Socrriss18

Im young, only 21 but have always had flat feet and foot issues. When I was 19, playing college soccer, I tore my arch during a game. I heard it snap and I went down. I couldnt really miss the season, and continued to play on it though I could barely walk. After the season ended a month later I had an MRI, where they found a large tear in the PF, and also one in the Posterior Tibial Tendon, which helps support the PF. I was in a walking boot which helped for a while, but as soon as i started to train again it got worse. Within a couple years it got progessively worse. I couldnt run, and even being on my feet and work would cause extreme pain.

This summer we saw all the top orthopedics and podiatrists in the Chicagoland area. The first few suggested Extracorpreal Shockwave Treatment. Its a noninvasive procedure where your foot is placed against a balloon-like object, and uses shockwaves to "trick" the body into thinking theres new trauma and encourages healing, while breaking everything up (similar to what is used for kidney stones and such). It can be done at low doses while awake over a few visits, or a high dose once while knocked out. We were told by another doctor that this wouldnt work on scar tissue, and seeing as it was new and wasnt covered by insurance, would cost about $5000.

Instead, we were told about another procedure called Topaz. Its not new technology, but new for treatment on the PF. Its done under twilight sleep/sedation. Usually small incision is made (less than 1"), and a "wand" is inserted into the tissue in a gridlike pattern and small amounts of tissue are removed as a light dose of radiofrequency energy is directed into the tissue. It encourages bloodflow to the area and promotes proper healing. My surgeon was able to do it without incisions, but poked small holes and the wand was inserted through the skin, which meant no stitches or anything. I believe they usually do about 15 or so holes, but since my case was bad my surgeon did it on 3 areas, so i had bout 35-40 holes. They put suture tape over the holes, and then wrapped it. I was on crutches for about 4-5 weeks, and in a boot for 6 weeks, mostly because I was at college and had to walk a lot, but usually it is much less. I think most people are only on crutches for a week or two. I had my surgery the last week of August, and by October was able to walk long distances without pain, and lower impact workouts. By November/December I probably couldve been back to full workouts, but I havent been able to do so because of another unrelated surgery. I got scanned for custom orthotics, which actually just arrived today, so I'll have to start breaking those in. We're extremely hopeful that this will work, as we didnt like the info we were given regarding the PF release, or full reconstruction.

If I were you I'd try and find a doctor specializing in PF, and possibly either of the above treatments. I'd also look into getting custom orthotics if possible. Either way, good luck, and let me know if you'd like any more info on it.

(sorry this was so long)