Stinging in outer foot area - Nerve pain

[greekqueen]

Hi, I have had this pain for all of this year, it starts whenever my foot isn't pressing on the ground, eg when I am relaxing in recliner with feet up or even sitting in a chair, it very rarely eases.I am a diabetic type 2, with year on dropping numbers but still needs improving. I am on full doses of gabapentin and co-codamol and low dose amitriptilyne for shoulder, hip, neck and back pain

Phoned GP and said I wasn't sleeping and I would only get messages passed on through receptionist that I am on plenty of painkillers, and a phone appointment in 2 weeks to discuss options was offered to me.

I have applied ibuprofen gel but am an asthmatic and don't think it offers relief either.

I've tried massaging and changing positions.

I have a large varicose vein in the calf, my main vein so not removable. All my psin and problems are in the right side of my body only.

I haven't really had any kind of nerve pain outside discs and relayed areas in spine causing pain but not legs or feet.

There is no burning just awful stinging like a big open fresh cut, no obvious marks.

I am in Scotland and I hold out no hope of being referred or getting nerve tests, would an injection work, if it is the sural nerve, if it is that, or does anybody have any experience of this at all please?

Thank you

Lila

[kenster1]

does sound nerve related but I agree getting to see a specialist is a long wait. I experience gout and involuntary toe movement which I suspect is nerve related but getting anyone to see me is virtually impossible and I`m also in Scotland.

[greekqueen in reply to kenster1]

Aww Kenster1, I do sympathise, I've had gout in the past a few times and it can be excruciatingThanks

Lila

[Joe_D in reply to greekqueen]

greekqueen pain can certainly grind us down!

[greekqueen in reply to Joe_D]

Joe_D, totally agree with you there 👍💯

Lila

[Joe_D in reply to greekqueen]

Lila are you getting any help for your pain at all? Doctors don't seem to be doing me any good. Feeling pretty low today, honestly.

[greekqueen in reply to Joe_D]

Just repeat prescriptions and being referred to physio and discharged same day. It's this new problem that has been worsening for months that is eating into my day that's affecting me the most now.

How about you Joe?

Is it pain that is making you feel low?

Lila

[Joe_D in reply to greekqueen]

I have had pain for about a year now following an injury. But the doctors say I "should" be healed from the injury by now, so no real diagnosis and no real treatment. Yes, the pain is pretty bad today and that contributes to me feeling low. But also I am feeling like this will haunt me forever. I totally understand what you mean by it eating into your day! Do you know any cause for your pain at all? Did you have an injury? If I may ask.

[greekqueen in reply to Joe_D]

That's hard😢

Are you on any kind of medication, or attending therapy?

Obviously you still have pain and need this addressed, no matter what the doctors have foreseen. You can't just be left like this and should have been given something to help ease the pain, especially so as it's affecting your mental health.

I would keep badgering them till this pain is dealt with to at least take the edge off, and if you can't see a gp or specialist ask if there are nurses who can see you, a pain clinic you can be referred too, talking therapy, a support group, just anything that can help you in the meantime, so you aren't sitting stewing with this pain going over things

Lila

[Joe_D in reply to greekqueen]

Lila, thanks for your kind support! I had pain medication but only for about three days following the injury. Do you have meds and are you doing therapy? Being able to talk to someone about this sounds like a good idea! People without pain just don't really understand.

[greekqueen in reply to Joe_D]

That doesn't sound right at all Joe, have you seen anyone since then about your pain? They can't just dismiss you and ignore you are in pain🤔Try and get an appointment with your GP or nurse and insist you are not coping and really need some help please.

I have been on gabapentin, co-codamol and amitriptilyne for over ten years now. Physio more than ten times, neurologists and the pain clinic, who couldn't do anything for me.

As long as my pain is mainly under control I can cope.

Yes even my daughter who has just qualified as a nurse doesn't really get everything going on. As long as my brain is still ticking along, my memory is another thing😂, I can handle things alone

Please seek help for your pain, you are never alone and there is a great community all here for you

Lila

[Iliketojugglejuggle in reply to Joe_D]

Hey there! Just curious what kind of injury you had and what your pain level is at? I’m in a similar situation as you, but I’m only about 3 months post injury and all doctors and specialists I have seen say I shouldn’t be feeling pain from my injury by now. I’m trying to determine if what I have now is RSD/CRPS, and even though three doctors I have seen so far including a pain specialist say it’s not that condition, but just diagnose me with leg pain after leg contusion. I’m on gabapentin, it helps a little I suppose.

[november23 in reply to greekqueen]

I have pain in leg in evening when leg is raised and at rest and also have varicose vein in that leg I also have knee pain but on movement. I have high cholesterol bp prediabetes, avascular necrosis, re shoulder injury. Did you ever get checked out for peripheral artery disease, claudication ever have Echocardiography re heart health checks with diabetes I believe these might be interrelated. Is it related to your circulation I wonder. It needs to be investigated at this stage. Some people get temporary relief from magnesium supplements obviously you would have to check with pharmacist for any interactions contraindications. Persist with Gp its not ok to have pain like this. Please go back to your doctor and ask for a referral, they obviously don't understand or care about your health. Have you the possibility of seeing a nutritionist, dietician while you are waiting for a referral to a consultant don't be fobbed off the squeaky wheel gets the oil

[greekqueen in reply to november23]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble too november23😔

No I have never been checked or had checks for any of those things and I already take magnesium plus extra in an a to z vitamin, they definitely help.

Once you have chronic conditions and find one little thing adds on to the many other symptoms/illnesses you have it just becomes too much and you end up not mentioning it to any professionals you see, or they don't know how to deal with you; you are definitely right there👌

Lila

[november23 in reply to greekqueen]

Totally agree I don't even discuss all symptoms with GP as she get overwhelmed, not as interested as i get older. Too many patients, the health system overwhelmed and not enough gps healthcare very expensive here in Ireland. Its about money with primary care. Why would you be lying that's a horrendous accusation to make. I got referral to vascular surgeon re varicose vein, he did mini doppler scan but he wouldn't operate he said. I said about the pain and he said it could be muscular! and it felt like I wasn't on Schindler s list for that day. The woman before me was getting a procedure, i got mri on knee and have trace bakers cyst, cartridge damage. They are all just too busy. Yes id watch the varicose vein but what is the source of that or reason. I find more relief with massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage than allopathic doctors to he honest

[greekqueen in reply to november23]

I think I have worked out it is definitely related to this varicose vein (that was meant to be operated on in 2011, but the surgeon insisted I had previous surgery on and said I was lying! 😳😭)

[etheral]

Topical lidocaine 4% is available OTC is available in a cream or spray (Aspercreme) and has worked temporarily for mefor similar pain..(USA)

Best, etheral

[greekqueen in reply to etheral]

Thanks Etheral, I am in the UK, will ask about lidocaine formats when GP phones me.

Lila

[NanaFifi]

I have nerve pain in my left foot/over my ankle which stems from nerves being pinched L3 and/or S1 - (L4/5 fused) I wonder if, when reclining you’re pinching a nerve in your spine?

Hope you find out the cause and get some relief xx

[greekqueen in reply to NanaFifi]

Hi NanaFifi, yes I do have lower disc problems.I think I have figured out that is all related to this large varicose vein I have had for 20 years and my leg has been turning black and blue for five years now.

Will mention it to GP in phonecall.

Nice to meet you. 😘

Lila

[rabbits65 in reply to greekqueen]

Greekqueen hello, just to say I get nerve pain in my feet and the chiropodist /podiatrist did some tests for me on her machine. I think it’s called peripheral neuropathy . Just thought I would pass on that information, I hope you feel better soon. It’s not easy being in pain with the state of the NHS is it? At least we can support each other on here.

[greekqueen in reply to rabbits65]

Hi rabbits 65, yes I am diabetic and have been for 20 years. I do have the odd numb patch on my feet but suspect this is because I have slept on a recliner all of this year. It is squashing a large varicose vein on the back of my leg and I think it is causing pain in my foot.

Phonecall with GP is onTuesday but don't expect much. I was told via receptionist that I was on a very high dose of pain meds, meaning I shouldn't expect anything else! 🙄😂

Hope you aren't suffering too much from your nerve pain.

Will update this thread this week 😀

[rabbits65 in reply to greekqueen]

Thanks for your reply , we certainly do have a battle don’t we. Good luck !

[NanaFifi]

ps I’m in Scotland too 😂 xx

[alex232]

I get spasms particularly a long one side of the body, which of course effects the other side. I got diagnosis of FND - which does not help at all. I have pain on feet - I get a lot of help with using a ball to massage - it releases a lot of tension elsewhere. Also I get a lot of tension in hands - a stress ball also helps - again it helps to feel and release the tension. I don’t find regular drugs too helpful as my body find ways around them in the end - so you end having both problems. I also have varicose veins - I am sure this is also a issue, just the way my body functions generally. I hope this help

[greekqueen in reply to alex232]

Thanks alex232, yes definitely releasing tension I find helps. I love a good point and flex of the feet and a squeeze and release of the muscles before sleeping. It does help with getting to sleep and relaxing whole body.

Thanks for replying 😊

Lila

[Konagirl60]

All I can suggest is trying some CBD oil tablets, taking turmeric pills and passionflower tablets.

Don’t let any doctor brush you off. Good luck.

[greekqueen in reply to Konagirl60]

Hi Konagirl60, I've tried mid strength CBD oil capsules then full strength, and put on a stone in 6 weeks, took me 3 years to lose it again and they didn't help with the pain.

I am very interested in turmeric foods and drinks and haven't tried passionflower.

Thanks 😊

Lila

[Konagirl60 in reply to greekqueen]

Forget CBD. I don’t like anything that makes me gain weight either.

Try fresh turmeric juice if you can and passion flower juice and tea.

[greekqueen in reply to Konagirl60]

I definitely will, willing to try almost anything.

Thank you😉

Lila

[minka]

A tennis ball rolled under foot eases of the pain a bit. My foot has gone flat

[greekqueen in reply to minka]

Thanks Minka, I tried one for shoulder but was too painful.Did try massaging as suggested and it did change things.

I remember using a tennis ball for plantar fasciitis. Will did it out and give it a go😊

Thanks☺️

Lila

[minka in reply to greekqueen]

It sort of helps a bit after time

[PainGo1]

I have chronic Achilles Tendonitis after a foot injury 5 years ago and pain in the leg. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to take regular painkillers for years without any harm to stomach and liver etc? As they are the only things that get me out of bed each day. The doctors have no answers for chronic pain and there doesn't seem to be any natural painkiller alternatives.

[katieoxo60]

Reading the posts greekqueen, I would say its nothing to do with where you live just the treatment in general for pain on the NHS. Even the pain clinics are much the same. Most chronic health issues are left to the patient to manage themself especially if the GP is already giving the usual things for your symptoms. I find if I warm a wheat bag and wrap it round ankle it stops most foot pain , worth a try. Just wearing socks can relief some pain. Some times just the comfort of warmth distracts your mind from the pain. (mind over matter as they say) . Not sure how long term pain relief effects the rest of your health, so alternatives are a good option. But I do know there are days when pain can pull you down especially when it is day in day out. Had chronic pain myself since I was in my thirties that's clocking on to 40 years managing it. Good luck with trying to find releif.

[greekqueen in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi Katieoxo60, that's a long time to be managing pain, you will know yourself well.

Yes definitely heat is something that works for me too.

I find I get more pain the colder my feet are. I have heated slippers that plug in, but didn't really generate heat. Also have microwavable slippers but haven't used them on years, always thinking about using them again.

Thanks 😊

Lila

[greekqueen]

Hi everyone, just to update I have been referred for my varicose vein, last time was 2009, hopefully something will be done, the nerve pain has died down a bit.

Thanks for all your input and help x