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

Hi Sarah.

Have you ever been tested for B12 levels?
If not I'd get that done ASAP.
I'd also get a Vit D test when you get the B12 measured.
New research is showing Vit D very low in people in US who don't get outside in the sun enough.

Since you have had this for so long, I'd also wonder about
Gluten intolerance, or some other food reaction.(like MSG reactions)
Also thyroid...but since you have 3 children, I'd suspect that was checked with each child during your pregnancies?

You don't have numbness? pins and needles?

Some people with congenital Arnold Chiari Malformation have odd sensations, but you would most likely have other signs than just these you describe.

Have you ever tried a menthol containing lotion or ointment?
This is cooling and blocks burning nerve sensations temporarily.
Biofreeze is one form that is high in menthol and a pleasant gel that is non greasy.

With PN... one has to go thru a long detective process to find a cause and what may help. So you have to be willing to do that.

edit to ask.... do you have REDNESS with the burning? There is a condition called erythromelegia...which responds to magnesium.
If you are very low in magnesium, this might be a factor. But there is typically redness that accompanies the burning from this.
Dr. Jay Cohen MD has a book on magnesium in fact. He had erythromelegia himself, and describes how he fixed it for himself, in the introduction of that book.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post525853-154.html

Hi. I am sorry of your struggles. Have you been to a neuro? Who rx the topomax? I would get into a neuro since the condition is changing.Mrs D gave very good advice but I wonder what bloodwork you have had? Have you had any tests done since this has been going on for so long? I think in terms of meds that everyone is different. I am on neurontin and it has helped though my pain is very high at leat progress. I just had an increase so am feeling ill but it usually the side effects wear off. I have been on meds that others have had side effects and I have not so it is key to stay in the moment. It may really help you and some side effects go away or the benefit is worth it.

Thanks for the replies, mrsD and daniella. I have seen a neuro for this for a few years but she is stumped. She checked my B12 levels in 2004 and they were actually elevated (I take 4mg B12/day along with Folate & B6 for a genetic condition called MTHFR polymorphism). I've also seen a medical geneticist, who thought that because my LDL is so low (40) I might have hypobetalipoproteinemia, which prevents the body from properly metabolizing fats, leading to chronic Vitamin E deficiency and associated nerve damage. On his recommendation I've been taking 400iu water-solublized Vit E for 4 years now and haven't noticed any improvement.

Interesting to think about gluten and MSG -- I've tested negative for celiac, but I guess gluten intolerance is still possible. I have low thyroid and have taken thyroid meds for about 17 years (gee, I think I've listed every one of my medical conditions here!). I do have some numbness in my big toes and feel pins and needles in my soles, sometimes electric-feeling. I will definitely look into Biofreeze -- that sounds awesome! I've tried other menthol gels but couldn't feel them. No redness. I love the doctors who touch my feet and say, "Funny, they don't feel hot to me..." Yeah, you're not wearing them on your legs!! Topamax was prescribed by a physiatrist, who is not an expert on this but has treated people with it before. I know I am getting to the point of needing to use an Rx, I'd just rather not...hard to add anything to my life that might impair me while my kids are so little!!

Thanks for your help, you guys. I appreciate the suggestions and will look into them.
Sarah

There is a connection between cholesterol and Vit D made in the skin. I do NOT know if your low LDL means you have trouble with Vit D synthesis. A cholesterol analog has to be present in the skin in order for the sunlight to be converted properly.

So I would look at the video link I put up earlier, and get that Vit D testing done. It might be important for you.

I will -- thank you so much for the info!

On the absorb fat and nerve damage/condition. I don't have that exactly but had a long battle of anorexia to a very severe state so my lack of dietary fat and body fat I have always wondered contributed though like you since doing better I see no change though I wonder if things could of been worse. Finding a doctor who can make that connection is impossible. When I bring up my past since it is foreign territory they just brush it off. I would really encourage you to try some form of medication it has helped me and can really give you a better quality of life and keep you mobil which is very key.

Hi

I love Biofreeze, I get the gel. It can be hard to find, can't get it online, or in pharmacies, at least around here. Go to their web site, type in your zip code, and it will show you where to get it.

I believe this has changed recently. I bought my Biofreeze online 2 yrs ago. I just checked and now Amazon has it.

It used to be available only thru chiropractors and physical therapists (I was introduced to it at PT)

But now it is generalizing out into the market place.
My gym sells it but they charge a high price for it.
The Amazon link I found was a much lower price.

I really think it is great stuff too. The Ilex in it is Yerba Mate (same as the tea--which I also use) I believe this antioxidant is helpful for healing as well.
The gel carrier is quite elegant and pleasant to use. And the menthol is a good, high percentage..so it is very cooling when one has burning symptoms.