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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
burning painful soles of feet
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
burning painful soles of feet
by patsie2, Feb 19, 2004 12:00AM
I have previously requested information from you re this "continuing" complaint. It started 5 1/2 years ago whilst wading in rock pool (ankle deep) searching for shells etc. there had been heavy rain for couple of weeks before the holiday, and it is common knowledge that lakes immediately behind these popular beaches get polluted and there are warning signs regarding this. but as the weather was so beautiful the week we were there, many were surfing. during that week I noticed my feet were swollen and slightly painful, but not enough to need visit to a doctor. it was not till driving home a week later that the pain and itching became almost unbearable. I realise now I should have gone straight to the hospital nearby, but decided to wait for couple of days till my gp could see me. I suggested that I thought it was due to an infection from pool, but he made little of it, and prescribed anti hystamine and cream to apply.(I have always thought it should have been an antibiotic instead).
A couple of hours after the medication, my husband and I noticed red circles of fresh bright red blood about 1 inch across on my instep. also there was a purple spot on instep of other foot. it seemed obvious that some kind of parasite had infected my feet in the rock pool. my gp thought I was over reacting, and was reluctant to suggest further treatment. with the exception of a triple heart bypass 10 yrs ago and a hysterectomy one yr later, my general health is good. as the burning and pain in soles have not abated, except for recent treatment with acupuncture this past year. I have been to 2 vascular specialists, the first advised gen.circulation in legs were good, except for feet, and 6 months ago another vas. spec. advised injection in lower back to numb just the soles. it seems bit drastic. but as I am in mid seventies, and husband is on kidney dialysis, this never ending pain is really getting me down as I am so busy. I look and feel so well in every other way. it is much worse in evenings when tired. Now I am developing gout like pain in left big toe. I realise it is all the circulation slowing down but I am certain it all began with the parasites. I had never had any signs of foot problems before. Do you think I should suggest to vascular surgeon next visit if he could put some kind of artery/vein bypass in legs to improve circulation in feet. have tried all kinds of herbal and miracle cures, supportive stockings etc, but nothing has worked. I would hate to end my days complaining to all and sundry about this continuing saga, as I look so well for my age, I get no sympathy. Looking forward to your advice. DESPERATE!!
A couple of hours after the medication, my husband and I noticed red circles of fresh bright red blood about 1 inch across on my instep. also there was a purple spot on instep of other foot. it seemed obvious that some kind of parasite had infected my feet in the rock pool. my gp thought I was over reacting, and was reluctant to suggest further treatment. with the exception of a triple heart bypass 10 yrs ago and a hysterectomy one yr later, my general health is good. as the burning and pain in soles have not abated, except for recent treatment with acupuncture this past year. I have been to 2 vascular specialists, the first advised gen.circulation in legs were good, except for feet, and 6 months ago another vas. spec. advised injection in lower back to numb just the soles. it seems bit drastic. but as I am in mid seventies, and husband is on kidney dialysis, this never ending pain is really getting me down as I am so busy. I look and feel so well in every other way. it is much worse in evenings when tired. Now I am developing gout like pain in left big toe. I realise it is all the circulation slowing down but I am certain it all began with the parasites. I had never had any signs of foot problems before. Do you think I should suggest to vascular surgeon next visit if he could put some kind of artery/vein bypass in legs to improve circulation in feet. have tried all kinds of herbal and miracle cures, supportive stockings etc, but nothing has worked. I would hate to end my days complaining to all and sundry about this continuing saga, as I look so well for my age, I get no sympathy. Looking forward to your advice. DESPERATE!!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 21, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 21, 2004 12:00AM
The easiest way to determine if there is adequate bloodflow is if there is pulses that can be detected in the feet. This should have been performed by your previous physicians. If so, then it is unlikely that poor circulation is the cause of your problems. However, if you want to completely exclude the possibility of a vascular problem, a vascular surgery referral would be the next step. Non-invasive tests can be done to confirm this.
Instead of the vascular route, you may want to consider a neurological evaluation. Electrodiagnostic testing can evaluate whether there is any nerve damage that may be present. Treatment for possible peripheral neuropathy can be discussed.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Instead of the vascular route, you may want to consider a neurological evaluation. Electrodiagnostic testing can evaluate whether there is any nerve damage that may be present. Treatment for possible peripheral neuropathy can be discussed.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
whenever she has something growing on her feet,say fungus,she soaks her feet in salt water,and she will do this every day for 7-10 days and the problem goes away.
to make salt water,she just pours table salt in some hot water in a foot basin.