Does Yor Feet Hurt?

Hi S.,

I also had problems with my feet. I felt like I was walking on pins and needles, I had a burning sensation, and I had numbness not only in my feet but I started getting it in my calf and arm on occasions. I thought it was neuropathy even though I have never had diabetes. I had blood tests and an MRI done and nothing was wrong. After explaining my symptoms to my father, he told me to see a chiropractor. It turned out to be my back, however, I never made it to the chiropractor. I had received a gift certificate for an hour massage. I paid for an extra half hour and told the Swedish massage therapist my woes. I left with heat patches on and I left feeling beat up but completely relaxed and suddenly I realized my feet weren't bothering me anymore. I don't remember exactly how long after the massage the symptoms disappeared but it seems like it was a day or two. Whether it works or not for your feet it's a well needed gift for any mom. So I'd try an hour and a half massage then try a chiropractor.

Hope this helps, I know how frustrating it is to do test after test with no results.

Have you had your blood sugar tested? Have you ever been treated by a chiropractor?

I have something similar to this.

I can't say that I've had that experience, but if all your Dr.'s are at a loss I would suggest you seek out an herbalist. They should be able to help you figure out what is going on (it almost sounds to me like poor circulation).

Your doctor should check your circulation in the lower extremities, as well as your blood sugar, B-12 and uric acid levels for gout. Be persistent in asking the doctor to determine the cause for this. Can't imagine that it is hormonal. Blocked arteries cause foot pain, and so does peripheral neuropathy. There are medications and treatments for these problems. BE PERSISTENT!!

You might want to give sports medicine/physical therapy a try. Perhaps your foot pain, knee weakness has something to do with the way you're walking? I have a chronic ankle problem from years of dancing, and when I had an injury, I went through some physical therapy. The therapists there noticed that I was doing things without using my core (belly muscles), that I was out of alignment and gave me exercises that helped "cure" the problem. I still have weak ankles, but I can still dance - at 37 years old. You can also look into walking insoles/inserts at the Walking Company. They have a computer that customizes inserts to your foot. They might relieve some of the pressure off your feet/knees since you do a lot of walking.

It could also be your stroller. Do you have a jogging stroller? Regular strollers aren't made for hiking/long walks and could contribute to body problems. I just have a regular stroller and when I take my daughter for long walks, I notice weird aches and pains in my body afterwards. I notice that my body gets strained in places, especially if there are any hilly areas. Anyway, I hope your feet get better soon!! Mommies need their feet and knees!!

Hi S.
Sorry for your pain, I would def get a 2nd Podiatrist's opinion. I go to one in San Francisco, can give you the name if you like..
In the meanwhile, check this site out
http://www.foot-pain-explained.com/midtarsal_fault.html
read the article under >> midtarsal fault and nerve entrapment.
the dilemma could be that when you see your doctors, the nerves in your feet aren't being pinched at that moment and hence, you appear to have no symptoms..
it's worth a read. In addition, I have learned that many ppl think sneakers are the way to go for aching feet, but since a few problems of my own, I have now learned that you in fact may possibly want to wear a shoe that has a hard stable sole .. so as to keep your foot stable and aligned.. that would mean for example that you can't easily bend the back of your shoe. it would basically be an orthopedic shoe. nowadays, they have a variety of styles, they don't all look like nurse shoes (nothing against nurses ::):):) but you may be able to find a sneaker type one... again, I would get a 2nd opinion..
not sure where you live, otherwise, I can refer you to my podiatrist.

good luck :)

Hi S.,
Have you gone to a chiropractor? I know it seems odd...that chiropractic could help with foot problems, but it might be a possibility. If there is a disconnect between how your brain and body are communicating, chiropractic could help you. And the chiropractor should be able to tell you if that disconnect, or interference, is there or not. I'm a chiropractor in Oakland, and I'd be happy to help you find a great chiropractor near you. Just let me know!
Best of luck,
L.

L. Clum, DC
www.thespecific.com

Hello: Have you had your thyroid checked? I was in so much pain I could barely stand on my feet. I was always cold, a bit depressed, putting on weight too. I had my TSH tested and it came back at 57 with the normal range being .3-3. My foot pain was real, and for very real reasons. The name of it is Plantar fasciitis. It turns out that it is common to develop a thyroid problem during pregnancy and it usually goes away...mine didn't and my offical diagnosis is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I make antibodies that attack my thyroid.

It wouldn't hurt to check it out.

Could it be gout? If your fingertips and toes are feeling numb, this is one sypmptom of gout (my husband has this). Also, how about B-12 deficiency? A doctor friend of mine thought he had ALS, and it turns out that his body merely couldn't absorb B-12, and now that he has diagnosed the problem, all is well. Could be some other type of deficiency instead - and probably worth talking to your doctor about running some tests.

I have been experiencing the same pains, but not to the same degree as you. I have a 4mo old boy (my 4th child) and am 38. I got a referral to the podiatrist who associated the sharp pains and numbness in my toes to ligament pains coming from the muscles. I also have pain in my arches. He referred me to an Orthotic Dr. and I just has full-foot orthotics made for both feet next week. He said these will be able to be used with walking/running and regular casual shoes (not dress shoes). So, I will be fitted when the mold is complete on Monday. I'm hoping this will help. Ask your podiatrist about getting orthotics prescribed???

I've associated a lot of these pains with hormonal influx, personally. I don't remember ever experiencing as much of this with the prior pregnancies. Moreso with the last 2.

Mom of 4.

I have a lot of problems with my feet (I've had a few surgeries, as well). I am a distance runner so have recently experienced a whole lot more problems. I have had the numbing and tingling of the toes, etc. and many other issues. I have been to a few podiatrists and have learned that so many of them cannot pin point the problems. Has your podiatrist video taped or evaluated your walking (how your feet are falling when you hit the ground, your posture, etc.?). Recently I was referred to Dr. Dave Hannaford, D.P.M., and honestly I was not sure b/c of ALL the money I have invested in my issues. Dr. Hannaford comes HIGHLY recommended (he and his wife (who runs the office) are endurance athletes) and often times if you mention his name people know who he is. Their walls are covered with recognitions and awards and they have done it all. Although you may not be an endurance athlete, he knows at your first appointments exactly what is going on. He is AMAZING. He doesn't take insurance, but you can submit a claim to your carrier. He will video tape you and he really knows his feet. Go on the web and type his name, you will see. He has seen very successful people and have fixed them so they can exercise without pain or injury. He's in San Rafael ###-###-####. This is the only doctor I've seen so far that I can say has been very successful in my recovery. After I saw him and used the custom orthotics he made in his office (and corrected some posture issues), my pain was gone. He will evaluate and video tape you in the ortotics too and then adjust them if necessary. He is only open limited hours too which makes it even harder to get an appointment, but well worth the wait. Also, since you do walk a lot, you can go to specialty shoe stores like La Foot (Berkeley on College) or Transport (two places in Berkeley) and tell them the problem you are having. They will watch you walk (La Foot can test your current shoes in a machine free of charge and tell you how you are wearing your shoe down). Transport can video tape you on a treadmill to see if you are pronating or suppinating when you land and both will evaluate your walking and recommend a shoe. Shoes that you exercise in should be 1/2 size larger than your normal shoes too. Maybe your toes are jamming in the front of the shoe. Good Luck. Here is a website with a lot of information that might help. http://www.posturedyn.com/faq.html

I had numbness in my feet when I had a back injury.

You didn't mention chiropractor in your list of medical help. I'd suggest Ann Honigman at Westside Family Chiropractic because she is NOT a bone cracking maniac....She's a good diagnostician who can work with you more in the style of an osteopath.

Did you check your blood sugar? A sports doctor might have some answers.

hi there, when you gave birth did you happen to have an epidural.. they are know to cause problems later on , and after birth, and the symptons you are expereincing sound very familar, that is if you had an epidural.. time is the healer if that is the case...

I'm not a doctor, but I've seen quite a few regarding "referred pain" (in my legs and feet) caused by some degenerative disks in my back. If they haven't done an MRI on your lower back, it may worth a shot. If there's been an MRI that's checked out fine, I'd try a chiropractor and/or a massage therapist as well-the lower back disks, the vertebrae and tight muscles around them both can really mess up nerve signals down your legs. Your pain certainly sounds nerve related, with weakness in your knees as the biggest concern, as weakness can signal nerve damage (not just irritation). Good luck and God bless you - I'll pray that your pain is relieved soon! :)

Hi S.,
I have different foot pain than you (plantar fasciitis affecting the bottom, mostly heel, of my foot) - but I have a shoe to recommend. It made all the difference in the world.

I've been wearing Dansko occupational shoes. I felt a difference in one day. If you go this route, make sure it's one of their occupational shoes because they make other shoes too. I find their other shoes to be comfortable, but not as helpful. They're not ugly either - people are surprised they are occupational shoes.

Good luck and be persistent with your doctor (or find another). So often it seems that our pains are treated as minor side-effects of being busy moms.

Hi S.,

Have you had any type of trauma to your feet/legs that could have caused nerve damage? I was bit by a dog two years ago, below the knee, on the side of my leg, and every now and then I get stabbing pains, burning pains, pins and needle pain at the site of the bite, and sometimes the bottom of my feet feel numb. It wasn't a deep bite and I didn't need stitches, but the bite hit the nerve just right to cause permanent damage. My nuerologist prescribed an antidepressent in a very low dosage, but I haven't taken it. Because I don't hurt everyday and can tough out the spasms, I have chosen not to take the medication. Were you given different medications to try? Good luck to you. J.

Hi. Did they test you for neoaprathy (not sure of the spelling)? It's usually associated with Diabetics but my mom started having these same feet problem almost 20 yrs before she became Diabetic. Worth a try to ask about it.
Good Luck!

It sounds like it could be neuropathy. I have pins and needles, stabbing pains and numbness in my feet due to neuropathy.

Related to nerves and the central nervous system.

b12 deficiency could be one cause. It can present with tingling hands and feet, unusual weakness, irritability, depression, memory problems, sore tounge, dundruff.
(you need b6 to absorb b12)both b6 and b12 are the NERVE vitamins.
With b6 deficiency you might see: depression, malaise, autism, carpal tunnel, mouth sores, eczema, weakness of and loss of muscle nontrol, sensitivity to noise, numbness , cracked skin at sides of mouth, pms.

Now then, if the above is so, there must be reasons why someone would be b deficient. Some reasons are:

1.Don't ingest enough b vits (liver, snapper,filet mignon, low fat yogurt, raw bell peppers, tuna, raw garlic, boiled spinach)(b vitamins are not stored in the body and must be ingested continually)
2.High sugar/carb diet kills off vit b
3. your stomach acid /pancreatic bile situation is depleted such that you cannot absorb the vitamins you do eat.

Reasons for stomach acid/bile problems:
GERD medicines
celiacs disease
candidas (both celiacs and candidas have same effect on the intestinal mucosa)
antibiotics
alcohol in excess
birth control pills and other extra estrogens like SOY
cholesterol,hypertension, and gout medicines all reduce uptake of b vits. and so does cancer and psycosis meds.

lack of proper bacteria (b bifidum and lactobaccilus) and overgrowth of pathogens such a h. pylori (the pathogen responsible for stomach ulcers ) and Bb, the spirochette that causes lyme.

There is much growing evidence that the spirochette Bb, and many of it's cousins are responsible for many many diseases in our current culture, including and especially neropathy and other central nervous system disorders. The central nervous system is one of the sites it is predisposed to.

Here's more reading for you:

http://www.springboard4health.com/notebook/health_lyme_di...

http://marshallprotocol.com/forum32/1263.html

http://www.thehumansideoflyme.net/viewarticle.php?aid=65&...

http://www.bionatus.com/nutramedix/pages/cumanda_what.htm

ps.....keep in mind that if you use cumanda or samento it can cause a temporary INCREASE in some symptoms while the bacteria are dying off.

I just got my daughter a flow cytometry test for Bb today (the only test in the country that has 100 % accuracy rate). I'm very excited to see the results, which I should have in 5 days. Please email me directly if you have more questions about this.
G.

It most likely have a hormonal connection... you can look for a doctor that does bio-identical hormone replacement!!! I am in that process and have the same problem with my feet... like walking on marbles specially in the mornings!!! And it is important that you have your hormone balance checked but not with your gyno... all they can say is that you are in range... and that is the problem they are measuring our hormones with a one fits all scale... and I have read and seen on shows la Oprah that that is a BIG MISTAKE... I recommend you read Suzanne Somer's Book: BREAKTHROUGH... In this book she interviews good doctors... it has helped me understand all my symptoms and feel like there is hope!!!

Love, G. :0)

Hi S.,
I am a 56 year old woman who has many of the same problems and I have seen all the same types of doctors and professionals as you without any resolve. Many of them can't offer any help at all. I also am hoping to find a hormonal cause but after seeing my OB-GYN two weeks ago I was not offered any kind of help. If you find a doctor or anyone with an explaination of your situation could you please let us all know. I have been suffering for three years. You are not alone.
W.

Hi S.,

How many times have you seen your acupuncturist? this sounds like something that acupuncture can help with , but may take several treatments since you have had numbness and pain for 12 months. Did they give you any herbs to try?

Let me know if you want names of a couple of very awesome ones. i know one in mt. view and san jose and i'm sure there are many more.

Good luck to you and hope you are feeling better soon!

G.

I started having pain when I was around your age in one foot, but now I have awful bone spurs and arthritis in both feet. My feet are so messed up. I have gone to many doctors too, and nothing seems to help. Keep searching for a doctor or doctors who might be able to help you with this awful problem. I too have pains that shoot in my feet. It is just so awful! I sure hope that you find the treatment and soon. I hope that maybe this was a little help to you:) Good luck.

Please see an orthopedic surgeon -- NOT a podiatrist. Peripheral neuropathy may be a diagnosis. The surgeon may also refer you to a maker of insoles molded to your feet -- meaning a plaster mold, not just some scanning machine. And you need an opinion on the type of shoes you can wear. Shoes with a steel shank are often recommended by shoe stores that purport to meet the needs of problem feet. They are fine for some foot problems. They are even more damaging for other foot problems. Shoe sales persons did not go to medical school.

If I had paid attention to problems with my feet and gone to an orthopedic surgeon, I might not be hanging a blue handicapped sticker in my car today and taking medication for the rest of my life to mitigate pain. You owe it to your daughter to maintain your health.

B.

Hi S.,

I used to have burning and aching feet for two years. I started using magnetic insoles and they no longer hurt.

If you would like more info let me know.

N. Marie

I have a 9 month old and my feet still hurt. I think it had something to do with my pregnancy and the big baby I was carrying.. then once I had him, while I was breastfeeding I would keep my feet arched against the couch, now my arches hurt so bad.