Foot Pain

Hi, I'm Suzi, and I'm a fibromyalgia sufferer! Sounds like an AA meeting. Anyway, I'm new here; this is my first post. I didn't know that FM could cause foot pain, but I sure know it now. It cost me my job last week (retail sales at Cracker Barrel). I've been seeing a podiatrist for about 2 months now, and I've had two sets of orthotics made. The first ones hurt so bad I couldn't wear them. The second ones are actually the first ones with a lot of cushioning on them. They feel better, but far, far from adequate. I thought I had plantar fasciitis, but after many tests, the answer was I don't. I slept in braces at night, did exercises... etc, all to no avail. It's neuropathy. I start therapy tomorrow; I'm really hoping it will help. I take Lyrica, Cymbalta, Tramadol and OTCs, which help with the other body pain, but don't seem to be helping with the foot pain. I heard about a med specifically for neuropathy called Neurontin. Has anyone used this med? Does it work? Even with insurance, all these meds are taxing our resources.

If you are experiencing sleep problems, see if you can get your doctor to order a sleep study. Mine did, and it turned out that I was getting NO REM sleep, which is the restorative phase of the cycle. (People used to think that REM - Rapid Eye Movement - meant they were dreaming. Made sense, but it was wrong.) So they put me on CPAP (Controlled Passive Air Pressure) and I've been using it for about a year now. It REALLY helps! Much more than sleeping pills, which tend to keep you OUT of that phase you need so much.

Thanks for listening. I don't have anyone around to share with. My husband and grown children are supportive, but I rarely mention it to others.

Suzi

Thank you, SE! I have checked it out, and actually started the same thread there, as it is also a FM issue. I look forward to meeting other members!

Hi Suzi. Welcome aboard. I am Suzane and I suffer from continous severe headaches. I am 52.

You will just love it here. The members are all so true to their hearts. I have made some wonderful friends. They all understand what we are going thru because they too have gone thru much the same, whether it's chronic pain, depression, loneliness, trouble with doctors, questions about tests, everything. We all come here to share, to vent, to be together, to help each other get thru those rough days. You will find you have a new family here.

Post again when you can.

hugs

Hi Suzy -
I had foot pain and the podiatrist said my pain was from my back. Not neuropathy! Just a pinched branch of sciatic nerve where it comes out of the spine. One injection of cortisone and it was gone! (Two orthopedic surgeons mis-diagnosed it completely! One told me to go out and buy bigger shoes.)

Keep fussing with the podiatrist about the fit of the orthotics until you are happy. My guy has adjusted 4 times, free, mostly raised the wedge until it stopped my ankle pain. He says only the really hard plastic ones are worth using. The cork or other soft ones just don't support much. I can't stand to walk down the hallway without my supports unless I walk on the outside edge of my left foot.

I've also tried Lyrica and Neurontin for my fibromyalgia and feel much better now that I've stopped taking them. I am currently taking tramadol 100mg extended release and nothing more, except diazepam or temazepam on bad nights for sleep. It doesn't stop all the pain, but it's the only thing that stops the muscle pain for me.

Suzi
I have a tiny hot tub in my bathroom - fits in what was the back half of a small walk-in closet. I sit in it twice a day and it helps a lot.

You might ask about the tramadol. Just don't take it with Flexeril, any narcotics, any tranquilizers except banzodiazipines, or you risk serotonin syndrome. I like it for my moderate - severe fibro and sciatic pain. I could use a lot more for my horribly arthritic spine, but heating pad helps along with an occasional Vicodin. I don't expect to ever not have pain.

Interesting about the little tumors. I've never heard of this before. Is this a condition with a name?

Suzie,

My humble opinion is that maybe an epsom salt soak might help? Its generally good for sore muscles, and since FM does involve muscle pain, its worth a try :)

Hi Suzi,

Sorry I am little late in welcoming you, have not been feeling very good lately! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry for the conditions that brought you here but I am glad you found us! We have an amazing group here and you have already met some of them!

I have terrible foot pain from nerve impingement from my lower back problems, so I can relate to a point. I also had to quit a job that had me on my feet most of the day!

But mostly, I just wanted to chime in with a hello and welcome!

Hugs,
Beckey