After 4 months of misdiagnosis (and possibly several years of related pain preventing me from wearing high-heeled shoes), I have finally changed doctor and had new x-rays taken at the appropriate angle. The diagnosis, confirmed by MRI, was avascular necrosis of the fibular sesamoid in the right foot. Since then, I have had 4 sessions of ultra-sounds and I am walking with a home-made orthotic supposed to re-balance the weight to other parts of the foot, with a strong arch support, and with a hollow under the ball of the foot. I take daily hot water feet soaks and massage my foot in hope of restoring the blood supply to the bone. Walking is still painful. In fact, I feel it is getting worse. Is there a hope that it will heal? Will the dead bone eventually be replaced by new healthily irrigated bone? If ultra-sounds don't work, what else can I try? Is acupuncture an option? I heard that sesamoidectomy is the ultimate treatment after all the conservative treatments have been tried. Unfortunately, I have also heard the post-operative complications can be worse than my current problems...
What should I do? What hopes can I have for full recovery? I am (or used to be) an enthusiastic speed-walker and my favorite hobby is hiking in the wilderness. It is very depressing to imagine I could never do these activities again. I hope you can give me further insights into what to do and to expect for the future. Thank you!
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