There’s No Point Treating That, You’re Just Going to Get Worse

Ever been to a doctor, shared your frustratingly long saga of ankle pain and foot swelling, only to be met with a dismissive “meh”? 

By: Mariska Breland ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Spoiler: I have, and let me tell you, it’s less than inspirational.

The Search for Help (And Getting the Opposite)

Let’s set the scene: Years of pain, countless appointments with specialists — ankle doctors, podiatrists, orthotists, neuro-orthopedics at Penn. I’ve tried it all: orthotics, AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), dorsi-splints, functional electronic stimulation. If they sell it at medical supply stores or mention it on a foot health podcast, I’ve likely had a go.

Then came The Appointment. You know, the one where the doctor barely looked up from his screen before uttering the now infamous:

“It’s ironic that you got MS since you’re a Pilates teacher, don’tcha think?”
“Well, there’s definitely plantar fasciitis, but there’s really no point in treating that. Since you have MS, you’re just going to keep getting worse.”
“Here are some stretches you can do at home.”

The Reality Check

Let’s break down everything wrong with that response:

• Medical degree ≠ all-knowing, especially if they dismiss patient advocacy and knowledge.
• Pilates teachers: Not immune to MS. (Shocker.)
• MS ≠ Guaranteed decline. Many people with MS remain stable, or even improve, with the right support and interventions.
• Plantar fasciitis: Not an MS symptom. It’s a biomechanical issue — think strain in the foot’s arch. Can be due to poor gait or simply doing too many fancy moves as a pretend ballet dancer.
• Calf stretches? I do them daily — plus at least half a dozen creative improvements thanks to my Pilates toolbox and friends like Katy Bowman.

If you’ve left an appointment feeling both dismissed and charged a copay, you’re not alone. Medical gaslighting is real, and — sadly — too common, especially for those managing chronic and complex conditions.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

Here’s your PSA:
You are your own best advocate. Listen to your body. Trust your knowledge. If your physician gives you an “oh well,” get a second opinion (or a third, or a fourth). Never forget: you’re allowed to question the experts. Sometimes, you know best.

How Did It End?

I advocated for myself. Asked my neurologist for an MRI. The scan showed a tibiotalar joint effusion, moderately severe synovitis, AND a type III accessory navicular (that’s a genetic extra bone). Chronic inflammation and an anatomical surprise were major contributors to my symptoms — not simply “MS progression.”

Cue the mic drop: I was right. The doctor? Still a jackass.

Foot Exercises (Because You Deserve More)

Stash his sad stretch handout and try these dynamic range of motion exercises instead. 

Want More?

• For MS facts, symptom management, and empowerment: National MS Society.
• If you’re ready to take advocacy to the next level or need a supportive, informed community, check out our MS Master Plan and continuing education for fitness pros at The Neuro Studio.

Mariska Breland is a prominent Pilates instructor and advocate for those living with neurological conditions. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002 and became a Nationally Certified Pilates teacher shortly afterwards. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Mariska channeled her experiences into creating transformative solutions for teachers and patients. She is notable for her neuro-based workshops, inventing the Fuse Ladder fitness apparatus, and her popular classes on Pilates Anytime. Mariska's current focus is brain-based fitness training and lifestyle guidance for patients and education for providers. She provides resources and strategies for living with neurological conditions through The Neuro Studio.

Photo by Ivan Samkov