Foot pain ruining my life - NHS can't help?

[bringinthedreamsleeps]

Sounds extreme but it's true.

Basically, on my left foot if constantly feels like I'm walking on a pebble. The pain goes from burning to feeling like it's broken in that specific area, and if radiates

I know what I think it is a GP agrees. It's Morton's neuroma.

Trouble is, he says he can't do anything other than recommend a good podiatrist because that speciality is no longer available on the NHS anymore

I could never afford what that would cost. And also, I have tried all the self help measures like cushioned, gel soles and padding, proper orthopaedic shoes

Nothing works. I am a carer for my DC and also have a daughter relying on me too. I am hobbling about constantly and I'm not even 30 yet

It's causing pain in my hips now which I'm certain is from me walking funny because I can't bear weight on it anymore properly.

I have gone from an active happy person to someone in pain 80% of the time

I've had this for years but previously it was always just if I walked a lot one day or wore unsuitable shoes. And then it went

Now it's there constantly

Get your gp to refer you to a foot surgeon… or see a different gp there are definitely nhs podiatrists …I ended up at surgeons as also have bunions and they recommended a completely different type of insole which changed the angle of my foot. Ultra pod is the brand and there are different angles ……
Although neuroma is not helped by repetitive wrong positioning in footware so often shoes don’t help I was recommended shoes with a rolling base like Hoka they are fab but also wide toe box like Birkenstock….
But initial flare was dealt with by local nhs podiatrist who gave insoles….not as effective as my current but definitely better than over the counter… I also ended up with steroid injections in my feet…

although if u can save for a private podiatrist it will probably be faster … but push back to gp ..you are right you may-end up with hip and knee issues as well…. Strengthening excercises like squats and curls help too….

I would ask to see a different gp or be referred to foot specialist at hospital for a second opinion. I am sorry you are going through this Op but sadly you have to shout loud and make a nuisance of yourself these days to get anywhere with the NHS

Agree - different GP

I had this a few years ago. I was given a steroid injection under ultrasound on the NHS. It was great, stopped hurting straightaway. I can’t see that a podiatrist would be able to give you a steroid injection.

Ask your gp to refer you to orthopaedics to discuss amputation. Maybe they will take you seriously then, sorry the nhs is a shit show now.

If you say it is affecting your sleep, work and depressibg you. I think they have to help.

We can self refer to podiatrists here - is that possible in your area? You could Google.

I have seen a podiatrist on the NHS and so has my mum who had big toe fusion on the NHS. Definitely keep trying.

I have a neuroma. GP referred me to podiatrist who faffed about with insoles that didn't work so I asked for steroid injection so he referred me on to musculoskeletal foot person and I'm seeing a brilliant lady who has given me two steroid injections with ultrasound. This is NHS.

I had one removed a few years ago under general anaesthetic after steroid injections didn't work. I was on crutches for 6 weeks or so and couldn't drive for months. I've have been fine for a couple of years now but it does feel like it's coming back.

My pt had advised me to exercise my toes (try scrunching a tea towel up with the) and wear toe separators while in the house.

And I had it done in the NHS