“Residual pain from a broken heel?”
The patient is a 76 year old male. He sustained a crushed right calcaneus in the fall 12 years ago. UPMC doctors chose not to operate; instead wrapped it and put it in a boot for a number of months. Then physical therapy. The injury has resulted in persistent pain of varying degrees over the years. It is centered around and beneath the ankle. The only recommendation I have received to relieve the situation is to fuse the ankle. I am not anxious for that option in that I fear a loss of mobility. I am still able to exercise (walking two miles daily) and golf (using a cart), among other activities. I use the VA for custom orthotics and shoes to handle the inserts. My question is: are there other treatment options beyond surgery? I believe my pain is a soft tissue matter, not bone-on-bone oriented, although there could be some arthritis involved. Is cortisone an option? I have found that oral pain relievers don't do the trick.
Male | 76 years old
Complaint duration: 12 years
Conditions: BP, cholestoral
4 Answers
If you still have motion, fusion is not the answer. Injections with other types of conservative treatments can be accomplished.
Without seeing X-rays, I would say that if the patient is still active, but having some pain, cortisone injections are often possible and good pain relievers temporarily. Also bracing can also help relieve the pain and good shoes.
Focus on locoregional therapy, such as massage with pain relieving agent such as a chest rub or Woodlock Oil, and acupuncture with Moxibustion. Change your diet to organic green Mediterranean diet, low gluten and non-GMO. Consult Functional Medicine to optimize body's innate wound healing abilities. Vitamin D/B, and thyroid/parathyroid has to be optimized. No iron deficiency anemia.
I would highly recommend you seek a Local Physical Therapist specializing in Orthopeadics.
