What to Do for Burning, Pain, Numbness, and Neuropathy of the Feet and Toes???

[C. C. Rider]

Would appreciate any advice on what doctor to see regarding burning, pain, numbness, and neuropathy of the feet and toes. My wife has this problem, and it is bothering her considerably.

She has also had some back pain and difficulty with walking in the past few months, but recently her walking ability has improved a little. The back pain is likely related to the curvature of her spine which has been abnormal for many, many years.

The thing that bothers her the most is the constant numbness and burning of her feet and toes. It even affects her sleep at night. She often has to get up at night due to her feet burning. Some creams can numb the burning for an hour or so, but the burning returns repeatedly regardless of what she puts on them.

Any recommendations for a good doctor in the Leesburg or Clermont area or even further away, if necessary, would be appreciated.

[Bassdeer]

Would appreciate any advice on what doctor to see regarding burning, pain, numbness, and neuropathy of the feet and toes. My wife has this problem, and it is bothering her considerably.

She has also had some back pain and difficulty with walking in the past few months, but recently her walking ability has improved a little. The back pain is likely related to the curvature of her spine which has been abnormal for many, many years.

The thing that bothers her the most is the constant numbness and burning of her feet and toes. It even affects her sleep at night. She often has to get up at night due to her feet burning. Some creams can numb the burning for an hour or so, but the burning returns repeatedly regardless of what she puts on them.

Any recommendations for a good doctor in the Leesburg or Clermont area or even further away, if necessary, would be appreciated.

The most common cause of a burning feeling in your feet is nerve damage, often related to diabetes, but there are other possible causes.

The pain from burning feet can be intermittent or constant and range from mild to severe. Your feet may feel hot, tingling, prickling, or numb. The pain is often worse at night.

No recommendations for you sorry, I would make some calls.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If she isn't being treated for diabetes and hasn't been checked for it in the past few years, she needs to get checked for it ASAP. A blood glucose (A1c) test is where it begins, they just prick your finger and a little device reads the level in the drop of blood that comes out.

If she is being treated for it, she needs a check-up to find out if her meds are working, or if the neuropathy might not be related to the diabetes (it usually is related).

If she knows she does -not- have diabetes, then a trip to a neurologist is in order.

[golfing eagles]

If she isn't being treated for diabetes and hasn't been checked for it in the past few years, she needs to get checked for it ASAP. A blood glucose (A1c) test is where it begins, they just prick your finger and a little device reads the level in the drop of blood that comes out.

If she is being treated for it, she needs a check-up to find out if her meds are working, or if the neuropathy might not be related to the diabetes (it usually is related).

If she knows she does -not- have diabetes, then a trip to a neurologist is in order.

Absolutely. There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy other than diabetes. Her primary care doctor can screen for the most common ones, and if nothing turns up, a neurology consult would be in order. But the presence of back pain might also suggest that she has a radiculopathy rather than a peripheral neuropathy

[kp11364]

You may want to try using Therapeutic Mineral Ice (the blue goop in a big plastic jar). This is an "off-label" treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Also get a pair of thin socks for bed so the goop doesn't get on the sheets and to prevent any slipping if she gets up at night.

[golfing eagles]

You may want to try using Therapeutic Mineral Ice (the blue goop in a big plastic jar). This is an "off-label" treatment for peripheral neuropathy. Also get a pair of thin socks for bed so the goop doesn't get on the sheets and to prevent any slipping if she gets up at night.

They might want to try howling at the moon as well, but my advice is to get a legitimate medical diagnosis before indulging in the remedies of the hill folk. If she has a severe cyanocobalamin deficiency there will be other consequences if left untreated while she spreads "blue goop" on her legs.

[Aces4]

They might want to try howling at the moon as well, but my advice is to get a legitimate medical diagnosis before indulging in the remedies of the hill folk. If she has a severe cyanocobalamin deficiency there will be other consequences if left untreated while she spreads "blue goop" on her legs.

(Better known as Vitamin B12 deficiency which could be caused by pernicious anemia, restrictive diets or medications). Simple bloodtest may solve a lot of questions.

[golfing eagles]

(Better known as Vitamin B12 deficiency which could be caused by pernicious anemia, restrictive diets or medications). Simple bloodtest may solve a lot of questions.

cause of pernicious anemia, not by, but otherwise correct.

[Aces4]

cause of pernicious anemia, not by, but otherwise correct.

That's right, semantics... posted in a hurry while I was pursuing other interests. I think they got the gist and at least I shared the discussion in layman's terms. :wave:

[golfing eagles]

That's right, semantics... posted in a hurry while I was pursuing other interests. I think they got the gist and at least I shared the discussion in layman's terms. :wave:

I only used the professional vocabulary to offset “blue goop”😂😂😂

[RRGuyNJ]

Would appreciate any advice on what doctor to see regarding burning, pain, numbness, and neuropathy of the feet and toes. My wife has this problem, and it is bothering her considerably.

She has also had some back pain and difficulty with walking in the past few months, but recently her walking ability has improved a little. The back pain is likely related to the curvature of her spine which has been abnormal for many, many years.

The thing that bothers her the most is the constant numbness and burning of her feet and toes. It even affects her sleep at night. She often has to get up at night due to her feet burning. Some creams can numb the burning for an hour or so, but the burning returns repeatedly regardless of what she puts on them.

Any recommendations for a good doctor in the Leesburg or Clermont area or even further away, if necessary, would be appreciated.

I have had all those symptoms for years. It forced me reluctantly to take disability at age 49 from the RR. I would talk to a neuro surgeon and have a full MRI done. I recently had my second cervical fusion done. I had C5-C6 fused 18yrs ago and now needed C3 through C7 fused to take pressure of my spinal cord. I take 300 MG of Gabapentin in the AM and 600 to 900 MG at night. Unfortunately in my experience is she will have to somewhat get used to it. Mine has never gone away but the Gabapentin has helped. My first fusion was an emergency surgery. I had no symptoms of a spinal cord injury, I went in for back pain on Monday and had surgery on Thursday! I wish all the luck in the world for a better outcome and speedy recovery.

[Christine1964]

My friend has this and uses large lidocaine patches on his feet at night. The VA prescribes them. They are 5% Lidocaine. You can use them 12 hours a day. He has gotten some relief by using them.

[coralway]

Geeeezzzz..... see a medical doctor. Taking advice from strangers on the internet makes no sense.

[DonnaNi4os]

Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes so the first thing I would do is be certain that is not the reason for her symptoms. I have Sjogren’s Syndrome that cause neuropathy and I take Gabapentin for the pain. It is effective but makes me sleepy so I only use it at bedtime. Good luck. I hope she gets relief.

[sallyg]

Get an appt with a neurologist or neurosurgeon. If you are willing to drive a ways, go to U of F in Gainesville. You will get top notch care.

[golfing eagles]

Get an appt with a neurologist or neurosurgeon. If you are willing to drive a ways, go to U of F in Gainesville. You will get top notch care.

Or, see her PCP and get a CBC, ESR, FBS, HbgA1C, B12 level, ANA and possibly an MRI of her LS spine so a professional, rather than amateur posters on TOTV, can make an appropriate referral.

[Aloha]

You may want to do research on the following supplements for Neuropathy:
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Benfotiamine
B-12 and B-2
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Do your own research about the above supplements. They have been effective for many with Neuropathy. In addition, have a lab test for Vitamin D to be sure you are above the 30 threshold level.

[CooperDupper]

Be your own advocate and research internet for a Neurologist and get referral from your PCP. I did things a bit backward and discussed my symptoms to a foot dr who only said i had weak ankles. Having had back issues for years, I presumed it to be that, and my chiropractor had a division of pain management who conducted epidural(s). I thought that would help with pain in my feet and legs, but once my toes became stiff and I no longer could stand on my toes nor back on my heals, my PCP sent me to PT who after a time said I should see a neurosurgeon. ?? This has been over a year's time, and I finally got an EMG (nerve conduction test) and extensive blood work showing results consistent with CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). This condition is not back related by an autoimmune issue. Feeling very let down by the medical field, I am now in search of a neurologist specializing in it.

[Tie Dye Lady]

I have had burning feet for years and it’s not diabetes. I got plantar fasciitis in my feet when I got older. What helped me the most was a foot roller/massager I bought from Amazon. It breaks up all the stubborn tissue in your feet. The roller got ride of my plantar fasciitis and my sore feet. It’s an exercise tool I use often. Hope this helps

[Mleeja]

I agree with all the other posters about seeking medical advice. Something non-medical she may try to relieve some of the symptoms is to purchase a pair of compression socks and wear them at night. They can help improve circulation in the feet/legs and provide some relief to the pain, numbness, and tingling.

[Notsocrates]

dr sambandam, neurologist, clermont.

[C. C. Rider]

I just wanted to check back in and thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. All suggestions and recommendations are very much appreciated. Some of the suggestions such as compression socks and a roller/massager have already been tried without success.

Based on a recommendation from her last doctor, a pain management type doc who has looked at her X-rays and given her numerous injections in her back, she now has an appointment in a couple of weeks with an orthopedic spine surgeon. I don't know that she is committed to spine surgery, but at least she has an appointment to talk with a surgeon.

Quite honestly, I'm not sure what a surgeon could do for her, but perhaps we'll know more in a couple of weeks when she sees him. Meanwhile, I'm still open to suggestions, recommendations, and advice. Thank you to everyone who has responded in this thread. We appreciate the interest and well-intended advice.

.

[Velvet]

Or she may have Morton’s neuroma, which I had with similar symptoms but no hip or back pain. It started with numbness in the outer toes then flashing pain in the foot especially when I stepped on it. A morning hot bath did wonders. During the day, rest and ice, and wearing soft slippers, Uggs shearling lined slippers really helped. The rest tamed the inflammation. I did go through nearly every test the doc mentioned above except ANA but my chiropractor, sports doctor (who treats our national ballet company), and personal physicians, all settled on this diagnosis.

[margaretmattson]

Dehydration can cause leg cramps and restless feet. Drink more water. If you have been physically active, you may want to try electrolyte drinks. It may be that easy! For me,, it works every time. To be on the safe side, seek medical advice. I have seen my doctor and test results were negative. My doctor recommended drinking more water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Dehydration happens quite often in the summer heat.

[elevatorman]

(Better known as Vitamin B12 deficiency which could be caused by pernicious anemia, restrictive diets or medications). Simple bloodtest may solve a lot of questions.

These are some of the blood tests recommended to me as a starting point.

Blood Tests
* Vitamin levels
* Vitamin B12 (plus methylmalonic acid, homocysteine if B12 borderline)
* Folate
* Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E if suspicion
* Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) – rules out hypothyroidism
* Kidney function (BUN, creatinine, electrolytes)
* Liver function panel
* CBC (complete blood count) – screens for anemia, infection, bone marrow issues
* Fasting glucose & Hemoglobin A1c – even if not diabetic, helps rule out prediabetes
* Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP/UPEP) – checks for multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy
* Inflammatory/autoimmune tests (if indicated): ANA, ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor

[DrMack]

Have your back examined. Throughout many years of practice I have discovered that back issues and the spine have a lot to do with pain in your extremities.

[Babubhat]

Would appreciate any advice on what doctor to see regarding burning, pain, numbness, and neuropathy of the feet and toes. My wife has this problem, and it is bothering her considerably.

She has also had some back pain and difficulty with walking in the past few months, but recently her walking ability has improved a little. The back pain is likely related to the curvature of her spine which has been abnormal for many, many years.

The thing that bothers her the most is the constant numbness and burning of her feet and toes. It even affects her sleep at night. She often has to get up at night due to her feet burning. Some creams can numb the burning for an hour or so, but the burning returns repeatedly regardless of what she puts on them.

Any recommendations for a good doctor in the Leesburg or Clermont area or even further away, if necessary, would be appreciated.

Check this channel and see if you can find a video with your symptoms. Videos have detailed explanations. Good luck. Do NOT let the term chiropractor term dissuade . It is a self developed technique that provided me with substantial relief and that is all that matters when you are in pain


McLaughlin Chiropractic - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRPBPgKdXHLf_ty1Dyc-bg)

[elevatorman]

Would appreciate any advice on what doctor to see regarding burning, pain, numbness, and neuropathy of the feet and toes. My wife has this problem, and it is bothering her considerably.

She has also had some back pain and difficulty with walking in the past few months, but recently her walking ability has improved a little. The back pain is likely related to the curvature of her spine which has been abnormal for many, many years.

The thing that bothers her the most is the constant numbness and burning of her feet and toes. It even affects her sleep at night. She often has to get up at night due to her feet burning. Some creams can numb the burning for an hour or so, but the burning returns repeatedly regardless of what she puts on them.

Any recommendations for a good doctor in the Leesburg or Clermont area or even further away, if necessary, would be appreciated.

I asked Chat GPT and this is what it said:

"What Type of Doctor to See

Primary care physician – first step for initial evaluation, bloodwork, and referrals
Neurologist – specializes in nerve conditions, often the key doctor for neuropathy
Podiatrist – for foot care, especially if numbness is causing balance issues or injuries
Vascular specialist – if circulation problems are suspected"

Then these tests:

"Blood Tests
Vitamin levels
Vitamin B12 (plus methylmalonic acid, homocysteine if B12 borderline)
Folate
Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E if suspicion
Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) – rules out hypothyroidism
Kidney function (BUN, creatinine, electrolytes)
Liver function panel
CBC (complete blood count) – screens for anemia, infection, bone marrow issues
Fasting glucose & Hemoglobin A1c – even if not diabetic, helps rule out prediabetes
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP/UPEP) – checks for multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy
Inflammatory/autoimmune tests (if indicated): ANA, ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor

Imaging / Specialized Tests
MRI of the spine (lumbar region) – checks for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or pinched nerves
Ultrasound or Doppler of legs – if poor circulation / PAD is suspected
Nerve & Muscle Tests
Nerve conduction study (NCS) – measures how well nerves transmit signals
Electromyography (EMG) – evaluates muscle activity and detects nerve damage pattern

Physical Exams
Reflexes, vibration, pinprick, and temperature sensation tests
Foot exam for ulcers, calluses, balance issues

✅ Tip: Bring a list of all medications, supplements, alcohol intake, and toxin exposures (even things like old well water, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals can be relevant)."

I have the same condition and needed a place to start. Take the list to your doctor and see what they think.

[golfing eagles]

Check this channel and see if you can find a video with your symptoms. Videos have detailed explanations. Good luck. Do NOT let the term chiropractor term dissuade . It is a self developed technique that provided me with substantial relief and that is all that matters when you are in pain


McLaughlin Chiropractic - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRPBPgKdXHLf_ty1Dyc-bg)

The last thing on planet Earth that she needs before a proper medical diagnosis has been made is a chiropractor

[Aces4]

The last thing on planet Earth that she needs before a proper medical diagnosis has been made is a chiropractor

Finding a proper medical diagnosis isn't easy these days, maybe the chiro would do less harm than some Drs.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Chiropractors can cause more problems than they solve, if you go to the wrong one without a diagnosis. I've used chiropractic, I'm not against it like Eagles is. But I'm in favor of short-term (not three times a week for a month and then twice a week for the rest of your life, like some chiropractors will claim you need) spinal adjustments for immediate relief of general back pain, spastic muscles, pinched nerves in the shoulders, stuff like that.

Get a diagnosis, and then IF the diagnosis warrants it, maybe check a chiropractor's office that has a qualified acupuncturist on staff.

[C. C. Rider]

I asked Chat GPT and this is what it said:

"What Type of Doctor to See

Primary care physician – first step for initial evaluation, bloodwork, and referrals
Neurologist – specializes in nerve conditions, often the key doctor for neuropathy
Podiatrist – for foot care, especially if numbness is causing balance issues or injuries
Vascular specialist – if circulation problems are suspected"

Then these tests:

"Blood Tests
Vitamin levels
Vitamin B12 (plus methylmalonic acid, homocysteine if B12 borderline)
Folate
Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E if suspicion
Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) – rules out hypothyroidism
Kidney function (BUN, creatinine, electrolytes)
Liver function panel
CBC (complete blood count) – screens for anemia, infection, bone marrow issues
Fasting glucose & Hemoglobin A1c – even if not diabetic, helps rule out prediabetes
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP/UPEP) – checks for multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy
Inflammatory/autoimmune tests (if indicated): ANA, ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor

Imaging / Specialized Tests
MRI of the spine (lumbar region) – checks for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or pinched nerves
Ultrasound or Doppler of legs – if poor circulation / PAD is suspected
Nerve & Muscle Tests
Nerve conduction study (NCS) – measures how well nerves transmit signals
Electromyography (EMG) – evaluates muscle activity and detects nerve damage pattern

Physical Exams
Reflexes, vibration, pinprick, and temperature sensation tests
Foot exam for ulcers, calluses, balance issues

✅ Tip: Bring a list of all medications, supplements, alcohol intake, and toxin exposures (even things like old well water, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals can be relevant)."

I have the same condition and needed a place to start. Take the list to your doctor and see what they think.

Thank you for the detailed list. She has taken some of those initial steps and has an appointment in about two weeks with an orthopedist to look at the Xray of her spine.

[Velvet]

I asked Chat GPT and this is what it said:

"What Type of Doctor to See

Primary care physician – first step for initial evaluation, bloodwork, and referrals
Neurologist – specializes in nerve conditions, often the key doctor for neuropathy
Podiatrist – for foot care, especially if numbness is causing balance issues or injuries
Vascular specialist – if circulation problems are suspected"

Then these tests:

"Blood Tests
Vitamin levels
Vitamin B12 (plus methylmalonic acid, homocysteine if B12 borderline)
Folate
Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B6, Vitamin E if suspicion
Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4) – rules out hypothyroidism
Kidney function (BUN, creatinine, electrolytes)
Liver function panel
CBC (complete blood count) – screens for anemia, infection, bone marrow issues
Fasting glucose & Hemoglobin A1c – even if not diabetic, helps rule out prediabetes
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP/UPEP) – checks for multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy
Inflammatory/autoimmune tests (if indicated): ANA, ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor

Imaging / Specialized Tests
MRI of the spine (lumbar region) – checks for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or pinched nerves
Ultrasound or Doppler of legs – if poor circulation / PAD is suspected
Nerve & Muscle Tests
Nerve conduction study (NCS) – measures how well nerves transmit signals
Electromyography (EMG) – evaluates muscle activity and detects nerve damage pattern

Physical Exams
Reflexes, vibration, pinprick, and temperature sensation tests
Foot exam for ulcers, calluses, balance issues

✅ Tip: Bring a list of all medications, supplements, alcohol intake, and toxin exposures (even things like old well water, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals can be relevant)."

I have the same condition and needed a place to start. Take the list to your doctor and see what they think.

Very comprehensive.

[golfing eagles]

Chiropractors can cause more problems than they solve, if you go to the wrong one without a diagnosis. I've used chiropractic, I'm not against it like Eagles is. But I'm in favor of short-term (not three times a week for a month and then twice a week for the rest of your life, like some chiropractors will claim you need) spinal adjustments for immediate relief of general back pain, spastic muscles, pinched nerves in the shoulders, stuff like that.

Get a diagnosis, and then IF the diagnosis warrants it, maybe check a chiropractor's office that has a qualified acupuncturist on staff.

Agree 100% (surprise, surprise). And I'm not against chiropractic, I've referred patients to chiropractors on occasion, but ONLY AFTER I've made a definitive diagnosis and I'm sure that chiropractic wouldn't make the patient worse. I've also buried patients who have gone to chiropractors first without a diagnosis.

[Aces4]

Agree 100% (surprise, surprise). And I'm not against chiropractic, I've referred patients to chiropractors on occasion, but ONLY AFTER I've made a definitive diagnosis and I'm sure that chiropractic wouldn't make the patient worse. I've also buried patients who have gone to chiropractors first without a diagnosis.

I think that may be a weak argument. I'm pro-doctors but also know too many patients, who sadly, we buried after they had a misdiagnosis by their doctors. Nothing or no one is perfect.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Agree 100% (surprise, surprise). And I'm not against chiropractic, I've referred patients to chiropractors on occasion, but ONLY AFTER I've made a definitive diagnosis and I'm sure that chiropractic wouldn't make the patient worse. I've also buried patients who have gone to chiropractors first without a diagnosis.

I once went to a chiropractor who went to "real" medical school and completed his 4 years, which gave him the formal education for diagnostics, but never did a residency and ended his education with chiropractic school instead. He switched paths mid-stream, I didn't ask him why.

I went to him because I was picking up the kitty litter bag - it was just around 5 pounds left of the 10-pound bag, so it wasn't heavy or a strain at all. But I must've turned my head, or twisted my torso "just so" and ended up with acute torticollis. My friend (who worked as a chiropractic assistant at a different practice) brought me to this guy because she knew he was open at weird hours and it was something like 7pm on a Wednesday. Sure enough, he was there. He took one look at me and listened to me explain what I was doing when it happened, and immediately had me sit on a straight-backed chair. He stood behind me, wrapped one arm around my chest to hold me still, and - the only thing I can call it is "flicked" his thumb against a muscle on my neck. IMMEDIATE relief. He told me to alternate ice and heat but to keep the extreme temps off my actual spine, for the next hour after I got home, take a tylenol, and call him if it started hurting again before the next day.

I never had to go back, whatever it was he did, totally fixed it. I couldn't even get into the car when it happened, I had to have my friend lower the seat and push it all the way back just so I could slide in without moving my head. It was excruciating.