For most
people suffering from tarsal coalition, the pain starts in the feet. For me, I
first experienced pain while training for a long distance run. For several weeks when I would run, I had a
slight sharp pain in my ankle that was only present for short periods of time
while running. Because the pain was so slight and of such short duration, I actually
would forget about it as soon as the run was over.
Then one
day, during a short 3 mile run, I had a very sharp, severe pain in my ankle. As
mentioned in an earlier blog post, I limped around on my foot for a few days
before deciding that it probably wouldn't go away with just a simple ace
bandage.
Since then,
I think I am rare in that I have pain at all times. Even when I am resting, I
have a constant ache through my entire foot. I would appreciate comments on
this, but it seems that most people with tarsal coalitions experience pain
while being active (walking, standing, exercising). For me, standing in place
is the absolute worst of my pain, but it never leaves me. This is likely due to nerve complications.
It also
seems like many people who have tarsal complications often develop pain in
other areas of their body due to compensation and improper gait. For me, I have
a lot of pain in my left knee (my right foot has much more pain than the left).
The doctors think for the most part this is due to compensation and being in
and out of a walking boot for 2 years. I recently started physical therapy and
was sad (but not surprised) to learn that each of my lower body muscles (leg,
hips, glutes, etc.) is very weak. By
strengthening these muscles, I hope to eliminate some of the knee pain.
 |
| Walking boots are very helpful, but can lead to other problems. |
Today I ask
for tips on how to help compensation pain in the knee, hips, back, etc. For me
I have found two things that help. First, I have a heel lift in my right shoe
(under the orthotic) because my doctor and a chiropractor both determined that
I am a bit lopsided (also likely due to compensation). Second, exercises
including leg lifts (for the quads) and strengthening exercises for the hips,
gluts, and hamstrings can help take the strain off of affected joints.
While on
the subject, I would also like to suggest using a golf ball when sitting on the
couch or at your desk. Softly roll the golf ball (tennis balls also work) under
the arch of your foot for several minutes. It feels great!
Here are my
questions for you: Do you have pain in your foot/ankle even when resting? Also,
have you experienced pain in other areas of the body? Have you found anything
that helps alleviate this pain?
Some exercises I have found helpful (but remember, ask your doctor or physical therapist first!):
