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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!twitch!jed
From: jed@twitch.UUCP ( J.Dail)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Injured feet & varying medical advice
Message-ID: <283@twitch.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 26-Feb-86 17:15:08 EST
Article-I.D.: twitch.283
Posted: Wed Feb 26 17:15:08 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 28-Feb-86 22:50:22 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel
Lines: 53

About 5 weeks ago, I fell and injured both feet.  They
ended up underneath me.  I went to a hospital and they
Xrayed one foot and decided that I had over-extended a
muscle on the top of the foot, pulling away a small chip
of bone (<1/4 inch).  The emergency room physician was
not an orthopedic expert, but told me of the chip and
suggested that I see an orthopedic surgeon.

One was called and showed up two hours later, after
at least one more call by the emergency room personnel.
I don't know his problem, but he was not willing to
discuss treatment alternatives and ikely outcomes.
He suggested that the foot be placed in a cast.  Because
of his hostile attitude, unwillingness to answer questions,
and the delay he caused me sitting with an ice pack for
hours, I decided to get a second opinion.  I requested
and received copies of the X rays and arranged to see
an Orthopedic surgeon, who was referred by the Emergency
Room.

The second doctor reviewed the X-ray and agreed that a
small piece of bone had been pulled away by the muscle.
His recommendation for treatment was entirely different,
suggesting that exercise would be required once the
swelling had subsided.  He did not agree to placing the
foot in a cast.

I now had two pieces of conflicting medical advice and
two very sore feet.  Not wanting to have a cast in the first
place, I sided with the second doctor.  Needless to say,
I am still concerned who was right and both feet still
hurt though I am able to walk.

The second foot which was also injured is another story,
which because of length I will omit here.

My questions to any who have knowledge or experience in
these problems are:
	How will this separated muscle/bone chip be able
	to reattach if it is continually being moved during
	walking, standing, or just moving my feet?

	How long should it take to heal?

	Should I be exercising now to strengthen the injured
	area or should I try to keep pressure off it?  I was
	using a cane, but the doctor suggested I stop after
	two weeks.

	Should I get a third medical opinion, since the two
		Orthopedists disagree about treatment?

Thanks for the information, if anyone can offer help.