What does my MRI specify about burning pain in my feet?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had a problem with my feet now for four years. About four years ago, I had some burning pain in feet. I cannot stand for more than 15 minutes or the pain gets very bad. Four years ago, I also had really bad pain in my legs after standing all day. That has diminished and now I still have the pain in the bottom of my feet. I have seen a million doctors for this and no one has an answer for me. I have narcolepsy. My neurologist asked me to get an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of brain and lower back and said everything looks fine. Actually, she is a sleep specialist. So, I need a second opinion for my MRI report. My regular medication includes Xyrem, Zoloft and Nexium. I also think I have an issue with my upper spine as I am having pain in my neck. I think the pain is due to pinched nerve since moving my head in one direction hurt pretty bad and a few days later the pain would go away. This happened a lot in the past and I just ignored it as it goes away in a few days. Can you look at my MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry that you have had this pain for the past four years. From what you have written, I find that you have had a problem with your feet for four years, burning pain on the bottom of your feet, and you cannot stand for more than 15 minutes.

Your MRI report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) findings are as follows: Lumbar lordosis is diminished with a narrow spinal canal suggestive of congenital spinal canal stenosis.L4-L5: Mild spinal canal with patent neural foramina related to diffuse posterior disc bulge and facet hypertrophy. L5-S1: Mild spinal canal and bilateral neural foraminal stenosis secondary to diffuse posterior disc bulge and facet hypertrophy. Based on these, the pain in your feet can be due to two possibilities.

Peripheral neuropathy, probably due to diabetes or due to Sodium oxybate (Xyrem), or compression of nerves in the spinal column. The diagnosis can be fixed by clinical examination of motor, power and sensory system and reflexes followed by nerve conduction study.

This will tell whether the problem is in the nerves of your legs and feet or whether the problem is in the spinal cord. You may also need to do a glucose tolerance test to rule out diabetes. Even though Oxybate can cause peripheral neuropathy, diabetes is a more common cause. I would suggest that you at least evaluate your blood glucose levels, so that we can start treatment for the pain.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.