For quite a long time, if I stand for a long period of time and then sit down or lay down, my feet start to feel hot to the touch, turn red sometimes purple, and burn and itch. I have to put lotion on them, and sometimes even soak in cold water to get them to stop. They do sometimes look swollen as well. Anyone know why this happens? And how to prevent it?
Dear Candi,
This is not meant as a diagnosis, but it is a possiblilty, I suggest you be sure to speak to your Doctor about this possibility.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/erythromelalgia
This actually happened to me and it took awhile before I figured it out. I found out I was allergic to Aspartame or "Nutra Sweet" the artificial sweetener a lot of Companies use. Once I stopped drinking my Diet Coke I was better. There are other things that cause this such as diabetic neuropathy. Arthritis can also. But it's a good thing to get checked. If the Doctor runs the tests and you don't get an answer, keep at it. don't give up.
Yes I have! I have even gone out and stood in the snow until they were numb, because I can't fall asleep with itchy feet. They never found a cause. It comes and goes mostly in cold weather. Sorry I cant help :(
It happens to me too as soon as I take off my socks at the end of the day …my feet get red and itch so bad I have also put cold water or ice packs on them…It didn’t happen all summer when I was wearing flip flops…I can’t figure it out …some night I keep my socks on with my nightgown because I don’t want to get the itch going…If yo find out what causes it let me know
Yes I live with this also, as does my mother with lupus. I have had to run to the tub after coming in from an errand and stand in cold water because I was ready to scream from the burning. I use cold water spray bottle, I freeze a water bottle, then roll it under each foot for a while, and I put cold washcloths on them when it is the worst. It's just the inflammation of the fascia in the sole of your foot. It's not exactly plantar fasciitis though, because that only affects a band of tendon that goes from side to side just in front of your heel. I thought it was due to lupus, but if you have it and you just have fibro, I guess it could be a fibro symptom.
Susan thanks for the suggestion for dx!
Sheila
This is a symptom of dysautonomia (a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system). Fibromyalgia is also a symptom of dysautonomia. You may want to check out dinet.org. These symptoms are generally not treated by doctors. You need to figure out if its caused by a connective tissue disorder such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which is very under diagnosed and leads to mast cell activation syndrome which causes dysautonomia. It is all not well understood but a lot has been learned by research just in the last couple of years. these illnesses all run together and I can give you more links when I’m not on my cellphone if you want.
This is a very interesting group. I definitely have this problem, burning feet,but just wrote it off as complications of diabetes. It did not occur to me that it could be anything else. I have to say that it is a very painful experience,particularly the burning. I don’t however have the itch. very helpful discussion.
I remember, Laura! So sorry you suffer this! What type of med is used for this?
Yes, I also get really bad burning in my feet, they get really red, & feel like they are burning, cold wash cloth helps, my dr. Says it neurapothy from fibro, but I actually think I have that erythromelagia ??? It happens most at night when my feet are under blanket, no itching though, sometimes the burning is in my hands also.
Great post
Crazy thing is it didn’t happen all summer
Hugs & blessings
I do not have diabetes so I can just imagine how it would feel if I did. I don’t get the itch unless I don’t do something about the burning fast enough. It is very painful and even a foot doc was not able to help 
Wow this sounds exactly like me! Thanks I will look into this!
Yes Dee! Sounds exactly like what I’ve been going through. As I stated in another reply, the itching only occurs if I do nothing about the burning soon enough. It’s like it burns and then the itching is the last sensation before it goes away. Mine happens no matter what the climate, but it is better if I’m wearing open toed shoes.
I don’t drink or eat anything with artificial sweetners so I don’t think that’s it. But thanks for the information. I’ll definitely stay away from that!
Wow! Same here! I also have kept my sock on at night because of it. I don’t like doing it though because feet should breathe. I’ll let you know if i figure anything out.
I would love to check out anything you possibly run across. I will be giving all this info to my doc. Thanks!
I have the same thing and I was diagnosed with Periphal Neuropathy no I am not diabetic but I do have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, Degenerative Disc Disease and I have had a rash lately on my feet. I have always had the burning and tingling now I have the rash with more burning, and it's real hot. I got one of those parafin crocks that you can dip your feet in and make sure you get the recommended amount of wax to put in it and dip it at least three times wrap it in a bag. Lay down for about 15 mins so this soaks in your feet then massage the the warm wax in your feet real good then remove. Ohhh myyyy it feels soooo good!!!! I am not sure if it makes it go away but it feels so good to your feet that it's a wonderful distraction tha for a few min. you forget about the burning and tingling. I have the tingling in my hands so I do my hands as well. I hope it help you guys like it does me.
49, what are they telling you caused the degenerative disc? Surely arthritis?
Candi,
This can be many different things. In my opinion, I'd talk to your doctor soon. I'm wondering if it could be a form of vasculitis, because of the swelling, heat and color. Just to be safe, keep an eye on it for any changes.
Hugs,
Renie
I was told I also have small fiber nerve damage. So pretty sure that’s what is causing it, but I am going to bring all of what I have been made aware of, at the next doc appt. I’m real sick of this. Today I feel as though my amitryptiline has stopped working like it was. I have had a bad headache the last few days, and extreme pain in my neck and shoulders area, my ankles and my thighs and arms and even my jaw. Not real happy today. And no matter what, I have to work the full day tomorrow so i can get paid for the holiday time off. Tomorrow is probably going to be miserable, but I will try to stay positive and look forward to the good times on thurday. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!