Nerve damage changing after years?
 

Hello!
I'm new to this place, so this is my first forum post.

I've had nerve damage in my foot for about ten years now after I smashed and stood on a chunk of glass that cut through most of my foot. I didn't have stitches which caused the nerve to heal poorly and from then on I've had major damage to my foot pad and big/second toes. Pain is excruciating sometimes even when I'm trying to put shoes on. No one can touch the bottom of my foot otherwise it feels like daggers shooting through it. The bottom of my foot is fully numb but my toes and in between are so painful, but since yesterday the pain has changed after all these years and has made it like there is a permanent knife sticking into my big toe.

Not sure if anyone can help with this but I'm scared as it's been so long and I've dealt with the nerve damage as is and now it's changed? How is that possible? And should I seek a professionals opinion?

Help!!!!

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I had a serious surgery on my left foot to remove a cavernous hemangioma (a tumor of blood vessels) from my instep about 50 yrs ago. It was very crude by todays standards and techniques. It used to bleed all the time, so it was necessary however.

It was very damaging and my nerves were so damaged I had a numb area of most of my foot for about 20 yrs! The nerves did grow back eventually, but that foot is not the same as it was.
It tends to swell, and the ankle hurts sometimes.

But in your case I think you should see a good foot doctor.
You could have sesamoid bone issues (cracked or broken)...and pain could result as you describe from that. Sesamoid issues are quite common. You could have arthritis in the toe joint. etc.

The foot is very complex. This website is really good at describing the various foot pains and what might be wrong. It also has anatomy to illustrate it.
Your issues might be correctable with an orthotic or might need to be treated if you have arch collapse issues.

http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/

I tend to use topical agents for my foot pain. Salonpas patches work for me, Biofreeze rub, and magnesium lotion. When really flared I'll use Aleve liquigels orally.

There are compounded pain creams with multiple ingredients your doctor can order and made up by special pharmacies. These work also for some people with nerve pain.

You will want to make sure you get a good diagnosis and get evaluated for RSD (CRPS). This type of nerve pain is different from the typical PN type pains.

Welcome apc23. :Tip-Hat: