Hi Haisook

Just from what you said

- constant tingling/vibration -not painful, but extremely annoying- sensation around the ankle (this makes me guess the deformity is compressing a nerve or could it because of plantar fasciitis?).
- a sense of tightness/stiffness at the back of the heel.
- heel pain (obviously due to plantar fasciitis).
* That sounds quite likely that you have a neural component, based on those symptoms.
*Wherever possible it is best to apply Ockhams Razor with the diagnosis- try to find one diagnosis that fits all the symptoms and not just one symptom. Wikipedia reference-linkPlantar fasciitis would only explain the heel pain. Stiffness and pain is often worst on first mobilising but the pain isn't usually at the back of the heel - rather deep at the front of the calcaneum. There are also other causes of heel pain and other reasons for posterior heel stiffness. Of course I don't know how the rheumatologist arrived at the diagnosis.
*Given a long standing deformity for instance the symptoms could arise from articular pathology.


I think this is too hard to sort out by the internet. Are you happy with the diagnosis? Given your young age and how long that foot has got to last you, I would really see if you can get a good diagnosis. Have you had an Wikipedia reference-linkMRI or high resolution ultrasound scan? of the hindfoot?

On the treatment side: if it is plantar fasciitis there is evidence for physiotherapy using: for night splints, orthotics, extracorporeal shock wave treatment, and stretching. if there is more of something like an articular problem I would go and see a specialist musculoskeletal physio about it. A podiatrist may be able to help you with the orthotics if the physio can't.