Going to the doctor

[winkeyman]

My Badassity for the day is I saved myself some money and I refused to contribute to the over-consumption and cost inflation of the healthcare system in America!

Over the last year, every 3-4 months I have had this pain pop up in my left foot for about a week and a half at a time and then go away just as fast as it comes.

I was finally talked into going to the doctor to get it checked out in case it was something serious. I went on my insurer's website and pulled up several podiatrists in my area. I looked at the "typical cost" of procedures at each doctor's office and selected the cheapest one and made an appointment.

They did an X-ray, explained there is doesn't seem to be anything damaged about my foot; the bones are simply formed a little goofy so I end up putting a lot of stress on a particular bone. It is likely to give me pain a couple times a year. There is a surgery to fix it but it would never be done unless the problem was constant and disabling. The Doc said they could do an MRI if I requested one, I declined. The Doc said he was going to set me up with a "compound prescription" pain reliever cream that is expensive; he said unless the pharmacy can get my insurance to cover most of it, don't bother because I probably don't need it. I told him to just not bother sending the RX in because I won't be getting it. He recommended some shoe inserts that might help, and I was out the door!

Later on my Mother asked me about the doctor visit. Upon hearing how it went down, this is more or less what she said:

"A podiatrist!? Those are really low-level doctors, you should have gone to an orthopedist. The orthopedist I go to is one of the best in the nation and they have a beautiful office in [swanky part of town]. You should have had them do an MRI. You should always get that done when you have a chance! Etc Etc Etc...."

I can't help but think attitudes like that are a big part of why America's healthcare system is so messed up.

[Cromacster]

I guess agree with the general premise of your post, though I'm not sure if it belongs in the badassity section.  I haven't gone to the doctor in 10 years.  Is that badass or just lazy?  I vote lazy, but view it as you will. 

I don't agree with continuing to ignore the situation.  There are other methods to help repair or at least minimize the issues you have with your feet.  Ignoring it will most likely lead to more severe issues in the future.  Ie born spurs, bunions, etc.  No fun and could grow to impact your daily life.  I suggest looking into some PT exercises or stretches that you could do to strengthen and improve your feet.

Edit to Add:
Yes, I would agree that attitudes are a part of whats wrong.  Speaking in large generalities, patients want a quick fix.  Pills, creams, miracles, or surgery.  Doctors on the other hand have an obligation to help the patients.  Your back hurts?  Here's some pills and go see a PT. They also have to cover their ass to not get sued so they go above and beyond what is necessary.

[nereo]

I hope your foot feels better.

[Sibley]

Agree with Cromacster about looking into exercises that might help.

Cromacster - go to the doctor and get a checkup. It is totally a thing to have un-diagnosed, serious health issues and feel fine. Doesn't hurt you get get a checkup, and if you don't and find out later you have diabetes or something you're going to kick yourself.

[CATman]

Have you ever tried minimalist footware? I switched my shoes to shoes with little to no drop and go barefoot as much as possible. I've noticed significant changes in my foot/leg pain and totally eliminated all shin and knee pain after running. Modern shoes tend to actually screw up the way our feet were intended to work.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm almost positive that most people develop arch problems because of modern arch support in shoes isn't letting their body work as intended. As a result their foot loses its ability to hold a normal arch.

[Abe]

Most people develop arch problems because of being overweight. shoe types can contribute to stresses placed on the foot. A podiatrist was a wise choice, most of these problems can resolve with time & are unlikely to progress further. They gave good advice.

[RetiredAt63]

There are arch problems and then there are unusually high/low arches.  I have always had low arches, they work perfectly well.  Low arches run in the family, I literally have my father's feet.  I can't wear high heeled shoes, but why should a foot be tortured like that anyway?*

A common problem for women is having a very tight Achilles' tendon, because wearing high heels means that the tendon is contracted most of the time, not stretched out.

We damage our feet in lots of ways - I used to get a very sore ball-of-the-foot pain in summer, nothing showed on X-rays or MRI, my doctor thought it was pressure on nerves from inflammation.  Once I started wearing heavy work boots (borrowed from my father, I said I had his feet) for digging in the garden (protecting my foot when I pressed on the shovel) the pain went away and never came back.


*rhetorical question, the answer is fashion.