping for something big enough for everything.

Reason why I'm here
In October of 2019 I experienced several short bouts of Turf Toe / an inflammation of my ball of foot.
An example would be: Work Monday night for a few hours, Tuesday my ball of foot would hurt (either left or right, it alternated), Wednesday I was perfectly fine. It was just pain, I don't recall ever seeing the foot inflammed or red, just pain.

In November of 2019, the first week specifically, I had significant pains in my right foot in the ball of the foot right behind my big toe. That week was a weeklong vacation in Disney world for a friends wedding so a lot of walking and standing. That whole week I was with my friends who were a mix of medical professionals and their diagnosis was turf toe so I was kept hopped up on Advil the whole time.

I had one more flare up in mid November, maybe one or two in December.
I saw a local foot and Ankle specialist ( I can provide name if needed) in December / Early January. She was not concerned with it and suggested the RICE method. She was focused on a toenail fungus that I have one on of my nails (haven't taken care of it really, just started a month ago on some OTC liquid application)

Everything has been smooth sailing up until now. I woke up at 1 am this morning June 20, 2020 and felt nothing. This morning when I woke up, I feel it again. This excruciating pain in my left foot again right behind the big toe, this after not doing any kind of activity that could cause it. On June 12, I ran a 5k and felt nothing besides the usual feet being tired after any exercise.

Can you provide me any suggestions on what I can do to make sure this doesn't happen again?
I'm thinking that this may be arthiritis at this point and am considering seeing my primary once we are allowed to.

Suggestions that have been made to me / things I am doing
I purchased some Toe spacers from Amazon, but I haven't really used them.
I purchased toe spacers from Correct Toes, used them briefly but stopped.
I purchased compression socks, used them briefly but stopped.
I purchased shoes that were wide and oversized for my feet.

The sports medicine guy suggested standing in ice water for as long as you can, but his PTA wife said that it's best to not be on my feet.
When I had the flare ups, I would do the RICE method which consisted of bags of ice inside of a home depot 5 gallon bucket. This was placed on my couch while I laid on the floor, 30 minutes on 30 minutes of repeating as I could take it. I didn't wear socks and probably should have.

The last RICE method I figured out was to use this bucket filled with ice water and place it on the stairs. It was slightly angled so that the water would not leak out and elevated up about 2 stairs. I could lay at the base of the stairs with my feet elevated and in ice water. This was the last thing I did.

Full background / wall of text that is entirely optional to read

Most of my life, I have been an active person. My father owns a beer store and I have been there since about 8 years old. I've worked there in highschool and during college. I could wear the crappiest shoes(too tight or clown shoes), work for obscenely long hours, and it didn't matter. My feet would be tired but the next day I'm ready to do it again. In highschool I was in shape at 150-155 lbs, six pac and all. College was 160-170lbs, out of shape, but never any foot problems.

In 2018, I got a full time engineering job which was mostly standing and in steel toe work boots. No issues besides being out of shape at 170+ lbs.

In July of 2019, I got a comfy desk job and gained a few pounds. I'm probably hanging around 180lbs.
October 2019, I started working evenings helping out at the beer store, back in my crappy shoes. Now my ball of foot starts to hurt for the following day after working.

End of October, I buy some Under Armor shoes with my girlfriend. She always complained that I buy shoes that are too big. So we measure my foot and she picks out a size that would SEEM appropriate but I complained that they were a bit tight width wise but "that's how they are supposed to feel". They were fabric so whatever.

The first week of November is that Disney friends wedding trip. Immediately we get down there and it flares up in my right foot. It's really bad and I'm poppin Advils like Tic Tacs. The wedding was on Wednesday and I think I took in about 16-20 Advils (200 mg Ibuprofen) that day which did absolutely nothing for me. I stopped taking Advils after Wednesday because it really didn't reduce my pain and I don't recall ever having any signs of inflammation. I just limped around. Eventually my hip started hurting because of how I was using that to rotate my leg.

The week ended and I made it home. It hurts for almost a week after. It flared up a few times in December, I saw a foot specialist and then it did not happen in 2020 until this morning.

End of wall of text

Edited by RacingTurtles - Jun 20 2020 at 12:32pm]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:56:06 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1915&PID=2618&title=turf-toe-ball-of-foot-pains#2618 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Peroneus Brevis Tendon Injury]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1523&PID=2103&title=peroneus-brevis-tendon-injury#2103 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Peroneus Brevis Tendon Injury
Posted: Jul 10 2015 at 5:06pm

Our user asked: "Not sure what happened - think I was getting out of my car in a hurry and seemed to hurt my Peroneus Brevis Tendon. i have soreness on the middle of outside of the right foot. is there anything I can do for this, been about 10 days and still slightly sore."

Ask a PT Response: "It could be a number of things besides the peroneus brevis tendon injury. If you are still having issues, it may be a good idea to see a PT who can determine if this truly is an injury to the peroneus brevis tendon. Treatment from PT could include manual therapy, ROM, stretching, postural training, biomechanics correction, iontophoresis, ultrasound/phonophoresis, etc. "

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:06:49 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1523&PID=2103&title=peroneus-brevis-tendon-injury#2103 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : minor shin splint]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1518&PID=2098&title=minor-shin-splint#2098 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: minor shin splint
Posted: Sep 10 2014 at 2:57pm

Our user asked: "I think I have a minor shin splint on my left leg. I have stopped running since it happened almost 3 weeks ago. I don't have any pain walking or standing. Only rarely do I experience some pain. I have not been doing any stretches. I did one 4 miles walk run Saturday. There was very minimal pain (3 on a scale of 1-10) at first but then it was fine. Only a little pain later that day, none the next. I am not sure if it is okay to try short walk run intervals? What stretches if any should I do? Should I ice if I have pain? The pain started after a run where I ran more than my usual walk run intervals."

Ask a PT Response: "Incorporation of a new variable usually can contribute to the onset of shin splints - your case of running more than you walk. Usually rest and avoiding activities which aggravate the condition are recommended. Hee is a genral article on this condition and the treatment options available to a PT: http://www.cyberpt.com/medialtibialstresssyndrome.asp . For my patient who have this condition, I would usually have them start off at a reduced distance and build their way back up for the distance/time of their walk/run once they are doing better. If you persist to experience symptoms, it may be a good idea to see a PT for an evaluation so the he/she could determine what could be contribuating factors. Best of luck to you. "

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:57:16 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1518&PID=2098&title=minor-shin-splint#2098 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Post-tear lump on Achilles]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1487&PID=2067&title=posttear-lump-on-achilles#2067 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Post-tear lump on Achilles
Posted: Jul 31 2013 at 10:56am

Our user asked: "Hi, Last December 2012, I partially tore my Achilles with most of the injury occurring on the right leg, where the medial gastronomicus ends at the plantaris tendon. Since I could still walk, I taped it for 2 months until the pain with walking went away. I was also rolling a can of soup over the injured area to break up scar tissue. But, now it's July, and I notice the lump when I point my toes outward. When I press on it while the leg is relaxed, the lump is firm. Could I still benefit from a roller massage and will the scar tissue reduce with continued use of the roller? I did neglect doing this massage for the last 3 months and wonder if the damage is done. Thanks."

Ask a PT Response: "With my patients that have this conditions similiar to yours, we have found scar tissue mobilization to continue to be effective. I think manual scar tissue mobilization will be alot more effective than the roller as you can get deeper and focus on the area. I hope this helps."

]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:56:20 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1487&PID=2067&title=posttear-lump-on-achilles#2067 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : broken tibia and fibula]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1485&PID=2065&title=broken-tibia-and-fibula#2065 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: broken tibia and fibula
Posted: Jul 17 2013 at 10:15pm

Our user asked: "I have a spiral fracture of the left lower tibia which has been plated and screwed and a break in the fibula near the top which has not had surgery. There is a glassfibre cast from about 2" below the knee to the toes. I cannot weight bear for 6 weeks followed by gentle rehab. I am concerned that I will lose muscle tone in that time so I am wondering if there are any exercises that I can do to maintain strength and flexibility without damaging or stressing the broken areas or compromising recovery. I am a fit 63 year old male just finished a 2 week walking vacation in Italy where we were easily doing 10 miles with 2500 feet elevation. This injury was done on a much simpler path! Thank you."

Ask a PT Response: "Unfortunately there isn't too much you can do while in the cast. You might be able to perform some isometric contractions where you consciouslsy activate your muscles to minimize atrophy and loss of tone. You definitely won't be able to work on flexibility while in the cast. Given that you were healthy and active prior to your injury, I'd anticipate your recovery should be quicker compared to a sedentary individual. Best of luck with your recovery."
]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2013 22:15:18 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1485&PID=2065&title=broken-tibia-and-fibula#2065 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : heel pain after cast]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1484&PID=2064&title=heel-pain-after-cast#2064 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: heel pain after cast
Posted: Jul 17 2013 at 10:11pm

Our user asked: "I have been in cast for 6 weeeks from a broken fibula and just had removed yesterday. When I walk I have A LOT of pain in my heel and feels like there is a pebble underneath, I mentioned to DR. yesterday but he did not seem concerned or have an answer. IS this common or normal and if so will it get better with physical therapy"

Ask a PT Response: "It is common to experience pain with your type of injury after having the cast removed. The fibula along with the tibia and talus form the ankle joint which is stressed with weight bearing. I would anticipate PT should be effective with helping you alleviate the pain as you continue to recover. Gait training, range of motion, stretching, joint mobilization, strengthening are among many other procedures your PT will work on with you to help you achieve your prior level of function. Best of luck to you."
]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2013 22:11:25 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1484&PID=2064&title=heel-pain-after-cast#2064 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Tibia/fibula fracture]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1482&PID=2061&title=tibia-fibula-fracture#2061 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Tibia/fibula fracture
Posted: Jun 28 2013 at 1:22pm

Our user asked: "First off...thank you for this great resource! I was involved in a motorcycle accident three weeks ago in which my left tibia and fibula were each broken in two places. An external fixation was used for two days until the final repair was made on the third day after the accident. I was sent home in a hinged brace with instructions for toe touch weight bearing only. I had my followup last week with the surgeon and was told that all is healing well and that I am now cleared to put 30 to 40 lbs of weight on the leg and begin "working it out". I have about 90 degrees of flex in my knee already but my ankle is quite stiff. While standing with crutches, I cannot place my heel on the floor due to stiffness. The doctor recommended using an exercise bike with no resistance to regain some motion, so I have ordered a floor pedal exerciser to do that. Can you recommend any specific or general exercises for me to use in order to regain flexibility in my ankle so that I can regain the ability to get my toe up and my heel on the floor again? I have been stretching lightly and doing ankle movements while sitting and have tried using an exercise band to help aid in stretching gently. Any other recommendations? Thank you so much."

Ask a PT Response: "Glad to hear you are doing better. Sounds like you are doing the right things. Are you referring to stretching the ankle into dorsiflexion (toes up) and plantarflexion (toes down)? For my patients that may have a deficit with this I'd have them work on this motion on their own: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptvid04ab.asp . A towel calf stretch could also be prescribed: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptvid10.asp. Once you are cleared to perform inversion and eversion, you could incorporate stretching into these directions as well. As always, please consult with your surgeon or PT prior to initiating any new exercise program."

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2013 13:22:50 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1482&PID=2061&title=tibia-fibula-fracture#2061 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Locking in my big toe.]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=2051&title=locking-in-my-big-toe#2051 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Locking in my big toe.
Posted: Jun 10 2013 at 9:43am

Our user asked: "My foot crackles. I just started on pointe. However, I think this problem might have existed before. With no weight on my feet, I point my right foot, the big toe doesn't point all the way, it locks, and I give it one more push and it does. When the big toe point it hurts a little, and crackles my foot, all the way up to my outer ankle near the tendon.When I put the toe back to un-point it crackles to the ankle a tad bit painfully again. Occasionally I feel pain near that toe on the pad of my foot, which is why I think this may have existed before pointe, but it does not physically feel related. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong with my foot? Are there any home remedies to just let it heal? Is my dance career over? Should I see a podiatrist?.... Additional info.: my grandmother and sister have arthritis."

Ask a PT Response: "You mention you are a dancer. Dancing puts an enormous amount of stress on your toes. If you have been dancing for quite ahwile you may have quite alot of contributing factors to your condition. From what you describe, I might suspect you have some arthrokinematic issues at your big toe (the joint is not moving properly). Your big toe could be hypomobile (stiff), weak, etc. It may be a good idea for you to see a physical therapist so that he or she could evaluate you and determine what may be going on and develop a plan of care specific to your needs. Best of luck to you."

]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:43:30 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=2051&title=locking-in-my-big-toe#2051 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : tight calves]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1407&PID=1977&title=tight-calves#1977 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: tight calves
Posted: May 22 2013 at 9:30pm

Our user asked: "My orthotics were just adjusted in the last week. Since then, my calves have been SUPER tight and sore. I have stretched them and applied heat, to no avail. Can you give me a suggestion? thanks"

Ask a PT Response: "Have you been weaning yourself into your orthotics? ie. wear for 4 hrs, then 6 hrs, etc. If they have been adjusted, your body may not be able to handle the adjustment and will take time to get use to."

Edited by Ask a PT - Jun 10 2013 at 9:48am]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 21:30:36 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1407&PID=1977&title=tight-calves#1977 <![CDATA[Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Peroneus pain with genu valgum]]> http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1318&PID=1843&title=peroneus-pain-with-genu-valgum#1843 Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Peroneus pain with genu valgum
Posted: Apr 22 2013 at 9:48am

Our user asked: "Hello. I'm 36 and I've always had genu valgum (knock knees). With this condition, every time I walk a bit faster for a longer period of time, the outside of my lower leg burns terribly. What can I do to prevent the terrible pain while walking? Are there any orthopedic insoles I can buy?"

Ask a PT Response: "Custom orthotics can help with this condition. If you haven't seen a PT, it might be a good idea to see one as you might have other issues going on as well. ie. weakness, decrease flexibility, joint mobility issues, muscle imbalance, mechanics, etc."

]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:48:28 +0000 http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1318&PID=1843&title=peroneus-pain-with-genu-valgum#1843