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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell my Gp and physio they are wrong?

118 replies

Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 09:14

I started suffering with plantar fasciitis early in the year, and as unpleasant as it was, it was generally bearable after the first few minutes in the morning, or after being sat down. I come to know that horrible pain, very very well.

However, the past 6 months, the pain changed to mostly affect the nerves in the bottom of my foot and the nerves that travel up the inside of my ankle. The pain comes on suddenly throughout the day, regardless of what I’m doing (I can be asleep) and it shoots about like I’ve had acid injected, and burns the inside of my foot and ankle. The pain is excruciating.

After doing my own research (yes I know) I have come to the conclusion that I am dealing with ‘Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment’.

However, three GPs and a physio seem to absolute DENY the existence of this condition, and keep telling me it’s PF. One even said ‘I don’t think it’s Bolshers’.

Am I being unreasonable to demand (politely) they look Baxter’s up. Or perhaps take a print off for them? I can’t afford to go private and no one is taking my concern seriously.

Is Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment not a thing in the UK?

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:04

MRex · 10/12/2022 09:59

You're very specific about something that might have many causes. It would be better to actually reduce that specificity of diagnosis when speaking to a doctor or podiatrist and focus instead on the detail of the actual symptoms, it sounds like that is getting lost a bit in the conversations. E.g. "I have pain higher up in my foot, and it hurts when I'm not putting pressure on it, so I think a nerve might be inflamed." Write down clearly how the pain presents; is it tingling / numbness / stabbing, as well as when it occurs, how often and how long for. Show them a week's diary of when it occurs. Steer clear of specifying neuritis etc, let them actually help.

Have you been tested for diabetes and B12 deficiency yet?

I guess I’m just desperate.
Ive had blood tests recently for something else and no diabetes or B12 deficiency. I’m healthy and not on any other medication.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:08

Mum5net · 10/12/2022 09:59

I’ve had PF on and off for about seven years and recognise the kind of pains you say, but mine are pains that come and go, not constant over seven years. When I get a flare up it is almost always because I haven’t been wearing laced up trainers or walking boots 24/7. I don’t have slippers any more. I only have lace up shoes in house, too, that anchor my heel. Pretty difficult in summer and never bare feet.

i had acupuncture from a nhs podiatrist and shoe splints. I can self refer to the podiatrist if I get a flare up. my lovely GP said he would refuse an injection if I was offered ti him as its quite unpleasant but try everything else

Hope you get resolved soon. No fun.

Oh bless. The PF is indeed excruciating. I recognise it in a heart beat. Hobbling about and feeling like there’s a block of Lego stuck in my heel. I do feel like that has gotten better.

The nerve pain worries me as my foot gets worse through the day and the nerve pain is so sharp and burns. Then my foot sensation disappears, meaning I lose balance and stumble. I worry the damage could be permanent.

Thank you for your well wishes though and I hope you are able to keep yours at bay too.

OP posts:
ittakes2 · 10/12/2022 10:12

OP I dealt with severe PF for a year so I feel your pain literally. Can I recommend you go to a chiro? Sometimes it’s because your hip etc is a bit out and you are walking on your foot differently but don’t realise it. I have insurance so was going to a physio twice a week for six months. But three sessions of chiro and wearing gel trainers every waking moment for two weeks did the job.

CallieQ · 10/12/2022 10:14

Seeing a podiatrist would be a good idea, they have specialist knowledge

Willmafrockfit · 10/12/2022 10:17

what is the treatment for Baxters though?

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:21

Willmafrockfit · 10/12/2022 10:17

what is the treatment for Baxters though?

Initially it’s everything I’m doing. But apparently it’s fairly well known that conservative methods aren’t great for treating it. There is an injection to anaesthetise around the nerve and in worst case scenarios, there are a few different ways to release the nerve.

I feel that I’ve done the conservative stuff and need someone to look a bit deeper at this problem.

I’ve been doing my heel raises for ages…I just want someone to listen.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:21

CallieQ · 10/12/2022 10:14

Seeing a podiatrist would be a good idea, they have specialist knowledge

I’ve emailed now. Fingers crossed for next week.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:22

ittakes2 · 10/12/2022 10:12

OP I dealt with severe PF for a year so I feel your pain literally. Can I recommend you go to a chiro? Sometimes it’s because your hip etc is a bit out and you are walking on your foot differently but don’t realise it. I have insurance so was going to a physio twice a week for six months. But three sessions of chiro and wearing gel trainers every waking moment for two weeks did the job.

I’m sorry you’ve been through it too. It’s excruciating. I will look into the chiropractor! I definitely need one now, as I walk leaning to one side due to trying to keep weight off the foot.

OP posts:
antipodeancanary · 10/12/2022 10:30

Well done op for investigating this yourself. As a professional allied to medicine, I'm commissioned to provide the services most likely to help most people. So, I provide 'these' therapies and not anything else. Well sometimes I do, but I m not allowed to! Often it's not that we don't know whats wrong with you, we do but we can only provide this other cheaper thing. And what is most frustrating is we can't mention what we are not providing!

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:32

antipodeancanary · 10/12/2022 10:30

Well done op for investigating this yourself. As a professional allied to medicine, I'm commissioned to provide the services most likely to help most people. So, I provide 'these' therapies and not anything else. Well sometimes I do, but I m not allowed to! Often it's not that we don't know whats wrong with you, we do but we can only provide this other cheaper thing. And what is most frustrating is we can't mention what we are not providing!

I almost cried reading this. Because it made me feel a little validated and not like a crazy person who has been Googling imaginary conditions.

OP posts:
Claireintheclouds · 10/12/2022 10:33

You’re the type of person most medical professionals hate, a dr Google

If I googled every time I had a tummy ache I’d see stomach cancer as the diagnosis, doesn’t mean the doctors are wrong for saying it’s food poisoning.

Pay for a private appt if that’s what you need to do but don’t be surprised when they say the same as the multiple other, trained professionals have done

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:37

Claireintheclouds · 10/12/2022 10:33

You’re the type of person most medical professionals hate, a dr Google

If I googled every time I had a tummy ache I’d see stomach cancer as the diagnosis, doesn’t mean the doctors are wrong for saying it’s food poisoning.

Pay for a private appt if that’s what you need to do but don’t be surprised when they say the same as the multiple other, trained professionals have done

I have never before questioned my Gp. Never.

But I am in my early 40s and unable to walk. When I explained I was worried as I felt unstable due to the nerve pain, I was told to get a walking stick. A walking stick. In my early 40s.

Not a single doctor has looked at my foot. Touched it. Nothing. All diagnoses have been made from looking down at my foot, through a shoe and a sock.

So, for the first time ever, I am questioning their diagnosis.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:38

Sorry - unable to walk properly. I can walk.

OP posts:
EATmum · 10/12/2022 10:42

I had PF years ago that was caused by a heel spur. I saw an osteopath who worked on and around the spur to 'break it down' (probably not right terminology but that's how it appeared to me). In my case it worked really well.

ConnieTucker · 10/12/2022 10:43

I have known two very different people, one a woman in her 40’s, one a woman in her late teens, who were diagnosed by a gp with a slipped disc or pulled muscle in the spine who both had weeks and weeks of pain and agonising physio treatment, unable to move properly before being taken to hospital and scanned. In both cases a tumour was then found. (The person connecting them both told the second about the first, which prompted them to go to hospital). The 19 yr old survived after surgery to remove the tumour. The older woman died.

Ask for a referral.

Thoughtful2355 · 10/12/2022 10:47

i once took my daughter to a GP at 1 years old and he pawned her symptoms off as something else so i asked about something i thought it was and he had to google it... in front of me.. and then went onto Webmd and looked up the symptons ... I was shocked and felt really uneasy that my daughter was potentially being put in danger because he had to google the condition

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:52

EATmum · 10/12/2022 10:42

I had PF years ago that was caused by a heel spur. I saw an osteopath who worked on and around the spur to 'break it down' (probably not right terminology but that's how it appeared to me). In my case it worked really well.

Thank you. It’s good to know who might be able to deal with this.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:53

ConnieTucker · 10/12/2022 10:43

I have known two very different people, one a woman in her 40’s, one a woman in her late teens, who were diagnosed by a gp with a slipped disc or pulled muscle in the spine who both had weeks and weeks of pain and agonising physio treatment, unable to move properly before being taken to hospital and scanned. In both cases a tumour was then found. (The person connecting them both told the second about the first, which prompted them to go to hospital). The 19 yr old survived after surgery to remove the tumour. The older woman died.

Ask for a referral.

Oh gosh, that’s terrible 😢

Yes, I will be dealing with my issue, even if it means having to go into debt. Health is too important.

OP posts:
Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:54

Thoughtful2355 · 10/12/2022 10:47

i once took my daughter to a GP at 1 years old and he pawned her symptoms off as something else so i asked about something i thought it was and he had to google it... in front of me.. and then went onto Webmd and looked up the symptons ... I was shocked and felt really uneasy that my daughter was potentially being put in danger because he had to google the condition

Wow. I’d have felt nervous too! Especially when it comes to little ones! 😢

OP posts:
JackTorrance · 10/12/2022 10:55

You’re the type of person most medical professionals hate, a dr Google

I wish my FIL had been that kind of person, maybe his "piles" wouldn't now be stage 4 cancer.

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 10:58

JackTorrance · 10/12/2022 10:55

You’re the type of person most medical professionals hate, a dr Google

I wish my FIL had been that kind of person, maybe his "piles" wouldn't now be stage 4 cancer.

Oh I’m so sorry! That’s devastating. Sending prayers.

OP posts:
JackTorrance · 10/12/2022 10:59

Oh I’m so sorry! That’s devastating. Sending prayers

Thank you. He's doing really well with his treatment now thankfully, long may that continue.

GalwayShawl · 10/12/2022 11:00

Well my mum is dead because NOBODY believed me when I said she had all the signs of heart failure. Be persistent if you think they’re wrong .

Original poster
Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 10/12/2022 11:01

GalwayShawl · 10/12/2022 11:00

Well my mum is dead because NOBODY believed me when I said she had all the signs of heart failure. Be persistent if you think they’re wrong .

💜 so sorry

OP posts:
user1471457751 · 10/12/2022 11:03

Thoughtful2355 · 10/12/2022 10:47

i once took my daughter to a GP at 1 years old and he pawned her symptoms off as something else so i asked about something i thought it was and he had to google it... in front of me.. and then went onto Webmd and looked up the symptons ... I was shocked and felt really uneasy that my daughter was potentially being put in danger because he had to google the condition

Given the tens of thousands of medical conditions, illnesses and diseases that exist do you really expect a GP to know them all in detail?