Pinched nerve in foot. Do I need podiatrist or neurologist?
Question:
But when looking up the actual definition of a "podiatrist" online, I guess they aren't "full" medical doctors (M.D.), just lots of training, I'm guessing like an Optometrist compared to an Opthamologist.
This sounds a bit scary, and since he will be doing actual surgery on my nerve, would it be better to see a Neurologist (or ?) instead? I like the Podiatrist and he seems competent, but in my mind, a full "M.D." such as a neurologist would have more training and expertise.
Does anyone know or have experience with this? What would you recommend. I have an HMO, so it's not the easiest to get a referral but I should be able to if I think it's warranted.
Answers:
Although podiatrists are, indeed, medically trained in a speciality (e.g., disorders of the foot/ankle, etc), were I in your position, I would get myself (and my foot) to a neurosurgeon/neurologist pronto.
DONT DO CORTISONE! Cortison makes it feel better but does nothing for the actual problem... is also causes everything to weaken and you will need them often. Try chiropractic you would be suprised on how fast he can fix your problem, even if you have to pay out of pocket for it, it's better than the pain and time that it takes for cortisone shots. I work for a chiropractor and we have had patients com ein and say my doctor says I have to have surgery for my pinch nerve and in one adjustment its a million times better. Just try it you will be happy!! (Chiropractors do adjust feet!!) Also a chiropractor is very close to a neurologists and many chiropractors go to school for both! so you would get two things for the price of one!
DO NOT do the surgery until you go every other avenue. 1 is the cortizone shots. You can get 3. 2 is the orthotics in your shoes. They are worth every penny and they will work. It took 6 months for mine to work and I still have them after 8 years. They wanted to cut my plantar fascia and I said No these are gonna work and they do. You might need that nerve some day. You may have a different problem than I did but don't let them cuttyou unless it's life or death.
Try a chiropractor first before taking the shots or doing surgery. The shot doesn't cure the problem, just makes it tolerable. And, surgery is never the best option if non-surgical procedures will work just as well.
I had the same problem about 5 years ago - to the point where I had a hard time walking and would limp when I did. Amazingly, after a few visits to a chiropractor, it was a lot better. And, within about 3 months, the pain was gone entirely. No shots. No surgery. No problems since.
I would suggest seeing another neurologist, and seeing another podiatrist for second and third opinions and decide what route you feel comfortable with. Podiatrists are specialized in foot surgery and foot/ankle problems so they are trained to do that type of thing even though they aren't MD's, but a second and third opinions are always good.
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