[robpp]

Hi,

I tried search before posting. Here goes:

I have a tingling in big toe, and next 2 on both feet. Feels almost normal when i am barefoot, When i put on socks or shoes, it feels as if I have 20 toes on each side. Yet there isnt any apparent swelling or redness.

I think we have narrowed it down to either buging discs on l5-s1 on both sides or early stages of diabetes. Latest blood test showed I was near limits for diabetes. doc added metformin.

Back doc scheduled a EMG, we have baseline from earleir tests.

history: 4 bulging discs in 2003. had laminectomy l2-l3 right 2007. leaving 3 bulging discs. l5-s1 on both sides are the 2 worst. Over weight. no other diabetic symptoms. I do also have gout, went to rhuematologist, confirms no sign of arthritis in toes.

Any ideas on other options I can try?

[mrsD]

will also refer pain from the knee.

When I had my right knee problems over 10 yrs ago...
massive swelling and pain, I went to an ortho who gave me Vioxx, and mri and said "synovitis".

I went to a chiro then, who adjusted that knee and all the pain in my toe went away in seconds! There is a dermatome that goes to the big toe. So yes, it can be referred:

http://www.webmanmed.com/painrefer_files/frntderm.html
click on image to enlarge.

Dermatome to big toe is L4
Dermatome to middle toes L5

But remember if your knee is swollen or a problem it could be complicating things.

[robpp]

Thank you for this info. I'll bring it up with my Chiro and see what he can do.

[nide44]

PN can also mimic swollen feeling in feet/toes without apparent swelling.
I have this constantly. My feet also burn and are at the same time cold,
or alternately hot & cold causing me to shift my feet from under the covers, to outside the covers when trying to sleep- or waking to have to shift feet from under, or out of the covers. Many times I have to use 'Icy Hot' (or generic) to help - when burning symptom occurs.