Hi,

I'm new to this forum and looking for some info on burning feet and palms. I've had the problem my whole life (refused to wear shoes as a child, had to hold onto cold brass bedpost to fall asleep, etc.). If the soles of my feet, backs of my heels or sides of my toes touch anything for longer than a few seconds they start burning. If I don't move them (fast!), it becomes unbearable, and the longer I let them burn the longer it takes for them to calm down afterwards. Movies, restaurants, waiting in line, or any time my feet need to be flat on the ground are difficult - I have to kick off my shoes and turn my feet on their sides. Haven't been able to read in bed without my feet hanging off a pillow for years. I love standing on cold marble and hate hot beach sand. Over time it has worsened and crept up to my fingernails, toenails, etc...now I'm 40 and have a hard time finding a sleeping position where my soles, palms and nails aren't touching anything, even a sheet. With my last child I had an epidural, and when that wore off it was unreal -- my feet were hanging in space off the bed and I was wide awake all night certain that something was wrapped around them. Bad news!

I've never taken anything for this before. I feel like I could tolerate it for the rest of my life unless it got any worse, then I'd have to take some stronger measures. I'd rather not take Neurontin because of the risk of weight gain. My MD doesn't like that I'm losing sleep and prescribed Topamax yesterday and said to start with 25mg, but I am nervous about the side effects. Not to mention, I have 3 very young children and am not sure I want to give up my glass of wine at night (or two)! So I haven't tried it yet.

I've never met anyone with this problem before. I'd love to hear from anyone who has a similar problem, and any recommendations or experiences they'd like to share. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks to all...

Sarah