Itchy, red, swollen foot.feet

[ChiAlex]

In April during a 5 hour car trip my feet became very itchy- it itched them and they became red and swollen in areas. The whole foot was not swollen: but certain parts became itchy and red- under toes, sides of feet, a little on top- no ankle swelling or redness.  These itchy red areas become hard and painful to walk, the outbreaks last about 24-48 hours.  The first time this to both feet and I passed it off to wearing new and cheap high heals for over 13 hours the day before (I teach).  That day I also had some trouble with a family member who was staying with me- so I felt stress may have been a contributor?

However, about 3 weeks later this happened again… and I went off to the doctor’s.  The swelling doesn’t occur in the same area each “outbreak”- however the onset is always the same, itchy, red, turns hard, becomes painful- sometimes in one foot, other times in both.  My family doctor looked at my like I was crazy for being concerned; I am a healthy 24 year old.  However, this has happened since April 4 more times.  It has happened right (one-two days) before menstrual cycle in May, June and now July- I am not pregnant.  

I have seen a podiatrist- who took xrays and did blood work (I know the blood work was for lupus and arthritic counts but not sure the scope of the tests).  He concluded my foot is mis-shaped and molded orthotics for me.  However, this has happened two more times- I am trying to understand what is triggering this as nothing relieves the swelling, itchiness or pain.  

As I have tracked these episodes they don’t seem to happen with any certainty- meaning I have tracked my physical activity (I workout a lot), bought and wear 4X Width cross trainer shoes- even to work, and the only pattern that exists with these outbreaks is many of them are occurring right before I begin my period.  Could this be a part of PMS? They checked my blood pressure at the doctors all times I have been there- the only other thing I can think of is a circulation problem- sometimes the pain travels up to my calves (feels very sore like the day after a hard workout).  But at this point I feel like I am guessing with no guidance?

[RS2015]

When I rear your comment felt like me talking. Can you please tell me if you found out more about your condition ? it's driving me crazy. Thank you

[iagal74]

I have started having an issue with this also.  First pinky on my hand swelled up and was itchy and red then the tip of the finger on the other hand so we ruled out bug bite. Burn spray helped alot and was gone the next day however the next day my big toe became swollen itchy and red.  I put tenactin powder on which is really helping.  No changes in anything ive been doing accept ive had very tight and painful arms for about a month and just found pain patches that seem to help.  My husband thinks its a reaction to the absorbine jr plus patch and its toxins trying to get out of my body.  I dont know what to think.  Anyone else using anything similar or am I just grasping at straws?

any help is appreciated

[redredwine]

do you ever got this after you have had a cold or sore throat? mine is always after I have been not well, like my defences are low anyways and then I get the itchy hands and feet, sometimes on the buttock and sometimes on the writsts....hot swellings from UNDER the skin, horrible! and no doctors can tell me why!

[Matra]

I am a 45 yo woman and have had the exact same thing happening on my feet every winter for the last three or so years. Nothing seems to help relieve the itching, pain and swelling! The doctor thought it was gout when Iw ent in a couple of years ago but blood work came back fine. Just now found something that sounds and looks ALOT like what I've had going on...thought I would share the link. Something called Chilblains...happens in the winter for me, never in the summer time. I think this may be it for me. Hope it helps someone else too.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chilblains/basics/treatment/con-20033727

[DebOne]

Do you still have the website address where you found these remedies (honey and the detox)?

[ClareOne]

I don't know if anyone is checking back here but, as promised, I'm reporting back - the prescribed meds didn't work. I then tried alcohol to swab the foot, foot baths (cinnamon, listerine, salts, vinegar), all of these things were done half-heartedly. Then I happened upon a website that said to try applying honey to the itchy area, honey is known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, healing properties. I tried it for about 30minutes and it worked but there was some mild itching afterwards so I applied it again over my entire feet 1 day later and put socks on and went to bed. That worked. The same site advised getting a clean-out (detox)...so going to do that tomorrow. Do not want to go thru this again. Hope this helps someone.

[analyticalhomeopath]

It really does help. I'm having the same problem now. My situation sounds almost identical to yours. My problem started after wearing some leather shoes, I haven't worn in awhile to work where I'm on my feet a lot. I'm going to get some blood work done and have my liver checked out. Not to be gross, but I wonder does anyone notice a lighter colored stool. I had a lighter, almost yellowish color the other day and I haven't gone for a couple days. Maybe we could have a bowel obstruction? This might explain why wheat gluten and menstruation seem to have an effect on it from the comments here. Not sure about the connection with the shoes, though. I have been using an essential oil and coconut oil concoction as a moisturizer, but I use that all over my body and for my hair. Just brainstorming at this point. Thanks so much to everyone posting! Please keep us updated!