I have been dealing with moderate to severe pains in my feet, and occasionally my ankles. I have been handed nearly every drug used for neuropathy pain: muscle relaxers, gabapentin, cymbalta, vicodin, NSAIDS, yet none of them have touched the pain. The most effective medication so far has been the muscle relaxer. My GP stopped the NSAIDS in fear that it may damage my kidneys.
My hx is mild DM currently under excellent control. My exercise has been limited for the past year due to amount of pain and my "unsteadiness" due to the pain and muscle weakening. I can tolerate mild stretching exercises daily and have been able to ride my exercise bike a few times a week. I have a history of depression and anxiety but was doing quite well until the pain began to take over my life. I am depressed because I can't do what I used to do. I used to ride my bicycle 10 or 15 miles several days a week, and walk several miles at a time. Now I can't do either. Shopping is difficult and it is very difficult to concentrate at work due to the pain. I see a chiropractor once a week. Even he is puzzled about the pain.
One pain specialist tested the nerves in my lower legs, found that the sensory nerves were damaged and immediately assessed it as diabetic neuropathy. I have been told that keeping my blood sugar in control would control the pain. Well, that is completely WRONG for me. I increased my gabapentin per the pain specialist and that had no effect. I was given a TENS unit but that increased the pain. I feel like I have inflammation in my feet, but both doctors (GP and pain specialist) disagreed.
I have several lumbar disks in my spine that are slightly compressed. I was told that this had nothing to do with my problem. Yet, I saw a podiatrist and she told me she thought the disc problem might be an issue. She also said my circulation is fine and she saw no "mechanical" problems with my foot. She also tested to check for sensation and said I had perfectly good sensation in my feet.
I have no numbness and have complete feeling in my feet. The pain is more like someone has pounded my feet with a hammer and that my feet are severely bruised. I rarely have tingling. When I touch my feet, the pain can be intense. I am wearing Dansko shoes as it takes some of the pressure off the metatarsal bones. I wear light socks. I cannot handle any support socks as the pressure increases the pain.
I would appreciate ANY help or suggestions. This is sapping my energy and ruining my life. HELP!