Foot pain

[911_Racing_Dad]

Dr Mark,
You looked at my son's foot and shoulder x rays weeks ago and I have a follow-up question if you do not mind. After 9 weeks in a hard cast and 4 weeks in a walking cast the doc finally gave my son clearance to ride. However, my son has yet to be able to walk without pain. He has been out of the walking cast for two weeks and still walks with a significant limp and pain. I hate to go back to the doc but it seems like after all this time he should be pain free. The doc did not recomend PT. What do you think?

Thanks

[juglenuts]

Hey Racing Dad,,

Im not sure what your sons injuries to his foot were nor am I a medical expert so Im speaking purley from my experience. I spent the same amount of time (9 weeks in a cast/ 6 weeks heel walking) recovering from 5 broken bones in my foot (3 were pinned). Similar to your son, my doctor told me the bones were completely healed(they were but the muscles in my foot/leg had deteriated) and cleared me to do all activities,,also like your son, I could hardly walk and experienced alot of pain...This continued for atleast a month and while I worked on rebuilding stength back in my foot/leg nothing helped much.
I went back to the doc (whom had previously said I didnt need physical therapy) and now he recommended it. It has been 5 weeks since I started therapy and I am now pain free, have gotten back about 90% of the strength in my foot/leg and have regained a full range of motion in my ankle (which I could hardly move).

So anyway, what is his injury, and I hope this helps.

[911_Racing_Dad]

He broke two bones at the growth plate in his foot. We had a similar issue with his wrist that he broke badly a year ago and PT was the answer. I am going to call and get him in. He has been working real hard to get back in shape. He lifts 5 days a week and rides a bike 6 days a week so we are on track. Thanks and good luck on your recovery.

[Vintage Dave393]

I can't believe he wouldn't recommend PT. Being in a cast for that period a time causes quite a bit of atrophy and you need to rebuild the range of motion and strength.