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.