Vitamin B 12 - Foot & Calf pain

[Paulblo]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum. I have been suffering from really sore feet for two years or so including heel pain and burning sensations in my calves, making it difficult for me to stand for long periods of time and going for a walk has become a challenge. Symptoms much worse if I consume alcohol for some reason. MRI tests completed showing no physical issues and bloods show slightly low potassium. I haven't been tested for low Vitamin B 12 but just a few days ago while discussing with my cardiologist he suggested that it could be my problem as I have been taking PPI's for a long period of time and accordingly this may have eroded my body's ability to absorb B 12. Anyone experienced anything like this? I will organize tests in new year..

[fbirder]

I must say, it doesn't sound like the pain you get with B12 associated neuropathy. And I'd be surprised if there weren't other symptoms as well.

[Paulblo in reply to fbirder]

Thanks for your feedback will get Magnesium check also as I understand can be affected by PPIs..

[Nackapan]

Keep us posted. Get the bloods done. You could be low and even if it isn't the whole picture you might prevent further symptoms or get some relief . Tou probably get dehydrated with alcohol or could affect circulation. I didn't have those symptoms with b12 deficiency.

I hope you get some answers

[Paulblo in reply to Nackapan]

Will do👍

[Marz]

Plantar Fasciitis ?

[Paulblo]

My physio doesn’t think so, convinced it’s systemic..

[Gambit62 Administrator]

The sore feet and heel problems do sound as if they could be related to tarsal tunnel/plantar fascitiis/fallen arches this relates to the constriction of pathways of nerves through the ankle and foot which can be the result of muscle weakness in the foot - which can be a symptom of B12 deficiency. The burning sensation in the calves could also be related to this.

Generally neurological symptoms associated with B12 affect the upper limbs first - tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers but that doesn't mean that B12 isn't part of the answer.

I had problems with my feet for a long time before I was finally diagnosed as having a B12 absorption problem. I did find that orthotic inserts worked well for me - feet were often sore when I was walking. On one occassion I had to crawl around the house on my knees because the shooting pain in my heels was so bad.

Do you know why PPIs were prescribed and do you have any other symptoms of B12 deficiency? symptoms tend to develop really slowly - over years or even decades ...

you can find a full list of symptoms here

pernicious-anaemia-society....

[Paulblo in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for feedback, on PPIs for GERD, may try stopping them, I use orthotics which help but transfer pain to ankle, physio gave me all sorts of exercises but couldn’t get muscles to strengthen thus going the systematic route, blood test will determine if B12 is a contributor..

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Paulblo]

sorry to hear that. Orthotics can be really tricky beasts - I was referred to a podiatrist shortly after starting treatment for B12 as I was having a lot of problems with pain in the feet and they just didn't manage to find an orthotic that worked - the one that they sent me away with ended up causing lower back pain so wore them for a couple of days and then gave up. What really resolved problems was sorting out the B12 deficiency properly - which can also be a tricky beast.

the symptoms of low stomach acidity and high stomach acidity are pretty much the same - including the heartburn of acid reflux ... and low stomach acidity is another circumstance that can result in B12 deficiency - meaning that the PPI would make it worse. Generally it isn't recommended to use PPIs for more than a month or so at a time but people are frequently left on them for years.

[Paulblo in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks again for your feedback. Unfortunately I’ve been using PPIs for years so will be hard to stop but I just found out they they can stop the absorbing of B12 & Magnesium so will get tested for both in new year, hopefully I might get some indication where I can get some relief, foot & leg pain is a real beggar..

Note: minor edit by admin

[Paulblo in reply to Gambit62]

I should have added that other symptoms are less frequent bowel movements and I’ve become a bit clumsy of late. Thanks for your feedback and happy Christmas..

[Happysmile]

I definitely had problems with my feet and pain in one calf before being diagnosed B12 deficient. If I don’t have enough B12, both return. Hope you get it sorted.

[Paulblo in reply to Happysmile]

Thanks for feedback 👍

[kmsbc]

Hi, burning sensation in my calves after a small amount of walking or standing is one of my symptoms when I'm low in B12. It feels like I've just run up a massive flight of stairs when I've done almost nothing.

[Paulblo]

Thanks for feedback 👍

[bquoss]

Yes, the calf pain made it almost impossible for me to walk. It's peripheral neuropathy, which has reduced a lot after a long time of B12 injections. I now walk everyday for over a mile. Good luck with getting the right treatment for your situation.

[Paulblo in reply to bquoss]

Thank you 👍

[Kennyatw]

Have you been checked for neuropathy? The same thing happened to me and the doctors wanted me to have an EMG.. Sure enough that was the problem

[Leils]

B5 deficiency can cause burning feet too.

Worth a try

[Heidiv]

Clumsyness can be a symptom of B12d too I think. I've always been "clumsy", but now keep dropping things and tripping over things, and also experience balance issues.

[Paulblo in reply to Heidiv]

I was never clumsy before, can’t stand on one foot with my eyes closed either so maybe balance affected? Thanks for feedback..

[Paulblo]

This is a long shot, the reason that I was with my cardiologist is that I have had an irregular heartbeat for many years, I have been on a drug called Sotalol for many years and while I’ve started to look into the B12 deficiency I’ve also stopped taken that drug and have started a different one instead. My foot pain seems to have improved in the last days just by stopping that drug, anyone have a similar experience? That didn’t even occur to me!..