I subsequently underwent two MRI scan examinations in the end, the first didn't include enough detail on my forefoot to accurately determine if it was fractured or not......
I visited my consultant to receive the verdict & much to my surprise no fractures were seen, stress or otherwise. My consultant expressed his surprise at this result, stating that he was as sure as I was that a stress fracture would be the culprit of this latest bout of pain. My consultant involved another specialist when reviewing my MRI images & after discussions & a diagnosis elimination the consensus of opinion appears to be that I am suffering from transfer metatarsalgia............
This is believed to be the result of the mid foot fusion that I underwent as part of my Lisfranc surgery, essentially my 2nd, 3rd & possible 4th metatarsals are now too long. The bio dynamics of my foot have altered following the surgery apparently & this has resulted in a change to how my weight is distributed within my foot & how my foot manages this. Additional length in my metatarsals will cause them to weight bear beyond the amount they should, this also causes the metatarsal heads to become inflamed thus causing significant pain & discomfort like I have been experiencing within my toes. So the prescribed course of action is to first wean the foot back out of the boot & into my MBT's (Fitflop). When I can walk relatively comfortably I will then meet with a physio who will fit a metatarsal bar into my shoes. This should relieve the pressure in my toes. The metatarsal bar will get my foot back into proper alignment when I stand or walk, it simply takes the weight off of the metatarsal bones which should relieve my pain instantly.
Failing this then a metatarsal osteotomy would be required to permanently shorten my toes- Eeek !
It has now been 17 days since I put the boot back on so I decided to try a day without it yesterday, the result was quite a bit of building discomfort in my mid foot, particular increase in acute pain when my foot was positioned with the weight into the heel & lower than my fore & mid foot. The foot was quite red & puffy afterwards, although this settled down after a couple of hours. The building pain is significant enough however to prevent me from walking for any length of time at the moment. The feeling in my mid foot is quite bizarre, more of a nerve sensation, similar to when you have burnt yourself & the area affected projects that tingly slightly numb sensation. When I touch it it feels like this too, so I am wondering if the real problem lies within the mid foot area. but I am not a doctor so I feel obliged to follow the advise given & hope for some improvement. I am back in the boot today to give it a rest & will try again to hobble about without it for a few hours this afternoon.
It is a worry as I have had to take time off from work again & even now I am working from home, this cannot be a long term arrangement as my role requires me to visit customers on site & to travel significant distances. My company will not support me indefinitely I don't think & let's face it at the moment I am not able to fulfil the role I was employed for :-(
But I realise that I must focus on my long term health & recovery as my family & friends advise me to, if I need to change employment due to this injury then I will, there is very little that I can do about that except heed advice & try to recover as best as I can, the foot is in the driving seat at the moment, well that's what it feels like anyway !
I visited my consultant to receive the verdict & much to my surprise no fractures were seen, stress or otherwise. My consultant expressed his surprise at this result, stating that he was as sure as I was that a stress fracture would be the culprit of this latest bout of pain. My consultant involved another specialist when reviewing my MRI images & after discussions & a diagnosis elimination the consensus of opinion appears to be that I am suffering from transfer metatarsalgia............
This is believed to be the result of the mid foot fusion that I underwent as part of my Lisfranc surgery, essentially my 2nd, 3rd & possible 4th metatarsals are now too long. The bio dynamics of my foot have altered following the surgery apparently & this has resulted in a change to how my weight is distributed within my foot & how my foot manages this. Additional length in my metatarsals will cause them to weight bear beyond the amount they should, this also causes the metatarsal heads to become inflamed thus causing significant pain & discomfort like I have been experiencing within my toes. So the prescribed course of action is to first wean the foot back out of the boot & into my MBT's (Fitflop). When I can walk relatively comfortably I will then meet with a physio who will fit a metatarsal bar into my shoes. This should relieve the pressure in my toes. The metatarsal bar will get my foot back into proper alignment when I stand or walk, it simply takes the weight off of the metatarsal bones which should relieve my pain instantly.
Failing this then a metatarsal osteotomy would be required to permanently shorten my toes- Eeek !
It has now been 17 days since I put the boot back on so I decided to try a day without it yesterday, the result was quite a bit of building discomfort in my mid foot, particular increase in acute pain when my foot was positioned with the weight into the heel & lower than my fore & mid foot. The foot was quite red & puffy afterwards, although this settled down after a couple of hours. The building pain is significant enough however to prevent me from walking for any length of time at the moment. The feeling in my mid foot is quite bizarre, more of a nerve sensation, similar to when you have burnt yourself & the area affected projects that tingly slightly numb sensation. When I touch it it feels like this too, so I am wondering if the real problem lies within the mid foot area. but I am not a doctor so I feel obliged to follow the advise given & hope for some improvement. I am back in the boot today to give it a rest & will try again to hobble about without it for a few hours this afternoon.
It is a worry as I have had to take time off from work again & even now I am working from home, this cannot be a long term arrangement as my role requires me to visit customers on site & to travel significant distances. My company will not support me indefinitely I don't think & let's face it at the moment I am not able to fulfil the role I was employed for :-(
But I realise that I must focus on my long term health & recovery as my family & friends advise me to, if I need to change employment due to this injury then I will, there is very little that I can do about that except heed advice & try to recover as best as I can, the foot is in the driving seat at the moment, well that's what it feels like anyway !
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you blogging again. Sorry to read about some of your setbacks. My toes hurt as well. It's more of an annoying pain, like a headache that never goes away, but in the foot. It really frustrates me when I exercise. I think its something I have to deal with long term. Stay positive. It makes all the difference in your recovery. Things will turn for you soon, I can feel it.
Hi Nucklehead, thx for reading......... I hope things change, I admit I have found this whole Lisfranc fracture quite depressing. At the moment it just
ReplyDeletefeels like things are being taken away as a result of it. It all seems to be about what I can't do etc....... I need to pull myself out of the doldrums I think !
The effect on the rest of my bod has gotten me down too. But I contacted a gym today & am considering a personal trainer to work with me for a while. Physio tomorrow- which I'm hoping will bring some positive news, it really feels like its time to get my life back & get back out there & live it.
I'm one for internalising & shutting off when things aren't going well which is something I need to stop doing, as well as posting more regularly LOL
Hello Foredeck! I just saw your posting on my blog. I am sorry to hear about your Grampa - and I love the story about how you used to hide out in the shed from the Gramma - Something I could see me doing with my grandchildren someday :-). On the foot side - I CANNOT believe your lack of luck! You have to figure though that your luck HAS to turn around - it is the way of the world - and you have too much good karma for it not to. Stay positive - and get into the Gym - I did while I was still in the boot. There is a lot you can do - upper body wise and even on the stationary bicycle that will help alot. I also found just trying to get back into your regular routine helps - try to work when you can, get out on the boat - even if you are just ballast vs the foredeck queen.
ReplyDeleteTake care! PS - I am one month out to my 1 year anniversary of my accident. I went to the sight of the accident last week - it was very emotional to stand in front of the exact mooring cleat that took me down. In fact I kicked it a couple of dozen times with my good foot (not to smart :) ) but it felt good to do so. Also, good to go back into that harbor on somebody else's boat before I return next month almost to the day on my boat. Of course, I have requested NOT to be moored in that exact slip. In fact, I requested to stay on the other side of the harbor - I figure it's better juju.
Take care - Chin Up! Carry On!
Hello, I am a Lisfranc Fracture sufferer as well and live in Surrey. I would love to meet up some time or just have a chat. Please contact me via my email, I subscribe to your site! You are very inspirational.
DeleteLiz E.
Hi Liz,
DeleteThanks so much for contacting me, it would be great to meet up with you ! I do not have your email address I'm afraid, but hopefully you'll see this comment & contact me directly to arrange a meeting. My email address is emmadavidso@gmail.com