I have been suffering with a swelling in the outside top of my left foot for over three months now. I have seen 3 doctors, had approximately 6 x-rays and an MRI; nothing has shown on any of them. No fractures, nothing on the MRI. I have pain in the left heel as well and the bottom of my foot from my second toe to the middle of my foot spasms at night. The sports medicine doctor I am seeing is wonderful, she still doesn't know exactly what is wrong with my foot yet though. I am able to stand on my tip toes, walk and it doesn't hurt very much when the swollen area is pressed. The foot hurts and swells after all of these activities. She suggested that it is a partial tear in a tendon and gave me an aircast to wear. I have worn the aircast for three weeks and have also bee out of work (I am required to stand, walk and climb stairs a lot at work) but the swelling is still there as well as the heel pain. The doctor said that at my next appointment, if the foot hasn't improved, she will send me to a specialist who will most likely suggest surgery. I DO NOT want surgery! Can anyone offer a suggestion that I can bring with me when I go in 2 days? Has anyone had this problem or know what it could be? The only other thing I can say is that I don't recall injuring it except that I tripped over a baby gate (hooked it with my left foot) and fell. Any suggestion? Thank you.

Whacking a baby gate could cause localised swells but that cause should appear on MRI. The swelling all I coud suggest is compression socks.

Heel pain my suggestions are: plastic heel protector, Custom Orthoses, SACH modification to shoe, Different shoes with increased shock absortion.

Get a second opinion from a non surgical foot professional.

Question if they cannot pinpoint anything wrong with your foot what are they going to do a surgery on?

Hope these help. please let us know what you do.