Sensitive Feet

The tops of both of my feet are extremely sensitive to any kind of touch or pressure. I am not experiencing any swelling or significant pain, however. Also, I am unable to recall any specific injury or event when the condition started, but I've been experiencing it for a really long time.

Dr. Johnny L. Lin:

It sounds like you may be suffering from nerve pain in your feet, a condition often referred to as painful neuropathy. Some common causes of painful neuropathy are local nerve problems (i.e. neuromas, tarsal tunnel syndrome), a compressed nerve in the spine, a systemic condition (i.e. diabetes, nerve metabolic abnormalities), or primary nerve diseases.

Treatment Options:

In general, neuropathy can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms, but you may require a more detailed workup with a blood analysis and a nerve test called a Nerve Conduction Velocity test. Treatment is highly dependent on the results of the tests and I would recommend this type of detailed workup before progressing with any specific treatment. An accurate diagnosis as to the exact cause of your symptoms it required to maximize the likelihood of obtaining relief with a specific treatment, whether it is surgical or nonsurgical treatment.

For more information about Dr. Lin and the Foot and Ankle physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877 MD BONES or contact us through this Web site.

This information is not intended as a substitute for the professional advice of your physician, nor to be a complete description of every aspect of a condition, nor a complete list of possible side effects of any medication. Decisions concerning your treatment should be based on your own health care provider's evaluation of your personal health history and current condition. Consult your physician before following any of the suggestions on this Web site. All articles on this Web site represent the personal opinions of the individual authors and should not be construed as official policy of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.