Painful burning feet

Posted , 9 users are following.

I am about 2.5 yrs into the PMR journey and am a 64 y.o. male now down to 5 mg/day of prednisone but have bounced between 5 and 8 the last few months trying to taper.  My rheumatologist is now trying a much longer taper period and wants me to stay at 5 mg for at least 3 months which i concur with.

?In the past 2 months or so I have developed a newer symtom/issue -  painful burning prickly sensation in both feet which has been quite troublesome.  I reported it to my rheumatiologist at my visit 3 weeks ago and she didn't really have an answer for the cause etc. and suggested it could be plantar faciitis. To be fair to her,  I may not have described the burning painful prickly and somewhat numb feeling I am experiencing but in previous years have had plantar faciitis and know it is nothing like the pain i had with that.  I am going to get back in touch with her about it and wonder if others have or are experiencing such symptoms and may know what could be causing it or what to do about it.  I appreciate any feedback on this issue.  Thanks in advance.

 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Vawils,  it sounds as if your may have neuropathy.  There is a medical office in my city of Sarasota, FL that treats it.  Some of the things that could cause it are diabetes, chemo, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome.  I have none of these but do suffer from mlld burning and discomfor in my feet, a numb feeling,like yours, neuropathy.  It's somewhat distracting but I do not consider it a major issue for me, but it  sounds as if your is more pronounced.   Hope youcan get help.    Elinor 

  • Posted

    I've complained to assorted docs about my feet getting hot...no one has

    an explanation but may be related to rotated pelvis.   Legs and lower back

    also numb sometimes and feels like a weight in lower back.  Your problem

    could be related to a back issue....

  • Posted

    I have painful burning feet on intermittently as well.   I never had this prior to PMR.  I am 60yo female with PMR diagnosis since March 2015

    The only relief I have found is to have regular pedicures (about every two weeks) and to massage my own feet nightly (more often if needed) with lotion.   I am also super careful about what shoes I wear (no tightly laced or ill-fitting shoes). 

  • Posted

    I suggest visiting a podiatrist to rule out a structural problem with your feet. Usually that doctor will go over the usual causes. Some medications, other than pred can cause foot numbness: breast cancer meds like arimidex and meds for cholesterol. Also too much B vitamins. Don't forget improper shoes.

     

  • Posted

    Yes, I have the burning feet problem and have had it for a long time.  Variously descibed as steroid neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy, I have been prescribed gabapentin and it does help somewhat.

    I'm in the UK, by the way.  It's often hard to know which side of the pond patients are!

  • Posted

    I have numb feet and the lower outer side of my legs and have had now for over two years. I have PMR but also arthritis in my spine. I have been told that my neuropathy has been caused by trapped nerves in my lower spine and that it cannot now been reversed. This is a common cause of perhipheral neuropathy - have you considered your spine as a possible reason? You would certainly know if you had a trapped nerve. 
  • Posted

    I found my podiatrist very helpful and now have insoles which have eased the pain in my feet.
  • Posted

    Thank you for all the replies.  I have discussed with my rheumatiolgist and she thinks i probably have peripheral neuropathy but indicated that it is not a symptom of PMR or steroid use.  She did say it could be related to back problems particularly since i previously had back surgery more than 15 yrs ago.  I haven't had any recent back problems so skeptical as to that being the cause.  She said to monitor the symptoms and if they continue to further evaluate with my primary general physician (i am in U.s.). I will do that and see how this goes.  I appreciate the feedback I received.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.