How can I help my brother's foot pain?
April 25, 2022 3:16 PM Subscribe
Long story short, my brother's legs have become immobilized in the last year. He is having a hard time sitting upright for long periods because of foot pain. He wears pads on his feet. He has pillows under his feet. He takes OTC pain medicine. But it's not enough and the pain drives him back to the recliner or to bed. Any ideas? Thank you.
Has he been tested for gout? Has he had X-rays?
What kind of doctors has he seen? Podiatrists? Rheumatologists?
posted by HeyAllie at 3:49 PM on April 25, 2022
What kind of doctors has he seen? Podiatrists? Rheumatologists?
posted by HeyAllie at 3:49 PM on April 25, 2022
Best answer: Apologies if this is better answered by a doctor or maybe an occupational therapist but cant he sit with his feet propped up on a pillow (bottoms facing out) so there's no pressure on them? I get wicked feet pain when there's pressure on them even if I'm sitting down or laying down.
posted by bleep at 3:57 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by bleep at 3:57 PM on April 25, 2022
Response by poster: Neurofibromatosis is the cause of the paralysis. We know all about that. I am looking for ideas like bleep's. Or, for instance, my own leg pain is alleviated by strict temperature control, which I only learned on my own after months of doctors and PT, and special soles in special shoes.
posted by Stuka at 4:16 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by Stuka at 4:16 PM on April 25, 2022
Best answer: Does your brother have access to an occupational therapist? My family member had a great deal of pain and the OT had some great ideas for life hacks to minimize it and live his life the best he could. Sorry if he doesn't have access and I hope others have more concrete suggestions.
posted by *s at 4:37 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by *s at 4:37 PM on April 25, 2022
I am not a doctor nor a medical professional, but this sounds like it's leaning toward Schwannomatosis than simple neurofibromatosis, esp. if your brother is over age of 30. You need to find a specialist in schwannomatosis to get a proper diagnosis, and probably engage a pain management specialist, if the diagnosis can be confirmed.
posted by kschang at 4:52 PM on April 25, 2022
posted by kschang at 4:52 PM on April 25, 2022
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posted by brainmouse at 3:26 PM on April 25, 2022 [3 favorites]