Persistent Foot Pain: María’s Story

Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate

Our Patient:

María works long hours in a maquiladora in Juárez, spending most of her shift standing on hard floors. Over the past three months, she has developed sharp pain in her heels and arches. With limited access to healthcare through her employer, she relies on home remedies like soaking her feet in warm salt water. When her condition worsens, María finally visits a community clinic, where she is diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. She’s prescribed proper footwear and given exercises, but the lack of affordable orthotic insoles prolongs her recovery.

Patient: María, 35-year-old

Location: Juárez, Mexico 🇲🇽

Diagnosis: Chronic Foot Pain

Background:

María works 10-hour shifts standing in a maquiladora. Her shoes offer little support, and she has limited time for self-care.

Presentation of Symptoms:

Her pain began gradually, worsening after long shifts and particularly sharp when she gets out of bed in the morning.

Key Symptoms:

María experiences constant discomfort that affects her mobility and productivity.

• Burning sensation in the arches.
• Sharp pain in the heel, especially after rest.
• Stiffness and swelling.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Diagnosis: Plantar fasciitis confirmed after a clinical exam.

Treatment Plan:

• Treatment Plan:

• Daily stretching and foot exercises.
• Recommendation for supportive footwear with arch support.
• Short-term use of NSAIDs.Complications:

Complications 

– Prolonged recovery due to inability to rest. 

– Persistent pain due to inadequate footwear. 

– Inability to afford custom orthotics or reduce work hours exacerbates her condition. 

Cultural and Family Support:

– Limited employer-provided healthcare exacerbates delays in care. 

– María’s family encourages traditional remedies like herbal foot soaks, which provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying issue. 

Life Today: Possible Outcomes

• Good Outcome: María saves for orthotics, diligently follows her exercises, and achieves significant pain relief.
• Bad Outcome: Ignoring treatment worsens her condition, eventually leading to job loss due to reduced mobility.