Swollen metatarsal area of foot

I’ve had foot issues for quite a while. It can be very painful and difficult. I haven’t been impressed with the podiatrists I have seen since 2004. Most of them say I don’t have neuropathy. But, IDK. I’ve seen multiple top Podiatrists at top hospitals, but they don’t have much to say and not much to recommend. Has he recommended anything to help. Have you had any periods of time where they weren’t swollen?

@celia16 From what I've seen on this site, PN is diagnosed by a neurologist performing a test called the EMG. I had it done over a year ago and it confirmed my PN. Sad but true. Podiatrists are not MDs. They may not have the expertise needed to help you. I wish you well.

Yes, I had expected that too, but I have seen 2 neurologists too. I got the EMG with the first one and he said I didn’t have neuropathy. Tests were negative. The second one said I had B12 deficiency and didn’t diagnose neuropathy either, so…..idk. It’s weird.

Weird to say the least. Ask five docs for a diagnosis and get six different answers. Who's on first? It's so difficult trying to navigate the medical yellow brick road. I had three different orthopedic surgeons tell me that nothing else could be done for my severe pain back in 2016. Then I found a neurologist who spent over an hour with me, then prescribed a set of meds that knocked my pain back from a seven to a three. How about that! All I can tell is to keep searching. You have to be your own best advocate. I wish you well.

What are the set of meds you Dr. prescribed which has helped with your PN?

Wow, that’s amazing. I’ll keep searching.

Tramadol, Diclofenac K, and Diazepam. I felt a bit wobbly at first but soldiered on. Soon, I could feel the severe pain dropping.

As well you should. Tramadol and Diazapam (Valium) are prescrition pain killers.

Indeed! But they gave me my life back.

Yes, those are “big time” pain killers. No wonder you were wobbly. Be careful.