Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Pain in the left foot when bearing weight - goes away after a few steps.

September 14, 2017 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good evening,

I am male, 25 years old, healthy. I am currently abroad, so I am asking for a first opinion online.

For some time (about 4-5 months) I have been experiencing a mild discomfort in my left foot - only when I haven't walked for a few hours (e.g. in the morning after waking up or after sitting for a while). The pain completely disappears after just a few steps. This surprises me, because normally it should hurt more the more I walk.

The pain occurs in the middle of the foot. It doesn't hurt when I press on it from the outside. I have to walk for it to hurt.

Since the pain always goes away after a few steps and hasn't worsened over the months, I haven't paid much attention to it. But I am surprised that it hasn't improved either.

I do not run or jog. However, I do enjoy walking distances of up to 5km. I have been doing this for several years, always in comfortable footwear. It can't be due to my walking style or frequency.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions on what it could be!

Kind regards

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

what you are describing is experienced by many people, without medicine ultimately finding the reason. Often such pains go away on their own after some time, sometimes they simply remain unchanged for years, and sometimes they go away at a certain point when certain things have happened, for example after a change in diet, after a long illness, possibly with the use of antibiotics.

It is assumed that through immobilization for a few hours, "deposits" form either in a joint or in a muscle/tendon insertion point = substances are not removed, which are automatically removed during movement, and that the reintroduction of movement therefore leads to temporary discomfort.

Many patients are worried, just like you, especially if there are joint problems in the family, so that one must fear "now this is starting with me too". All examinations that are then carried out are usually inconclusive.

I hope this helps you a little further.

Dr. Schaaf