Christine,

I and many others have been where you are. What you are feeling is most likely nerve pain. When my RSD first geared up it was in my right leg and foot. Unfortunately, it spread quickly to the left leg and foot as well. It was difficult for me to lay down on either side because the pressure of one leg on the other hurt too much. Shoes would hurt my feet and any pressure on those lower extremities caused me pain. I always called it a deep tissue pain but it never actually felt like muscle pain - it was deeper than that. There was an electrical component to the pain as well; sometimes sharp stabbing pain and at others shooting pain.

Even now on bad days it hurts to put my feet on the floor. Try walking without putting your feet on the floor!

You should talk with you doctor (hopefully a neuro) about the pain and be specific about where and when. In my case it took time and treatment with several medications but the doctor finally found the correct meds to manage this "nerve pain." Now I can sleep on my side without a problem. The sensation caused by my legs and feet laying one on top of the other has not totally gone away, but it is nothing compared to before. As for walking, I get around as needed but my feet throb for hours after being up too long.

You should not have to settle for sitting up to sleep. There is help...

Best of luck in your search for a good night's sleep on your side!

EJ