In Reply To:
Phar-you mention PTT tear but are stingy with the details. This is not one of those problems that you want to ignore but to gather as much information as you can now so that you and your doctor can accurately define it's current state, your options, and how to have the best function ten years from now by actions taken, or not taken, in 2009.
Unlike many other human tendons, the PTT can deteriorate over time, slowly.....or it can just rupture. In the early stages of tendon "degeneration" conservative measures of foot support can include orthotics or casting (I favor the latter.) In more severe instances, or in cases of frank tendon rupture, a repair is indicated. Occassionally this repair is augmented with a tendon graft. Post-op rehab can be relatively time consuming.
So, in my view, you need to have a thorough eval by your local ortho doc, sometimes even an MRI (and although plain x-rays don't show tendons, in my office they
always precede an MRI) if the situation dictates. Good luck, do it this week.
Thank you for your input. I am a 57 year old overweight, yet semi-fit, architect. I was a really fine high school athlete and I have exercised throughout my childhood and adult life. I have always had flat feet even as a child. 3 years ago I injured the foot climbing scaffolding on a job site. I stupidly ignored the substantial and lingering pain and did not go to the doctor for a year. When I went to my GP it was misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. The substantial pain gradually went away, although my foot felt bad when I ran my usual 3 mile run. Last year I took up cycling which I have enjoyed immensely. Six weeks ago I joined Vision Quest Coaching and started training for a sprint triathlon. I enjoyed that immensely also and I especially like the variety of training. Everything has been going great except for walking as a precursor to running. After walking for 1 hour and 45 minutes two weeks ago the pain was substanal in my foot and this lasted for one week. On Thursday March 12 I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon at Northwestern Hospital here in Chicago. Based upon his examination, he said that my foot was worn out and that the tendon was ruptured and that I was a candidate to have my foot reconstructed. He recommended orthotics as the next step for which I was fitted for immediately. He said if that didn't work the next step would be brace. Beyond that the next step would be to have my foot including the tendon surgically reconstructed or skip that and have operation which entailed cutting the heal bone in two and realigning the heel with a screw type connection. It is now clear that I exercised incredibly stupid judgment in not getting my injured foot examined promptly 3 years because I was too busy to take time out to do so. The orthopedic surgeon said that I could run in a couple of sprint triathlons, but running for training would likely not be a good idea if after having orthotics my foot hurt the next day. The seriousness of my foot injury and the implications are beginning to be painfully clear. I have enjoyed training for the sprint triathlon immensely. It appears that I will likely have to give that up for this season and focus on swimming and cycling with an operation in the fall with an extended very disruptive recovery period. The situation which could have been avoided is rather depressing.
09 Cervelo P3
09 Pinarello Prince
10 Stevens Carbon Team