Who has had "burning foot syndrome"?

Question

I have been disabled by this condition. Seriously ! Brief history. It started in January of this year. I decided to start walking to help lose weight. I had poor shoes and was walking around the outer edges of Walmart (I live in a place where there are no inside malls for walking inside in cold wintry weather. Feet and ankles begin to swell. I bought very good running shoes and continued to walk. I finally went to my PCP and he has done several blood panels and "ruled out diabetes, liver, kidney, etc. causes. He gave me a fluid pill and the swelling started going down but after awhile I begin to develop a HORRIBLE (sorry but I am screaming out for any help) stinging, burning, extreme sensitive soles of feet to even the carpet, socks if worn for over an hour, etc. I now can not wear (I have tried all kind and all fits from internet sites) socks and running shoes or even sandles for any purposeful length of time. I am two hours from Austin, Texas and to go to a big city doctor (my preference) is an ordeal. I tried a local Podiatrist and she said it seemed like I had OK circulation in my feet. The swelling has gone down from the Lasix (fluid pills). She said it was probably neruopathic pain and gave me Lyrica to relieve the pain. Problem is one of the main side effects of Lyrica is (yu guessed it) swelling of the ankles and feet. So now a catch 22 was in effect. Taking a fluid pill to relieve swelling and a pain pill (only of little help) that caused swelling. What type of MD is my best source of help? Another Podiatrist, neurologist, rhmatologist, witch doctor, shaman, are one who will give me something to die in peace. (only half kidding). I have not done anything for fun since January but read and started playing this stupid Yahoo Answers. I have seen it as a game up until THIS QUESTION WHICH IF GETTING A GOOD ANSWER IS WORTH ME GIVING YOU ALL MY WORTHLESS POINTS PLUS THE 10. One more point and I will shutup. I am limited at time at computer because sitting for long periods with feet down on floor make the pain worse. Now this is a serious question and I am praying that there is someone in YahooAnswersLand that can help me in some way. Please do your best to avoid the little smart comments that always come with questioins. Serious and caring people only. If you have read this far you just may be one of those people. Thanks. My suicidal mind depends on it.

Answer 1

Your local doctor I'm sure means well---but he or she may not be kept up to speed on properly diagnosing your particular foot problem / pain.

Very few general medical praticioners are---and they may not have the top orthopedic and neurological specialists in their Rolodex for recommendation.

Swelling of any bodily region suggests infection of some type or degree--which calls for proper prescriptions and dosages of anti-biotics, which aren't a magic-wand "add water and stir" cure.

I'm for general medical doctors communicating well with specialists they recommend their patients; as a team to help properly diagnose a patients medical / orthopedic / neurological problem(s) and on-target give the patient the exact plan of treatment and medication(s).

I'm NOT a degreed medical professional.  But your problem carries hints of being perhaps two possible conditions:  Some form of arthritis and / or some form of nerve infection.

If I were your doctor, I'd order a battery of tests, send you to an orthopedic podiatrist AND a neurologist---both sure to subject you to further tests done.  Then, have the three or more of us gather and discuss our test results and sort out things like a detective would.

Only then, would I have the greater faith in precisely diagnosing your condition and then--with all in one accord / agreement---suggest the proper treatments and medications.