Post by underwaterrhymes on Mar 19, 2024 18:34:36 GMT -5
Does anyone’s tops of their feet hurt - sort of like a burning, nerve pain? If so, can you tell me more about what the cause was? I mentioned this at my annual physical yesterday, so working on getting to the root of things. (I have a whole host of medical issues including neurofibromatosis with lesions in my white matter and family history of rheumatoid arthritis, either of which could be relevant, but obviously not necessarily causative of this pain.)
I do not have new or too tight shoes and am not exercising to excess. Up until today it was just my left foot, but today the right one got into the action. I do have bone spurs in my foot arch, so maybe related to that?
Also wondering if this is something every aging person experiences along with back pain, but just never talks about lol.
I’m not spiraling or anything - this is honestly the least of my health concerns, although I’m working on figuring out what’s going on for sure - but I hate not being able to walk without pain.
Post by expectantsteelerfan on Mar 19, 2024 19:48:00 GMT -5
So I have this (only in my left foot), but have yet to figure out the cause. I also have bone spurs in both feet and ongoing unresolved plantar fasciitis, as well as osteoarthritis in my feet (this was recently diagnosed, and I was offered Plaquenil for pain but was told there was nothing I could do to make it better or stop it from getting worse. I decided not to take that at this time.) I do exercise to excess (I just looked and I have over 11,000 steps today), but I do specific foot stretches each morning and ice my feet each night (and am doing that as I type this). I also have to limit what exercises I do due to foot pain (like instead of jumping lunges I just do stepping ones). I tried seeing a podiatrist and pt a few years ago, and it helped a bit, but nothing resolved entirely, so I also kinda feel like this is just something I 'deal with' and push through most days.
Post by underwaterrhymes on Mar 19, 2024 19:58:38 GMT -5
Liking out of solidarity. ❤️
expectantsteelerfan - I also have nearly 11,000 steps today, but just from walking. I love to run and I’ll sometimes do it just to get my heart rate up, but high impact is so painful right now that I’ve stopped anything but walking and strength training.
I have bloodwork Thursday (just usual annual panels plus B12 check) and we had to schedule some ultrasounds for some of my other ongoing issues, but since my sister has RA and other autoimmune issues, I’m going to ask if I should consider if this could something autoimmune.
The other thing that I am going to ask my neurologist about is if the lesions in my brain could be early signs of MS instead of NF related. I do annual tests with my neurologist (balance, strength, etc.) and everything looks good thus far, but the pain in my feet and tingling / numbness in my left hand make me think I should be asking all the questions.
I hear you on the constant pain. I was just ranting to my DH tonight about it. Between my various AI diseases, perimenopause, and NF2 it feels like my body hates me and something always hurts. It’s exhausting and anyone that sees me would never know.
I did have an episode of top foot pain a few years ago. It was RA related and settled down pretty quickly after some rest. I hope you get some better answers and I’m glad you are seeking them!! You’ve really been through it. Hugs to you!!
Post by underwaterrhymes on Mar 19, 2024 20:20:45 GMT -5
abs - ❤️❤️ I’m so sorry. It sucks, but like you, I hide how uncomfortable I am. Most people would never know.
My H and kids know because I’m honest with them about my discomfort because it impacts them. (If I am hurting, I rely very heavily on H to get shit done and the kids understand this might be a day where I am lying down more than usual.)
But myriad body parts hurting is such a part of my daily life, that I have to just push through most of it.
The feet thing is some bullshit, though. I haven’t been able to wear heels in years, but even normal shoes hurt right now.
Post by notsopicky on Mar 19, 2024 20:27:59 GMT -5
I have the exact same pain on the top of my left foot, the foot that I broke a year and a half ago w/o knowing it. Is it at all possible that you had a fall or something and you could have possibly broken a little bone in your foot w/o knowing it? I notice it the most when I do a very specific activity (once a month) walking on lineoleum, back and forth (quick turns) for 3 hours. I go to physical therapy for it.
That said, I also have arthritis in my foot, which the podatrist said was aggravated by the breaks, so I'm sure that's not helping the situation.
Post by underwaterrhymes on Mar 19, 2024 20:44:15 GMT -5
notsopicky - I don’t think so, but I guess it’s possible? I have back pain and bone on bone pain/osteoarthritis in my knees (I had reconstructive surgery on the left side back in 2001) so I’m sure that affects things. Maybe it’s a stress fracture but since the right one started hurting now too 🤷🏻♀️.
i don't have any advice, but as someone dealing with foot pain (achilles), I just want to say it sucks, and you have my sympathy.
Thank you. I’m sorry you’re dealing with foot pain too.
I live with near constant pain all over and have learned to rally and also to rest when I need to, but this is really tough to ignore.
I have a chronic illness that causes a lot of pain plus a few back issues and debilitating fatigue. I admire you for pushing on and having a family. To a degree, I feel your pain. I forgot all about the pain I had on and off for a few years on the top of my foot. Almost felt like a bruise but deeper and achy. I just realized I have not had that pain in at least a year. No one could tell me what it was from. Huh… I hope you are able to figure it out and get some relief.
I have it but its part of my autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. I have noticed that since I started new medication it has been a lot better most days unless I've overdone it.
I experience this when I have a day that is sitting at my computer all day without getting up and moving enough. That is also when I notice that my ankles and feet are a bit swollen. I probably wouldn't notice the swelling but I go home and put shoes on to work out and I can feel it when I tie the laces on those. If I am moving around during the day more I don't notice the ache/pain in the tops of my feet.
Post by litskispeciality on Mar 20, 2024 9:14:06 GMT -5
Similiar to penelope, I get a lot of swelling and some foot pain (mostly on the top) on days I don't move enough and/or drink enough water. I have seen an Endrocronlogist (sp) in the past for thyroid stuff and they'd always check my legs for swelling during the apts, however they just said drink more water.
OP and all huge hugs. I'm so sorry you have to add more to your health list.
Post by emilyinchile on Mar 20, 2024 9:27:04 GMT -5
I've had tendinitis in that spot, which was cured by rest. If you're getting 11,000 steps a day maybe it could be that? I was actually on crutches for I think a week (this was in college) because otherwise it was pretty much impossible to stay off my foot since I had to walk to get anywhere.
Post by jennistarr1 on Mar 20, 2024 9:37:38 GMT -5
as a suggestion, start wearing compression socks. Not all day, but at least a few hours in the evening. The one's I have are ankle length and toes are cut out. Things feels so much better after a few hours of those!
Post by wesleycrusher on Mar 20, 2024 10:04:03 GMT -5
I had this burning feeling when I had a pinched nerve in my foot. In my case, I have bunions and was related to them pinching the nerve. I saw a podiatrist who said it could take months to go away and recommended wearing a boot on that foot for a couple weeks and reducing my activity level (I dance and the shoes are tight). Other than that, there was no treatment beyond time. It did eventually go away, although my big toe is still sensitive to touch 2 years later.
Post by picksthemusic on Mar 20, 2024 10:45:09 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear that. I get that type of pain sometimes with stepping down after sitting for a bit, or if I hit the ground too hard (like getting out of a taller vehicle). It's on the top of my foot and it feels like a stinging burn. It usually goes away, though.
I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, so my joints are always in some sort of pain. Funnily enough, when I started taking Mounjaro for my PCOS and insulin resistance, most of my joint pain went away or was greatly reduced. I've also heard it from several other sources (FB, Reddit comment sections of folks who use the GLP-1 injectables) that lots of folks experience the same thing. We think it's tied to inflammation being reduced, but not sure.
Anyway, have you been tested for autoimmune disorders? Have you had x-rays taken of your feet? Have you seen a podiatrist? If anything, getting custom orthotics and a pair of Hokas did me wonders for my flat feet and plantar fasciitis. I also never go barefoot in my home - I always wear my Birkenstock slippers or similar.
Post by underwaterrhymes on Mar 20, 2024 14:56:00 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions / comments!
Additional info that may be helpful:
I am fatigued a lot of the time and have ongoing pain in my back, knees, hands, and feet. (I also get migraines, but not anything like what I used to get when I would vomit. Additionally, I experience abdominal discomfort and swelling, but that’s probably related to my mastectomy reconstruction since they used abdominal fat.)
I have those lesions in my white matter and the enlarged, abnormal looking lymph nodes in my neck. I have a confirmed diagnosis of NF1 and a CHEK2 mutation, both of which predispose me to various cancers, which means super fun screenings. I’ve been open about my mastectomy that I chose because of my increased risk, but aside from that, it’s mostly been screenings / checking out areas of concern through biopsies.
I saw a podiatrist a few years ago for plantar fasciitis and I have what looked like spurs in my arches. My arches often hurt because of this, but the tops of the feet are new. I didn’t really do much beyond getting a cortisone shot in each foot with some massage and PT because of all of the other appointments I have, I pretty much do what I need to do to be functional and then move on to the next issue. 🤪😢
Autoimmune makes a lot of sense to me. I haven’t been tested for autoimmune issues yet, but since my sister has rheumatoid arthritis (as well as lymphoma) it occurred to me that it’s something I should consider as a possibility.
I know this is broken record-ish. I’m just so tired.
Oh, and labs and blood pressure are usually all fine. BP is on the low side (usually 107/60) and everything is typically normal, with occasionally slight anemia and low vitamin D.
Does it feel like a sunburn and progress to a rash (petechia)? These were my symptoms (sometimes all the way up a leg and it progresses to a bruise).
I was diagnosed with Sjogrens (it's autoimmune - bloodwork confirms)
It DOES feel sort of like a sunburn. But no rash. Also, worth mentioning since I know this is typical for RA, I don’t feel heat in the area when I touch it.
as a suggestion, start wearing compression socks. Not all day, but at least a few hours in the evening. The one's I have are ankle length and toes are cut out. Things feels so much better after a few hours of those!
I am definitely going to buy some. Thank you!
Als, emilyinchile, some days I find myself needing more rest, but moving my body is important for my mental health, so I need to figure out a balance. I won’t hit 11,000 steps today because I had to go downtown for work and I am spent. Currently lying on my couch lol.
Post by notsopicky on Mar 20, 2024 19:32:17 GMT -5
underwaterrhymes, mine feels more like pins and needles than a sunburn. Doesn't sound like you have a break, especially since it's also in the other foot.
Whatever it is, I hope you find some relief! I also wear the compression socks (not really socks, they're just like jennistarr1's) and I find those help.
That sounds a lot to deal with, and I am glad your family is supportive.
FWIW, my MS foot pains and tingling are primarily in my toes and on the soles of my feet. The tops of my feet are fine. Not sure if that is always the case with MS but wanted to share my experience.
That sounds a lot to deal with, and I am glad your family is supportive.
FWIW, my MS foot pains and tingling are primarily in my toes and on the soles of my feet. The tops of my feet are fine. Not sure if that is always the case with MS but wanted to share my experience.
Thank you! I hope you are feeling strong and healthy. ❤️
I am fatigued a lot of the time and have ongoing pain in my back, knees, hands, and feet. (I also get migraines, but not anything like what I used to get when I would vomit. Additionally, I experience abdominal discomfort and swelling, but that’s probably related to my mastectomy reconstruction since they used abdominal fat.)
Echoing tabithasoren , my mom has fibromyalgia. The top of foot pain like a burning nerve, plus your list of symptoms here is identical to hers. Fibromyalgia is often triggered by physical or psychological stress, which, unfortunately, you've had in spades the last few years.
My mom has ~3 brands of shoes she can comfortably wear. She always wears shoes inside because good arch/foot support is essential for pain management (she keeps a clean pair inside and then rotates them to outside shoes eventually). Nothing can be tight across the top of her foot. It is comical to see how loosely she laces her sneakers. She's taken to Crocs as her inside shoes, because they have good support and aren't tight, but she is constantly grumbling about how ugly they are
She was diagnosed in the 90s, but only in the last 10 years has she actually found practitioners who are knowledgable and can help with pain management. She's tried a lot on her own over the years and the thing that manages it best is regular exercise, healthy meals, and a good sleep schedule. If any of those things get out of whack the pain intensifies almost immediately.
I hope you're able to to the bottom of your pain issues whether it's fibromyalgia or something else, and that you're able to find a team who can support you to feel better!
Post by litskispeciality on Mar 21, 2024 11:12:25 GMT -5
Ugh underwaterrhymes, medical fatigue is no joke. I was anemic for a while (heavy periods) and that sh!t is no joke, like falling asleep on the couch tired. I never found a solution. I hope you can get a break and rest at some point.
As far as moving for your mental health, can you sit outside on a nice day but not move as much? Save your energy, but still get a change of scenery.
The sunburn feel is a common complaint with shingles but thats not typically bilateral so for both feet to be feeling it makes me think its not shingles. But throwing it out there!