Orthotics symptoms and conditions

It has been almost two years since I took one tablet of 500 mg levaquin for a throat infection. I immediately felt lightheaded, then came the hot prickly skin, rapid heartbeat, insomnia and just a feeling of doom. I did not take another pill. Right after this my ankles started to hurt and podiatrist said had a torn posterier tibial tendon. To this day, I cannot walk without a limp, and can only wear athletic shoes with orthotics. If I stand for or walk for a small period of time I am in a lot of pain and have to sit. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis from the inflammatory markers in blood tests and rf factor, even though mri of my hands and wrists are normal. My right shoulder and arm hurt, my wrists and fingers hurt, my knees, neck. It is better, but I will never be the same as I was - no more running, walking my dog, going camping with my daughters girl scout troop - can't go hiking. I am 50 and I feel like I am 90. Would like to sue someone.

I am a heathy 63 year old male. Completed a half marathon last year. Run 15-20 miles a week and bike 20-35 miles a week. I've never had any medical problems except to be on blood pressure medicine for 20 years. It is controlled.

Last April I had a bout of plantar fasciitis in my right foot. The podiatrist recommended and I purchased orthotics.

The heel pain did not subside, in fact the whole foot became sore all the time. The other foot joined the party and within a couple of months I could not run because of pain.

I used stretching exercises recommended. Purchased two foot splints to hold the foot at 90 degrees at night to reduce tearing of the tendon. I mixed Aleve and Iboprophin to help with the pain. No relief.

The discomfort in both my feet was at a level it hurt to get out of bed and walk. I did not wish to walk to the mail box or go shopping with my wife. I hold national computer workshops. I could not stand all day. I had to use a bar stool. When I finished for the day, I'd go to my hotel room and order from room service. I had no interest in walking.

I was wondering if it was the orthoditics. Tried it without them. No change. It was now into the 8th month. I was thinking I was just an old man who had worn out his feet running.

Then I did research on the Interent and discovered Lipitor side effects. I had gone on Vytorin (Lipitor/Zetia combo drug) a couple of weeks before the plantar fasciitis started.

I slowly reduced my Vytorin until it was zero. Within 3 weeks 95% of pain was GONE! Within 2 months it was completely gone including the heel pain.

I now run again, walk and have my quality of life back.

When I went for my annual physical I explained what happened. The doctor did not say wow, that is common. He was kind enough not to make a judgement call. He said well, you must have had a side effect not well known. I told him it was muscle pain in my feet rather than large musle groups as is usual with this side effect of Lipitor.

My lipids are not over the hill bad but he is aggressive in treating carcio vascular issues. So we are going to try Zetia by itself and then possibly Niacin.

Let me say, I am not an extremist about statins nor do I believe there is a conspiracy wiht drug companies. Statins do work for most people.

I have a strong opinion that we must have a equal relationship with our doctor to determine our treatment. The Internet gives us that opportunuity to get the knowledge we need to talk to our doctor. Without the info on boards like this I would been a broken down old man with bad feet using the electric cart at Sams and selling my RV.

Best wishes in your search for satisfactory health.