Ep 5. Mass of Mystery

The show My Feet Are Killing Me is a medical reality TV series that follows the lives of Dr. Brad Schaeffer and Dr. Ebonie Vincent, both of whom are highly skilled podiatrists with years of experience in treating patients with foot and ankle problems. The show offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most challenging cases they have seen, and how they work together to diagnose, treat, and ultimately help their patients find relief.

In season 3, episode 5, titled Mass of Mystery, the show takes viewers to the clinic of Dr. Brad Schaeffer as he treats a patient with a mysterious foot mass. The patient in question is a woman in her late 30s who has been experiencing pain and discomfort in her right foot for several months. She has noticed a small lump on the top of her foot, and over time, it has grown in size and intensity.

Dr. Schaeffer begins the consultation by examining the patient's foot, taking her medical history, and asking about any previous injuries. He then orders X-rays and an MRI so he can get a better understanding of what might be causing the growth. The tests reveal a mass around the ligament in the middle of the patient's foot.

Dr. Schaeffer is initially unsure what the mass might be and decides to biopsy it to determine if it is malignant. The biopsy comes back negative, but the mass is still growing, causing the patient significant pain and discomfort. Dr. Schaeffer realizes he needs to get to the root of the problem and orders a more extensive battery of tests.

The next medical team to be featured in the episode is led by Dr. Ebonie Vincent, who treats a patient with a severe case of ingrown toenails. The patient is a young man in his early 20s, and he has been dealing with the problem for years. His toenails have grown into his skin, causing him constant pain, increased inflammation, and a severe infection.

Dr. Vincent begins the treatment by cutting and removing the part of the nail that has grown into the skin. She also prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection. She explains to the patient that ingrown toenails can recur if proper care is not taken, so she advises him to come back for follow-up appointments.

Dr. Schaeffer's patient, meanwhile, undergoes further testing, including a CT scan and an ultrasound. Based on the results of these tests, Dr. Schaeffer comes to a definitive diagnosis. The mass in the patient's foot is a rare type of synovial sarcoma, and it needs to be surgically removed.

Dr. Schaeffer walks the patient through the surgical procedure and explains the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. After the patient agrees to the procedure, Dr. Schaeffer performs the operation, removing the sarcoma and ensuring that the patient's foot is restored to full function.

The episode concludes with a post-op follow-up, checking in on both patients to determine how they are recovering from their respective procedures. Through these stories, the show provides insights into the challenges of treating patients with foot and ankle problems while highlighting the importance of early detection and proper medical attention.

Overall, this episode of My Feet Are Killing Me is a testament to the skill and expertise of the medical teams featured in the show. The challenges they face in diagnosing and treating complex foot problems are significant, but their dedication to helping their patients find relief is admirable. Fans of medical reality TV will find this episode to be both informative and engaging, providing a compelling look at the world of podiatry.