Suddenly, I can hardly walk--what is happening to me??
 

I am going to see a doctor soon -but am wondering if anyone else has ever had this unusual problem. My feet are swollen--and I can hardly come to a standing position from having been seated for awhile. The pain is almost unbearable--. especially in the mornings. I live alone and do everything myself. But it's getting so hard to go out and do errands. I'm about ready to start using a shopping cart that you can sit in. (Ready physically, not mentally) My doctor had concluded that I have arthritis--based on aches and pains I've had in the past year--particularly my hands--and because everything else of a similar and serious nature has been ruled out.
So my question is, have any of you ever had such pain in their feet that they can hardly walk -- and if so, what was the cause of it--and how was it treated? I would so appreciate hearing from you!

See a specialist.

See your doctor. I have orthostatic hypotension, which means my blood pressure drops when I've been sitting or laying down and I stand too quickly. I get really dizzy. Mine is from an aging of the blood vessels but there is not really any pain involved. If you have diabetes, that could be a factor. Best bet, see your doctor. Best wishes.

No experience but you could have poor circulation in your legs. A hart doctor might be the one to see about blood flow in your body.

Thank you, John, for your response. I do plan to see my doctor again--will call tomorrow--but I fear nothing will come of it. That's why I'm writing to see if anyone else has the same symptoms. I haven't heard of orthostatic hypotension, but I'm assuming you have medication for that? I do think this might have something to do with blood pressure in which case, I'm guessing they can prescribe something. Thanks again for writing.

Yes, I'm sure I need to see a specialist--but will see my primary tomorrow and hope she will recommend someone. Thank you.

Report to us what you find out and how you are doing. People really DO care, and this may help someone else too !

Sorry to hear you have this problem. I'd offer an opinion but there simply isn't enough information to form any sort of differential diagnosis. Don't be pessimistic about the ability of your doctors to find out the cause, keep your appointment, he will have a lot of questions for you.
Did the swelling come on suddenly or gradually?
Did the pain come on suddenly or gradually?
Does it hurt to touch your feet?
Is the problem getting up from leg weakness or pain?
Is the pain down your legs or confined to the feet?
Are your feet or legs numb?
Any lower back problems?
Is the problem equal on both sides?
And about 100 more questions needed to narrow this down

This does not sound like orthostatic hypotension, which is marked by dizziness when getting up and is not painful. It also does not sound like "arthritis"

Your doctor will probably want a blood test (to evaluate renal and hepatic function as well as an albumin level. He may go ahead and order venous and arterial dopplers of both legs. Further investigation will probably hinge on the results of those test. I hope you get well soon, and do keep us informed

For your arthritis you need to see a rhumatologist...they specialze in joint pain. There could be lots of reasons you can't walk any longer. You need a full work up it seems.

See a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. Visit FootHealthFacts.org and use the Find A Physician search tool.

Actually, a rhumatologist specializes in dance instruction, specifically the rumba. A rheumatologist is the appropriate medical specialist:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

Not in lieu of going to the doctor but I find diet is directly related to my aches and pains and swollen body. Gluten was the worst, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes,peppers) for arthritis. Nitrates in hotdogs, cold cuts, smoked meats.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Shannon Floyd for my feet. She’s terrific.

Your symptoms can be occurring for many issues. When a physician minimizes or ignores symptoms that are very real for you, it’s time to find a new physician. Insist on being seen today not in a week. My prayers are with you.

I would not wait for a Doctors appointment. I would go to an urgent care and they will tell you what they think might be happening and will direct you the the type of Doctor you should see. Then when you do call the Doctor tell them you live alone and you tell them that urgent care and said you need to see a Doctor ASAP. Also tell them that if they have a cancellation you will take it. You want to make sure nothing serious is going on besides the arthritis.

Are you diabetic?

Gout is very painful and causes swelling.

Great suggestions here. I would also like to add that the swelling in your feet could be due to heart
Issues and I would be seen today! Please don’t put it off and let us know how you’re doing!

Sounds like it could be rheumatoid arthritis.

Yes, but is almost always confined to a single joint

Not really

Definitely see a Rheumatologist. Have your primary do labs: C-Reactive Protein, Sed Rate, ANA, Rheumatoid factor, CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, Venous Ultrasound, Ankle/Brachial Index or the equivalent. Consider POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA as a possible diagnosis.

You might have rheumatoid arthritis, check with a rheumatologist.

How much do you exercise? Could be from a weakening heart.

I have the exact same problem. I have heel spurs that cause plantar fasciitis. You may need orthotics.
Exercise the instep of your feet by placing a cold water bottle on the floor and roll your foot over it.
Stand on a step with your toes and stretch your Achilles’ tendon.
Take anti inflammatory pill if you can.

Go see an urgent care ER if you can’t see a specialist in the next couple of days!

Make an appt with Shands or the Mayo clinic for a full workup. Our Villages health doctor never found out what was wrong with my husband and over 2 years he kept getting worse and worse. We went to Shands for a full workup, he had Parkinsons, no shaking, but falls and difficulty walking, and had had it they said for about 5 years. They put him on meds and his physical abilities improved greatly. He died 2 years later, but thanks to Shands physical his last 2 years were not terrible. Go to Shands or Mayo clinic, do this for yourself, especially since you live alone. Good luck to you.

this may sound nuts, but the weather can do this to me. i have severe arthritis & spinal fusions-when there's unsettled storms, i can barely move. the last 2 weeks have been uncomfortable

poster above me recommends Mayo---i agree

Not a bad thought but PMR is not usually confined to the feet and doesn't have a lot of edema

Peripheral edema without dyspnea on exertion---not likely and also not painful

Plantar fasciitis in BOTH feet at the same time and again with edema---unlikely

Go to Shands Hospital in Gainesville and see their rheumatoid dept

Problem sounds complicated enough that she may end up there, but I'd play it out locally first. If the answer becomes evident quickly, it will avoid a lot of unnecessary testing and travel

If you are suffering, your doctor should be very active in finding a solution for you. Unfortunately, a doctor may not be as good as we wish but you only find out when something goes wrong. You need to be your own advocate. Maybe a new doctor is in order.

A podiatrist is your best option
 

Having suffered very similar symptons a foot doctor determined that I suffered from "Plantar Faciatis".
Google that problem for an evaluation of matching issues.
William S. Cook
Public Adjuster

Neuropathy is a possibility. Yes a specialist and full workup would be wise. More importantly is the immediate concerns: You live alone. Do you have any family or support friends in area? If you cannot stand easily you Can fall hard. Keep cell phone or alert button on you. If you drive and legs give out you may cause an accident. How safe is your physical environment? Do you have pets that will need care if you are unable to move around? Are your health care directives in order and on file at doctors and hospital? Please insist on seeing MD ASAP. From what you stated it could be Cardiac? lung? Neurological? Or any or all body systems. May angels assist you in finding relief and solutions and keep you safe.

If your doctor requests blood work, have the uric acid panel included. If it is high (say 8 or 9 rather than 5), you may have gout which often manifests itself in the feet. Do your feet swell, turn red or purple in color, feel hot to the touch, and are tender to the touch? A rheumatologist can help you resolve this if it turns out to be gout.

Call your MD now, describe worsening of condition. Get an earlier appointment. The swollen ankles could represent fluid retention and heart problem or medication or dietary imbalance. You cannot self diagnose. Go to your MD sooner by advocating for an appointment now!!

As an observer, always read TOTV, you are wonderful & kind. Thank you for being a wonderful neighbor

Ask your doctor about gabapentin and declofenac. Two things that have helped me.

So sorry for your pain. Have they ruled out phlebitis & blood clots?
Just an idea. Hope you find out what it is.