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Spreading pain and swelling
Chronic pain that started with peroneal tendinitis a year and a half ago. During this time my ankle never healed. It became more deconditioned because of avoidance of movement and the pain has affected various other parts of my body, including my other foot now often both my feet are swollen for no reason and I hurt I've gotten numerous test nothing showing any major reasons besides some degeneration for any of my pain. At this point it's very difficult to even get out of bed because of pain and I'm basically nonfunctional . And the heat from the summer makes my feet both swell up even when lying down in bed. I've tried pain treatment programs. at this point, I am so deconditioned and weak that I feel like I cannot recover which increases the vicious cycle as my feet and legs become more symptomatic. Over the last year my feet started to become very red when I stand up . I've labels CRPS and erythromyalgia, venous insufficiency, but I'm still not sure which one actually is correct whether it's a combination of things. At this point, I'm so desperate to feel get some help how to proceed and I'm not. I'm just reaching out wherever any feedback or support, thank you.
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Sorry to hear about your pain. Pain is very complex. It has a physical component and a mental component. You have to work at both. Have you tried anything like progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, etc. In general, light activity like swimming or walking is good for pain. If you have Venus Insufficiency, walking is one of the few things that makes it better. I know it's hard. I have it too. I bought walking poles ("Activator" brand), and they really help. Set little goals every day and you'll feel the benefits. In addition, I work with a good pain management doctor. Feel better soon!
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1 Reaction@bealillie, I can't imagine the difficulty and pain you are going through with the three different conditions you have. I have swelling in my legs and feet but don't have the pain you have. My swelling is caused by lymphedema and I wear compression socks to help with the swelling. You mentioned it started with peroneal tendinitis more than a year ago. You might find it helpful to scan through other discussions on peroneal tendinitis to learn what others have shared. Here's a search link that lists the discussions and comments from members - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=peroneal%20tendinitis.
You mentioned that you have tried pain and treatment programs. Mayo Clinic has some information on Foot & Ankle Treatments including specialists who collaborate to provide you with the latest in advanced and innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatments - https://careinfo.mayoclinic.org/foot-and-ankle-mn.
Have you thought about seeking a second opinion or help from a teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?
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2 Reactions@bealillie
I feel for you and can empathize with the vicious cycle of pain and de-conditioning.
Have you seen a vein specialist and a neurologist for small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy? Are you taking any medications or supplements now?
Have you tried icing and soaking feet in cool water or epsom salt soaks/baths? Have you tried lidocaine roll-ons, creams, patches or Voltaren gel for inflammation?
You can try some simple stretches while lying in bed and foot rotations and foot pumps to increase circulation. If you haven’t looked into options for home healthcare and visiting caregivers or transportation to therapy, you may want to see what is available to help you get started with some physical therapy/rehabilitation.
Gentle exercises:
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/medical/bed-exercises/
@bealillie
Do you have family or friends who could derive you to appointments?
Have you reached out to your primary doctor for help/guidance? Are you working with a podiatrist/orthopedic doctor for your foot/ankle pain? Have you had pain injections (cortisone steroid)? Have you had X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs of your calf/ankle/foot to look at soft tissues as well as bone to see if there is soft tissue injury, inflammation or bone on bone joint issues?
Thanks all I've had many tests in the last one and a half years, including x-rays, MRIs recently ultrasound of my ankles, EMGs The MRIs did show peroneal tendinitis, but everything that chronic degeneration and old injuries from ankle sprains however, nothing to indicate the level of pain I have the meanest insufficiency came about only since I became less active. I was very active before this tendinitis and yet it also seems strange that I have these burning red feet and toes.
Someone's non expert floated idea of erythromyalgia? Has anyone heard of that. My feet and ankles burn independently of redness but standing only increases the symptoms. I take small dose of. Gabapentin because I'm very med sensitive, will try LDN .
But my feet keeps me from walking which has caused a whole mess of other issues...
It's a lot
I actually left the US to be closer to my family in Switzerland but seems like things have gotten worse
A mix of psychological and physical factors
May be going to a psychosomatic rehab yet I do still have questions about the all these changes in my feet. The only specialty I've not seen is a vein specialist so will try that. I am also going to try to find a pain doctor here as one I saw in nyc was not that helpful for my feet.
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