Are the bottom of your feet shiny?
 

I noticed about 6 months ago that the bottom of my feet are shiny and the palms of my hands are now as well. Do any of you have that and is it something I need to show my doctor?

I still have no diagnosis. My original neurologist said my nerves were being irritated, not damaged, but he couldn't find a cause. I am exploring the possibility that my SFPN symptoms come from a problem in my lumbar. Meanwhile it's been almost a year and a half of chronic burning and my concern is how much can they take before they are damaged if not already?

I doubt there is any real answer to this question as situations are different as are people but I'd sure love feedback.

Hi Pinkynose:

I don't know about this from first hand experience, but I Googled and got information that 'shiny skin on your feet' is a symptom of Diabetes.

Are you diabetic? I'm not.

Common Diabetes Foot Problems And How To Prevent Them | Diabetesnet.com

I do have shiny feet which is a side effect of my PN. The skin on my feet is very thin, due to reduced blood supply. The vessels that move blood around in my feet don't get the enervation they need to work well.

Neuropathy Symptoms in the Feet | LIVESTRONG.COM

My feet have thin skin and cuts and wounds take months to heal.

I have profound Peripheral Neuropathy and need braces on both legs to walk and stand.

Hugs, and best wishes, ElaineD

Hi Elaine. I am not diabetic according to all the tests I've taken. I appreciate your response and links. Thank you :hug:

I actually noticed that the bottom of my feet are shiny a few days ago, but I think they've been like that for a while now, before my PN ever started. I should say, before my PN ever started to BOTHER me.

But I am in the process of figuring out of mine is diabetes related or not - my fasting and A1C are all at the very high end of "normal" and I've been testing my own sugars lately and there have been a few in the prediabetic and even diabetic range.

I am glad you posted this question, though, because I did some research and found a lot about shiny feet and hands being a sign of diabetes. The more evidence I have to bring to my first neuro appointment that my PN could be caused by high blood sugar, the better.

This may be a function of applying lotions and creams to the feet and hands.

My husband has shiny hands too, but does not have PN.

Redness would be more problematic ...sometimes indicates liver issues.

You could ask your doctor at your next visit.

Thanks MrsD. I do apply at least one type of lotion for my symptoms to my feet and legs most nights and use my hands to do it.

Hi Pinky,

This is actually a common symptom of neuropathy. It's there in the studies and a number of physicians, including 2 neurologists, have asked and spoken about this with me. Skin changes are common especially with SFN and shiny skin is typical, perhaps normal as it progresses. My feet have become more and more shiny over time.

Now, I find it humorous that your neurologist thinks he can clearly distinguish between aggravation and damage, especially when your neuropathy is chronic. The honest ones admit that they know very little here and that such distinctions have no basis really.

I hope that's helpful. My two cents based on my own experience, reading and physician consultations so far. Hope you're doing well!

Thanks David. That's what I thought. About the neurologist: There is nothing humorous about this jerk. I tried to get him to understand that even if my nerves are not damaged YET, if they continued to be irritated they eventually will be. Instead of answering the question he went into his prepared monologue about percentages of PN people who can not find a cause and even if they do only about 1/2 can be cured. He offered more Gabapentin. Long story short I fired him about 5 months ago and have not found another.

I was hoping that since it's looking like my lumbar is the cause perhaps it can all be resolved before permanent damage occurs. However, even if it's the cause, appointments take so long to get, yet alone scheduling a surgery. I am quite worried. I hadn't pursued getting a punch biopsy but I think I need one.

That pretty much sounds like most of the physicians out there, including ones I've seen. So sad! I do hope you find someone new, who is intelligent, motivated and empathetic. A rare combination in physicians, though essential nevertheless.

Wait times are bad here too, worse than the US, so I know how frustrating it can be. Again, I do hope you get things moving along as quickly as possible given all the problems with the system there too. But it may be promising if your issue is mechanical and can be addressed. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Regarding a skin punch biopsy for SFN, if you think you have it, I'd say it's worth having it done, since it's so simple and non-invasive. I'm sure it will be a walk in the park for you, considering some of the other tests/procedures you've had or will have done. :)

I have quite painful PN and am at my wits end in not knowing what to do! The doc has just increased the Lyrica dose but that hasn't helped much. At 84+ my life is not how I would like it to be but we must press on. It is good to get on these sites to share problems. Thanks.