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Foot Neuropathy as a result of Shingles.
This is my first time posting , but I have diligently read the many discussions on this forum.
Here is my story. Three years ago I developed Shingles..Left upper torso which has left me with Post Hepatic Neuralgia (PHN) in same area. At the same time that the Shingles were developing I felt a strange sensation in my Right foot behind my toes. It felt like a sock was scrunched up behind my toes. An ultra sound found nothing unusual and I am not Diabetic. Over the last three years the feeling in my foot has progressed to a strange feeling in my foot. I liken it to the feeling I would get as the freezing dissipates after a dental Novacaine shot . Hard to explain but numbness followed by nerve jolts. Also, when I first step on my foot, I hear a cracking sound.
I had another ultra sound this year to look for Morton’s Neuroma but nothing found. So back to the diagnosis of Neuropathy caused by the Shingles virus. Has anyone had this diagnosis? I wonder if the PHN is connected to the neuropathy .Left upper back to right foot. The left foot has no symptoms of neuropathy.
I have a lot of pain from the PHN. I would appreciate any feedback on the above. Thanks and best wishes to you all in your journey with Neuropathy or PHN.
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Welcome @jojo1938, Sorry you are having to deal with neuropathy along with postherpetic neuralgia following your bout with Shingles. I know that has to be awful. I did a search of Connect on the Shingles virus and thought you might like to scan through the discussions and comments while you wait for members with experience to respond. Here's the list of discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.
Neuropathy first brought me to Connect back in 2016 and I thought I would share a couple of my favorite sites to learn more about the condition and treatments that are available.
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy YouTube videos (webinars): https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforperipheralneu4122/videos
I know you mentioned that you have been on Connect for awhile and have read a lot of member posts before starting this discussion. One thing that is much better on Connect than when I first started is the search function. Have you had the chance to try it?
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2 ReactionsHello John, Thanks for your warm and informative welcome.
I will definitely follow the links you gave me, and check out the search function again.
Although, the post herpetic neuralgia gives me excruciating pain at times, I have found ways to deal with that pain. The Neuropathy though is ‘a different kettle of fish’ in finding relief and I see that on the forum as so many members are urgently seeking help.
I am most concerned with my walking. My balance is not good but I do find that walking helps more than anything else. So I use a stick, and wear a soft sock and a good running shoe or trainer. I have spent too much money on socks and shoes that claim to help Neuropathy . It certainly is Buyer Beware.
I will continue to follow this forum and I wish all the very best.
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1 ReactionI would be very concerned about that CRACK sound that you mentioned. I have had nerve damage in my back from an accident years ago that causes the sympotoms of neuropathy in my feet and lower legs. A neurologist called it something else that starts with neuro. About 2 years ago while working outside on an asphalt parking lot I was not paying attention to the angle of my right foot which sometimes angles outward due to poor prioperception (position awareness). I heard a crack in my foot. But I felt no pain. Later I took my shoes off and saw no swelling or redness. Months later I noticed a bulge on the bottom of my foot on the outside edge. Xrays showed that the long bone extending back from the little toe was broken and trying to heal itself back together. Now 2 years later the bulge is slightly larger and I will probably have to get surgery to do something about it. UGGGGG! Has anyone Xrayed your foot?
Thank you for your post and concern. I am sorry to hear about your accident and now back and foot problems. Hopefully, you will find relief soon if you go ahead with the operation.
I have had an X-ray on my foot and the result showed nothing untoward. This is very strange as I know something is not right with the strange feeling in the toes, the way I am now walking with balance issues and the cracking sound when I stand. Also, I have the problem only in the right foot. All this happened when I awoke one morning three years ago with shingles. No pre warning signs.
Thank you again for your concern and I do hope if you have the operation all will be well again.
Interesting, I just had shingles in March and after I finished my medication I woke up with a swollen foot on the opposite side of having shingles. This foot felt very bruised on the bottom and the back of my toes felt the same as yours. I could barely put my weight on it. It’s less swollen no but is still a problem. The toes feel numb and slightly swollen especially if I have been on them all day. Have you fond out any new information since? Patty
@patty10
@jojo1938
Hi Patty,
So sorry. to know you have had shingles. It really is😫
and is a reminder to get the vaccination as soon as possible especially for seniors.
My situation is much the same as when I posted almost two years ago. Any changes are now in my ankle and lower leg which can swell badly after being on my feet I am not taking any prescribed meds and until a cure is found will learn to live with this ‘neuropathy’ I sometimes question myself that I have neuropathy.
I-have had difficulty with this reply. I apologize if you receive it twice. I will post again, as I hope you will also, should there be any changes…good or bad.
J
I had shingles on my left foot in June 2026; the rash has been gone since July 2026. The swelling in my left foot has remained and will not go down. I went to the Orthopedic doctor and they told me that I had Neurapathy and that there was nothing that they could do for my foot and that I had to wait it out. They also took an xray of my foot and said that the bone by my big toe is weakening. I can't work bcuz my foot is constantly swollen so I'm walking with a limp to keep the pressure off of my left foot. I don't know what else to do at this point bcuz everyday activities like walking, grocery shopping, laundry, going to work, etc ar now not possible bcuz of the constant swelling in my left foot. At this point what do I do? I tried applying for disability but was rejectd but I can't really move around.....smh.
Maurice the defeated
Hi @bxgunna, welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear you are struggling with the swelling in your left foot. You mentioned you have seen an orthopedic doctor who told you that you have neuropathy and there was nothing he could do. I also have swelling in my legs and feet but it's mostly my right foot/ankle and calf. I wear compression socks that help control the swelling in the legs during the day. You might want to seek a second help or a second opinion. Mayo Clinic has more information on lymphedema here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374687. I was diagnosed after a vascular medicine doctor examined my legs when checking for another health issue.
Have you considered seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?