My introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone. My name is Barb, I live in Wisconsin, and I was told my

chronic foot inflammation/pain was CMT, type 2 (or II?) in March 2000 after

consultation with a neurologist at the Univ. of Wisc. in Madison. He told

me it was heriditary, that it wouldn't " get any worse " (meaning it would not

move up my legs, he said) and that he couldn't do anything for me in the way

of alleviating the pain (other than telling me to stay off my feet!) and

that my kids have a 50/50 chance of developing it also. Very upsetting to

hear.

My foot problems started with bone spurs in about 1990. Took

anti-inflammatories, and finally a cortisone shot to clear the inflammation

in one heel. Later I found I would get a burning sensation all over the

bottom of my feet when being on my feet for long periods, like shopping. I

was told that was plantar fascitis, instructed to do foot stretches several

times a day, and took more anti-inflammatories. In 1995 I noticed " pins and

needles " feelings in my feet and upon mentioning that to an orthopedic

surgeon, was told that was a nerve problem and I should see a neurologist.

The subsequent nerve function test conducted by a local neurologist resulted

in a diagnosis of " peripheral neuropathy. " It was a couple years later that

I was referred to the Univ. of Wis. clinic and got the additional diagnosis

of CMT, type 2.

My most successful coping method, when I have been on my feet too much, and

the pain is quite bad, is using gel cold packs. I keep several in my

freezer all the time, and put each foot on one of those cold packs (with

socks on) and it gives almost instant relief. As we get into warmer

weather, I find that my feet swell more, putting pressure on the bottoms

inside my shoes, and I simply take shoes and sox off and elevate them, as

much as possible. Walking on cool tile floors also feels good in the

mornings, when my feet seem to be a bit inflammed just from being warm in

bed.

Chronic inflammation definitely seems to be the culprit in my case, and I

think caused the nerve damage. Any experts in this group that can confirm

or refute the idea that chronic inflammation is the root of all this pain

and nerve damage?

Barb