Hi everyone,

I just joined. I've been dealing with pain that came on suddenly in my left ankle and foot since February and I've seen 5 doctors specifically for the problem as well as some others along the way (urgent care, PCP). The first two said it was posterior tibial tendonitis and did absolutely nothing and it got worse. I had a couple appointments last week and two of the three specialists now agree that it's peripheral neuropathy. The neurologist I saw said it could be from vitamin B12 deficiency. My B 12 level is 256 and she said it should be at least 400 (though the lab doesn't consider it low unless it's under 200). I'm seeing from some of the posts that the pain and swelling may only be in one extremity, but does anyone have a dull pain instead of a burning pain? I definitely wouldn't describe my pain as burning. I do have some tingling in my heel now and then, but my main problems are the pain and swelling. Does this sound like PN to anyone? I'm an RN and it never occurred to me that it could be neuropathy I guess...

I joined this site at the end of Sept and I have to say I've gotten more help from these nice people and reading through old threads than I have from any dr My pain and slight swelling is on the outside of my left foot up to my ankle. Thought I may have broken a bone but xrays show bones in both feet are ok. I have small fiber neuropathy diagnosed through skin punch biopsy in Sept. The orthopedic I saw said prominent base of the fifth metatarsal with tenderness about the peroneal tendons and pain on resisted eversion. He gave me the big black boot to wear and told me to see my neuro. Of course I can't wear the boot.....it makes my foot worse My neuro said it was not his speciality so I give up and just deal with it. If I'm on my feet too much that is the first place that starts 'screaming' to me....lol

Guess that wasn't much help to you but others will come along behind me and have other info for you.

Welcome and hope to see u around the site

Take care

Debi from Georgia

Your level is indeed low. It needs to come up.
Here is my B12 thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

B12 is transported into the spinal fluid, and when the serum levels are low, then the brain does not get what it needs.
Using methylcobalamin every day on an empty stomach will
bring you up. Most of us using B12 keep our levels at 1000 or above.

The other two nutrients that people commonly are low in are Vit D and magnesium. Both will give significant symptoms when low.

Thanks for the welcome Debi. The first doctor I saw also wanted me to wear a boot, but I couldn't wear it to work because I have to be able to keep up with patients and have my balance to safely transfer them. He didn't get that at all. After that he told me to wear a lace up brace and it'd get better eventually which of course didn't happen. The next doctor ordered another type of brace that made the pain worse. The third doctor who finally ordered labs and an EMG said the braces won't help before he even knew for sure what it was (which I already knew).

Thanks Mrs. D. I didn't get a chance to read much about B12 last night, but I will. My vitamin D is also very low.

While I see that these things need fixed, I guess my main source of doubt is the dull pain...