Expert: Dr. Marc Katz - 4/14/2009

Question
I am 37 years old and had a hairline fracture in my left ankle when I was about 14. I was on crutches, but did not have a cast. Recently I have had this horrible burning pain in my foot. It doesn't tingle or feel numb, it just burns really bad. It only does it if a certain place on my ankle is touched or bumped. The burn starts at the ankle and runs across the top of my foot towards my toes. I do not have any swelling and have not had an injury to my foot since the fracture. The burning is unbearable when it happens and I am unable to bend my toes because it makes the pain so much worse. The pain will last from a few seconds (if just barely touched) to hours ( if it is bumped on something). Do you have any suggestions as to what this might be? I haven't seen a doctor for it yet. Thanks so much!!!

Answer
Hi Kristi,

It is fairly common to get nerve damage after an injury.  Even years later you may develop pain associated with joint damage or scar tissue.  The ankle and foot pain that you describe sounds nerve related.  You are likely damaging a nerve from a certain foot or ankle motion.  I see many problems like this in my practice and often can locate an exact nerve that is the cause.  I then perform a procedure called CryoMax or cryosurgery to destroy the foot and ankle nerve.  See my website below.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor’s orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.