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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Multiple Problems: Email Advice

     I badly require some advice... Am located in Paris, France. Am 70 yrs of age and have multiple problems: hyper-laxity (Ehler-Danlos), cervical and lumbar stensosis, arthritis i=now in just about ever joint, jaw issues etc... I used to be sporty and highly active; some 5-6 yrs ago an accident and then immoblization and then don't ask. I have changed 20 podiatrists and even more insoles! My ankles and feet are now ruined. I am told that I may have to resort to shoes ofr diabetics !! I am not diabetic.

     Anyhow, would you know of a proprer well-trained podiatrist in Paris whom you could recommend? Failing this, perhaps we could have a more detailed chat? Amidst other thngs, my toes are so lax and weakened (sesmois atrophy and more) that I can give no push whatsoever off of them. And there is MUCH pain in toe and achilles tendons as well as "front enterior" tendohn... Let me know, though my explanation is more than partial and incomplete... THe result of all of this: beginngs if cervicak myelopathy and aching limbs and neuropathy and by now, alas! - 2 years of almost no movement (whereas I used to hime every Sunday from Paruis to Versaillesfrom the heart for any and all input.

Regards,
M

Dr Blake's comment:

     Hey M, I am so sorry for your problem. I do not know how to find someone in Paris for you, but you need a physio and physical med doc (we can them Psychiatrists here in the States). Definitely immobilization and rest, which may give temporary help to a sore area, will cause terrible de-conditioning of the muscles/tendons. With Ehler-Danlos, and other ligament problems, the muscles and tendons are vital to stabilize the joints and their weakening is what has put you somewhat in your dilemma. But, in that concept, is hope for the future. You need to understand when to honor the pain and when to push through the pain. It is a fine line that can change daily. But, moving the joints is the simplest form of strengthening, and then gradually adding resistance and other methods of making the exercises harder. I know some of our ED patients benefit greatly from prolotherapy (sugar water injections into the soft ligaments to tighten them up). The role of foot orthotics and shoes is to allow you to walk more, the basis of health. Walking is the foundation of you regaining your health, and even 1 minute 3 times a day can start you moving in the right direction. When you have multiple problems, you need to know clearly what you can push through, how to treat an area if you flare it up, and when you need to do something else. Can you share your benchmarks now? These are what you do 1, 2, 3 times per day both in exercises and activities. Hope this begins our discussion. Rich

M's response:

Thanks for your response.
Believe me, I push through so much pain that all it causes is MORE intense pain.
Two days ago I walked for 40 mns and from noon on onwards could no longer stand let alone walk. Yesterday, I did another 30 minutes, but to what avail?
The "nerve" pain is horrific and by now every joint from shoulders to ankles = arthritic and more.
Am scheduled for an MRI this pm for the "dorsal spine"; the cervical MRI revealed C5-C6 compression (myelopathy) and more.
So wish I had some orthotics I could imagine using... Out of my 30 odd pairs (!!) - it's a mess.
Will keep you posted to te best of my abilities and thanks for your aimiable assistance and prompt reply.
What a sad way to end after havinbg lead a "rich" life!
Best from
M

Dr Blake's comment:
     Nerve pain is true suffering M, and I am sorry. Even neural tension for your cervical area (neck), can lead to nerve hypersensitivity in the feet making it difficult to walk. Since Calmare Pain Therapy was invented in Europe, hopefully an opinion from them would be helpful. It works on the nerve pain only, but may help with the pain that is neuropathic in origin (typically the worse for us humans to deal with). Please see the links in my blog and other discussions of nerve pain treatment. Rich

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Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.