Has anyone suffered with burning, red/purple feet? I do, especially in the summer and it can be unbearable. Finally 2 years ago I was diagnosed with EM ERYTHROMELALGIA.
So if you do have this, its worth while seeing your doctor about it.
It can come with MS.
About Erythromelalgia
EM is a rare disorder that can occur at any age and affects both genders.
Most cases of EM are idiopathic (cause unknown). Sometimes EM is secondary to other medical conditions including autoimmune, neurologic or blood disorders. Lupus, polycythemia vera and multiple sclerosis are examples.
EM also can mimic other illnesses such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Infrequently EM may develop following an injury or surgical procedure.
Some people have the inherited or primary form of EM and usually have other family members with the disease. Recently, an EM gene was identified as were several mutations to this gene. Apparently each affected family carries a different mutation.
Both the blood vessels and the nervous system are usually involved in EM.
The name erythromelalgia describes the clinical features: erythros (redness), melos (extremity), and algia (pain). There are other ways to spell EM including erythermalgia, which emphasizes heat (thermos).
Remissions are possible, but infrequent. With the help of the members of The Erythromelalgia Association (TEA), their doctors, and future research, control of EM symptoms is entirely feasible.
Symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with EM, symptoms may include hands or feet that are very red to purple in color, are perhaps swollen, hot to the touch, and have burning pain.
Location
For some, EM symptoms may appear in the face, ears, knees or other parts of the body. The intensity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Some notice a continual burning pain while others are troubled with “flare-ups” or episodes lasting from minutes to days in length.
Triggers
Warm temperatures seem to be the most frequent trigger for EM episodes. Flare-ups are provoked by heat and exercise, and symptoms are relieved by cooling and elevating the affected extremities. Some TEA members have found that foods, spices like MSG, beverages (particularly alcohol) and some drugs can make EM symptoms worse
…
I find the heat makes mine worse, and also keeping my feet down, so I do recline all the time instead of sitting. Also I went gluten free which helps my symptoms.
I just thought it was interesting and maybe others have the symptoms but dont know why.
Maria