[Baileysgal]

I have horrible foot pain. I have been diagnosed with plantar fascia, achilles tendonitis, bone spurs, and a neuroma. I have had cortisone shots, sleep splints. I use a frozen water bottle and roll under my feet, also heat.

I was told not to come back unless I want surgery. I am trying to see if there is something besides surgery before I go down that avenue.

I should mention I work on concrete.

[smoothy]

I suggest you trust your doctors advice before you trust the advice of anonymous people on the internet. And before surgery is undertaken... a second medical opinion is never a bad idea if you have any lingering doubts.

Personally I prefer surgery to prolonged discomfort and pain.

[joypulv]

Are you describing pain after a day's work, and do you work all week? Or are you home on sick leave?

[talaniman]

You get a second opinion, even a third, and make a decision that works for you. Healing is lengthy and complicated with, or without surgery.

[Alty]

Sadly, going to the internet for advice is not going to benefit you. Doctors don't diagnose or treat online, they would be risking their medical license by doing so, when they cannot see, or test their patient. So any advice you get will be from lay people, people that have no medical degree. Personally, I wouldn't risk my health that way, and in my opinion, neither should you.

Get a second opinion. If the second opinion also suggest surgery as your only option, and you really don't want to go down that road, then try a homeopath. Often they can treat without surgery, and I do very much believe in their wisdom. But, that's a decision only you can make, and it's only my opinion, not a medical one, but just a lay persons opinion, which is all you'll get online. If homeopathic medicine doesn't work for you, I'd do the surgery. Again, just my opinion.

Good luck.

[joypulv]

I differ to some extent with the others. I have found useful information both here on this site, and on several medical sites, as well as comments from people, especially in areas where doctors are known to gloss over some kinds of pain. We have medical categories, and I see nothing wrong with the question. It's possible that someone has found another option, and even if it isn't totally applicable, we can give a reasonable and intelligent person the option to choose what he or she wants out of what people say.