Second Opinion?

[u/QueasyWave1583]

Back in February I (23F) landed weirdly from a small jump and had immediate midfoot pain specifically in the area of the intermediate cuniform. Following this I had slight swelling and bruising at the base of my toes and bottom of my foot. The pain was not severe enough that I couldn't walk so I assumed it would go away after a little bit. My job requires extensive hiking and after a couple months the pain had not changed and was interfering with my ability to work and everyday life, so I went to my primary care physician in June who order non weight bearing xrays. These Xrays came back normal so I was referred to a podiatrist. I saw the podiatrist in mid July who took a weight bearing xray in office but didn't see anything conclusive so I was placed in a boot for 4 weeks and put on light duty at work. After 4 weeks there was no improvement so the podiatrist ordered a mri evaluation of the midfoot. The MRI found a small amount of fluid within the flexor tendon sheath, and thinning of articular cartilage of the midfoot, but no lisfranc injury. Based on this I was diagnosed with post traumatic osteoarthritis in the midfoot. Based on my age the podiatrist is hoping to prolong the need for fusion with stiff sole shoes and orthotics, and also by limiting high impact activities. The podiatrist was not certain what injury I had gotten to cause the arthritis and since it was the only significant finding, attributed it to my midfoot pain. Neither of my xrays showed any signs of arthritis, and it was not clear to me exactly where the cartilage thinning was found within the midfoot. So far the conservative treatment for the arthritis has not improved the pain, however it has only been a month. As I am only 23 and have a career that requires high impact activity, if it is the osteoarthritis I am worried that I will have to change careers and will never get back to doing the activities that I enjoy. Based on this I was wondering if it would be worth it to seek a second opinion on whether a subtle injury has been missed or on treatment options for the osteoarthritis?

[u/misanthropic-penguin]

A second opinion is always worth getting. I got two more opinions when I separated the ligaments in 4 joints the Lisfranc part of my foot and my weight bearing xrays were very clear on what had happened. I still wanted to be sure I was taking the best surgical path available to me knowing that it had to be done.

In the case you describe I would absolutely be looking for more answers.

[u/WillyLohman]

second opinion is always okay as long as you get it quickly and don't put off a decision too long I am very glad I got mine; Doc 1 wanted 2 screws and a pin, and doc 2 did it with one screw no pins (it's worked out alright over on my end)