feet problems??

[MSNik]

Does anyone with MS have foot problems? Im talking about circulation or toe nail issues? Ive always experienced the numbness in my feet and toes; however this particular past week its been so painful that Ive almost cried! I honestly thought it was due to the cold weather which started in the past few weeks, but driving home the other night, my feet went so numb, I was afraid to continue driving....Ive also started noticing that my toenails dont look like they always have...(I hadnt noticed since I get pedicures regularly!)

So, today, I had my first podiatrist visit. He says I DO NOT have Reynauds, which is what I thought I was experiencing, but more of a vascular problem...which might be affecting the health of my toenails as well. There wasnt anything he recommended other then keeping my feet warm and dry- but did refer me to a vascular doctor. Anyone have any similar experinces?

Curious if this is "just a MS thing" or if its completely unrelated...
Nikki

[sunshine149]

I don't know if it's related, it might be medication related, perhaps. Is there any chance you might have Type II diabetes? This can be common with diabetics.

[MSJayhawk]

My brother's mother-in-law thought her foot problem was diabetes, but it was a vascular problem. They took her to Houston, TX to a vascular surgeon. He attempted to transplant some grafts to correct the problem, but due to her age, he could not make it stick. He said it needed to have been corrected much earlier. Unfortunately, her feet had to be amputated, but she said that her lifetime of pain was finally gone. She was 75 at the time and is now 80. You might wish to consult a vascular surgeon.

I do not think it is MS. My MS problems are two numb feet- not vascular.

[MSNik]

im absolutely positive that I dont have diabetes. ive had my sugar tested many times in the past year. Because Im on Rebif, and that is the only drug I take regualrly, I get complete CBC along with Cholesterol (fasting) sugars and liver enzymes...Im defintatly healthy. And, my risk is minimal, no history in my family, and I weigh 110 lbs on a 5'4'' frame and I work out 3-4 times a week with weight strengthening and balance exercises....

As far as the vascular goes- he did give me a referral to see someone, but also told me he really thinks this is just an MS thing- and doesnt think anything is wrong. The podiatrist actually did some pretty extensive testing. I wasnt aware they could do as much as he did....checking circulation, checking for Reynauds with some sort of spray which, if it had been Reynauds should have turned my skin white, and then red...there was no reaction at all...he says my pulse is good in my feet, but my small arteries, near my toes were where the problem was..thus, the referral....Guesss Ill be following up on that in the next week.

Thanks for your input, both of you. I appreciate it.
Nikki

[Lily68]

I think if it was diabetes you would have noticed other stuff before this but I'm no medic.
Not nice that it has been so painful. Is it similar to other pains you have had with MS? MS is so quirky I wouldn't surprised if it's MS related but I'm novice....
Maybe some resting might help... Take care