my son went to afghanistan for 10 months on foot patrol this year with pain and some swelling and didnt realize a fracture he had in his foot hadnt healed totally until he got back. get mri's

Yes, my hubby broke a metatarsal bone during basic training, for Vietnam. He was in a cast for weeks! They moved him thru basic --he did not have to redo it--- and then they stuck him in a desk, which saved his life I think. He became a signal core spec. 4.
Infantry did not want him.

I know people with hairline breaks, who continued to walk on them, with much pain.

Bone scans can be better at locating damage than MRIs IMO.
It will show the bones trying to heal, etc.

There is a good site with lots of information, anatomy etc to help you visualize your foot, and what is INSIDE it:

http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/

Ok, sounds like I just need to get a physician to order MRIs / Bone Scans.

Thank you so much to both of you -- I'm really hoping I can get to the bottom of this and reclaim my life!

OMG! That is a horrific incident. I am so sorry. I am very concerned because you have mentioned suicide. Do you have anyone, like your parents or a close friend, that you can reach out to? I do not have great advice because I have been newly diagnosed with neuropathy. I do experience the same issue you described that when I am active I feel a little better, but I "pay" for it that evening with worse symptoms. If I rest, that evening the symptoms are better. Are you on any medications? I have been put on Gabapentin and Clonazepam (at night) which have at least made the symptoms manageable for the time being and I am able to function. I am hoping to find some better long term solutions on this site, but at least I am not in horrible pain right now. Unfortunately, this issue runs in my family and my mother has also had PN for the past 14 years - hers came on when she fell and hurt her knee. It took her a year and a half to find a doctor to treat her symptoms and she too felt like her life was over during that time period. Please do not give up hope - keep searching for a doctor to treat you both physically and psychologically (if needed). I do not know you but I am sending you my love and well wishes. This too will pass and you can get better and find love again. You may not find answers but you should be able to find a doctor to provide you relief - keep searching and don't give up. XOXOXO