I was first dianosed with plantars faciitis (one doctor). Husband urged me to get a second opinion. We went to Dr. Green, out of Newton Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts. He's one of the best in the state supposedly. At first he was all positive and whatnot. He diagnosed me with Posterious Tibial Tendonitis.

I can barely walk, I'm 31. My pain is a 9. I'm a nurse and on my feet a lot. Nothing helps, he's put me on prednisone that makes me sweat like a pig, some other ibuprophren type drug. He's now got a large foot brace on me. I've worn it for 3 weeks.

Today I was supposed to get it off. I explained to him the pain I was in. So, he gave me a cortizone shot and now I'm contemplating suicide. I hate this, I hate my foot and I hate my life. There is ABSOLUTELY NO INFO on this condition. I can't understand why this is? I have flat feet as well which makes matters worse.

He has suggested that I not go with the surgery as of yet.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Jen

search for PTTD. Here is part of one of the site

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), also known as posterior tibial tendonitis, is one of the leading causes of acquired flatfoot in adults. The onset of PTTD may be slow or abrupt. An abrupt onset is typically linked to some form of trauma, whether it be simple (stepping down off a curb or ladder) or severe (falling from a height or automobile accident). PTTD is seldom seen in children and increases in frequency with age.

Does your large foot brace have somesort of of foot sapport? Or does just have a flat foot plate?

I have had a string of patient in their early 30s with PTTD resently. Conservatiive orthic treatment is a UCBL (an agresive thermoplasic foot orthosis that wraps aroung the side of the foot. More aggresive would be a renforced ankle gauntlet. Import the foot need to be held in an anotomical neutral position not in a pathalogical flat position for proper healing.

an artical to read
www.biomech.com/db_area/archives/2000/0003pttd.op.17-22.bio-.html

depression due to pain is comon. Their is more information avalable and things that can be done.

Before your depression gets out of control seek help.

Orthotist, Pedorthist and Podiatrist should have the resorces to help you. Orthotist, Pedorthist are not Doctors they work of an order from a Doctor and theymake custom orthosis and or modification.

Hope this helps

Dear Jen,
Posterior tibial tendonitis can be secondary to conditions such as flat feet, weight gain/obesity, ligamentous laxity, collagen vascular disease, diabetes and trauma. The treatment for posterior tibial tendonitis depends on the patient, history of prior treatment, response to prior treatment, activity level and amount of arthritis involved, with respect to the proximal and distal joints of the foot and ankle.
When patients present with excruciating pain, it is not unusal to immobilize the patient in a below the knee fiberglass cast or removable cast such as a Cam Walker, nonweight bearing/partial weightbearing or weight bearing status depends on the patient and doctor. Also, anti-inflammatory medication and predinose can be given. Physical therapy, bracing and orthotics are also adjunctive treatments which can be apllied during the course of one's treatment plan. Surgery is usually the last resort.
Have you had an MRI or orther imaging studies done?

Sbarlizo, DPM, CPed
foot.com expert