Mrs. D -

"Feet only implies to me:
possibilities:
1) foot structure issues (including compression of nerves)
2) compression of nerves in the spine
3) circulation problems-- do you have cold feet too? color changes?
4) did you take drugs (or are currently taking drugs) implicated in causing neuropathies?"

I have been ruled the same, no involvement other than feet. 18 months now.

Neurosurgeon says it's not back.

Shands neurological in Jacksonville did nerve conduction tests and his opinion was "no tarsal tunnel".

Tested for circulation problems, ruled negative.

Did not start taking gabapentin until after neuropathy started.

I still find it strange that the neuropathy started after I began a walking regimen in old shoes that were probably too tight.

I do have high arches. Podiatrist recommended orthotics, which I have, but do not wear all day, due to the fact I can't stand lace up shoes all day. I live in Birkenstocks and slippers.

Also, anyone on Amytriptyline - have you had issues with weight gain? I just shed 30 pounds of Paxil weight and don't want to go there again.

Well, you said it yourself...

Your doctor's "opinion" is just that. It is not a fact, but an opinion.

If you know your trigger, then you have some foot structural problem. It just hasn't manifested itself in testing yet.

Have you tried topical products to see if they help or work at all?

Biofreeze, or Lidoderm patches? Magnets?

And I like the Idiopath term. We should have a thread on the SubForum with that title!?

If some nerves were injured in your feet, then focusing on healing them up may be your course of action. As long as you don't trigger them in the same way again! I know for myself, I cannot wear certain types of shoes anymore. The tops of my feet are very sensitive now.

Try this test. Take a hard object, like a butter knife handle and bonk your instep in a couple of places. Don't need a heavy bonk, but just a modest dink with it. If you feel jolts down to your toes in some places, that is called the Tinel's sign. Meaning some compression or nerve issues are present. You can do this on the wrist too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsal_tunnel_syndrome
The foot is highly complex. Fluid retention there causes problems, and that can change as the day goes on. I know for myself, I have alot of tendon ganglions that I was born with, that swell up and then go down. My left surgical foot is now giving me issues --pain in the ankle coming and going. I foresee some intervention for that coming. I am thinking a laser surgery on the remaining hemangioma I have there under the skin.

It doesn't take much to mess up your feet IMO. So I would focus on healing now. That high arch will always be problematic for you too.

Also, anyone on Amitriptyline - have you had issues with weight gain? I just shed 30 pounds of Paxil weight and don't want to go there again.[/QUOTE]


I was also concerned about the possibiltiy of weight gain with Amitriptyline. I lost 40 lbs 4 years ago and was determined not to gain it back. I have been taking low Amitriptyline since 8/2010. I'm currently on 10 mg in the am and 30 mg in the pm and have not had any problem with weight gain. If you're willing to share, I would be interested in your Paxil history. As I've posted previously, I continue to wonder if my idiopathic neuropathy might have been actually related to my Paxil use. My neuropathy began in my feet after I had been taking Paxil for 8-9 years. and within 6 months moved into my hands prompting me to taper/discontinue Paxil. I had a difficult withdrawal followed by progression of my neuropathy until it became full-body within 6 months of discontinuing Paxil. I've located anecdotal reports online of others with similar histories, but I've found nothing in the literature to support this, except that paresthesias are reported as a side effect of Paxil.

I'm getting somewhat of a referral down to the big toe. Of course, at the end of the day, the buzzing and burning is at it's peak. I'll try again in the morning.

I have been using magnets and SalonPas, and they seem to make a bit of a difference. Going to have to get some BioFreeze; could not tolerate capsacin and the stock Ben Gay stuff is worthless. Am starting on an Epsom Salt regimen to see if that works.

I like to exercise on a Wii Fit, but it wants bare or stocking feet. I am going to start using ankle braces with arch supports inserted and see if that makes any difference.

After spending the last month dealing with a cervical epidural and a Moh's procedure for skin cancer, I just hate to get on the medical treadmill again, but I guess I need to get back to a podiatrist. I had a falling out with her when this started and she couldn't get me measured for orthotics for a month; then another six weeks to get them. Guess it's time to eat crow and go back.

Lizzie, I stopped my Paxil about a year before the neuropathy started. Mine is confined to my feet only. I have a feeling, as Mrs. D stated, that this is some sort of structural problem and not drug related. Thanks for the input on the Amitrip; think I will ask my doc about it at my next visit.