Question
Hello Doctor,

I need some advice if possible please.  

BACKGROUND
I am 28 years old and have raynauds due to this I suffer from Phantom pains in my feet and ankles and am very prone to cellulitus to which I have suffered 4 times over the past 18 months.

CURRENT SYMPTOMS
Currently I have a stabbing pain in  the top of my left toe which is constant and the feeling is like having a thorn or bee sting.  I am also severely suffering from burning agony under my toes and it goes to half way down the sole of my feet.  If I don't walk for an hours its fine but as soon as I do it starts up again.  Visually my feet look normal with no redness or swelling.  I have been turned away today by both my GP and local minor injuries clinic!!  I am going on holiday tomorrow and just want to be able to walk.

I am always suffering with my feet and my GP says its just the Raynauds but I am sure it must be something else - once I woke up and thought I had broken my ankle!

Do I need specialist shoes or inner soles?  

Thank you for your guidance

Rachael

Answer
Hi Rachael,

If you have Raynaud's you should expect some purple discoloration of the toes with temperature changes.  However, you describe symptoms that sound nerve related.  You could benefit from insoles however, you will need a more thorough evaluation.  I would recommend nerve conduction and electromyography studies typically performed by a neurologist or physiatrist.  This will help with a diagnosis of nerve damage.  There are many other possible problems so I would look for another GP for other opinions as well.

If you do have nerve related pain on the foot and ankle you may benefit from cryosurgery, an advanced pain relief procedure.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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