Here is a new one (at least to me). About three months ago my left ankle started swelling, and hurting when I walked. Hurt more when I lifted my for to take a step. Got a referral to an ortho/oncologist who took X-rays and his first "diagnosis" was I probably broke it in Feb when I fell in the garage and hit directly on my SST knee OR it broke and I fell. He ordered nerve studies as I also have PN in that leg. Of course waited three weeks until he finally got back to me and now said he thought I had torn a ligament -- ice it. And he wanted me to see a podiatrist. Another two weeks, another X-ray, and now voila, he says it all due to walking barefoot and I have flat feet. And Arthritis. Need to get a special brace. You guessed it, two weeks later an appointment to get fitted for an ankle brace --$1500! I ordered a brace online for $40. I said whoa. 1) All these "diagnoses" don't explain the top-of-the-foot pain, the up-the-leg deep pain, the throbbing. So, I waited to talk to my specialist today. I told him the saga since I had last discussed it with him and he shook his head. He looked at the last CAT scan of my ankle and showed me two lytic lesions in the large bone! I didn't know they were there. Dr. A told me of his very bad ankle (he said mine was beautiful compared to his. Walk through the pair, use topicals, and use the Mobix 7.5mg and try to lose weight. (Sounds like he talking to my sister!) My question is, after this LONG explanation, does anyone have suggestions on topicals or what pain relievers you use -- no opiates, please?