Hi all,

I am not sure if I have CRPS. 7 months ago I developed knee pain after walking in a pair of heels. A month later, I developed tennis elbow-like pain on both sides. 3 months ago my right foot developed arch pain and a bit on the left too. I was seeing physiotherapists all this time, then started to see a podiatrist for the arch pain. They gave me orthotics and in the 2nd week of wearing them I had excruciating shooting pain in my heels. That is when they started to suspect nerve pain. I can't put my heels on the mattress at night without using cushioning underneath and a rolled up towel to protect my heels, so falling asleep takes a while. I went to my GP who was unsure of what is wrong and suggested I start taking Lyrica 25mg at night at first then 50mg (reduced to 25mg again as I don't think it's helping).
This didn't help much so I started taking 1 x Tramadol 50mg at night as well. I can't take much more as it constipates me.
As a result of not being able to walk too long, my upper and lower back hurt now too. Not sure if this is a knock-on effect.
I saw a rheumatologist 2 weeks ago, he ordered a whole body bone scan (which has come back clear) and a whole lot of blood tests for autoimmune diseases. My GP had a copy of some results all of which were negative except ANA (antinuclear antibodies). I am seeing the rheumatologist again next week as well as a pain specialist.
I am petrified of what is wrong with me and what the rest of my life will be like. I'm only 41 and was still hoping to have a child -I have been doing IVF for 4 years.
I live in Melbourne Australia. Please send me your comments and most of all reassurances as I am very scared.

You are doing the right thing with testing and seeing multiple specialists.

Did you ever have any actual "trauma" to any part of your body before these symptoms started?

This sounds like it could be something other than CRPS in my opinion. But as we're not doctors, keep at it until you get a diagnosis that fits and is solid. And a treatment plan to match. I'd be certainly interested to see what that Rheumatologist has to say....

Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi birchlake,

No I didn't have any trauma as such unless you consider the knee getting sore after walking around in heels as trauma.
I will keep you posted.

Joanne

Hi Joanne,

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I agree with Birchlake. It doesn't sound like CRPS to me.

It sounds like more generalized inflammatory and/or neuropathy issues. Be interested in the rheumatologist's take as well.

For what it's worth, orthotics did a similar thing to me - took an existing case of plantar fasciitis (severe arch pain with heel spurs) and made it much worse. I've found that modern footwear in general (especially heels!) sets the body up for unnatural (compensated) biomechanics that erode joints and connective tissue over the long term. (Back problems anyone?)

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Thanks Visioniosiv, I value yours and Birchlake's opinions and I appreciate your quick replies.
I would be glad if it wasn't CRPS, although I think neuropathy is difficult to treat anyway. I will let you know what the rheumatologist says.

Neuropathy or possibly another immune related problem may be difficult to treat, but when push comes to shove, I'd take that any time rather than to have CRPS.

I have a good "gut" feeling that you are going to get this figured out and get to moving on with your life!!