Expert: Dr. Marc Katz - 4/26/2009

Question
I had a triple arthrodesis two years ago for a ruptured Achilles tendon which led to posterior tibial tendonitis and eventually my whole foot collapsing.  I have a job where I walk all day and have aggravated the front ankle joint to the point where  I have a bone spur.  My biggest complaint however is a constant pain under the scar on the outside of my ankle.  The first load bearing step is the killer.  I have had an X-ray, MRI, and CAT scan with no definitive results.  I wear orthotics to cushion this foot but nothing seems to help.  I do not want to live on anti-inflammatories.  Any information you can supply would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Donna,

This is a common problem after triple arthrodesis.  Often a nerve is injured or scarred and leads to this pain.  In my practice I would freeze the nerve using cryosurgery or the CryoMax procedure.  See my cryosurgery site for more details.

Sincerely,

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

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