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I have foot pain but my podiatrist says the swollen area is just fat!

Katosboss asked...

My symptom is pain that feels like a band being tightened across the top of my heel going around the outside of the foot. The area between my ankle and heel is also very swollen. My podiatrist claims that it is fat. My podiatrist has tried cortisone for the pain which doesn't help. Any suggestions?

Expert Answer

Jane Andersen, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She provides surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle care to all types of patients, including the geriatric population in her area. With the American Podiatric Medical Association, she has worked to educate the public on foot and ankle health.

When a patient comes to see their podiatrist for foot pain, sometimes it is difficult to diagnose. Your foot's reaction to the treatment so far is very valuable information in establishing the true cause of your problem. There are many causes of pain in the back of the foot including tendinitis, arthritis, fractures and stress fractures to name just a few. While it is difficult to diagnose you without seeing your foot, a return visit to your podiatrist may be helpful. He or she may take x-rays or consider other types of imaging (such as an MRI) if needed. Be sure to note your symptoms carefully prior to your return:
1. when and where it hurts 2. what type of pain it is 3. what makes it worse 4. what makes it better