What causes tingling feeling and sharp pain in my feet?
Patient: I have recently moved from Minnesota to Arizona. I have a history of ankle swelling, along with tingling and sharp shooting pains in my feet. My physician in MN diagnosed this as peripheral neuropathy. I am not diabetic. I am 28 years sober from ETOH, marijuana. For several yrs I have been prescribed antidepressants, most recently Effexor XR and Bupropion. Because I knew I would not immediately have insurance, I weaned myself from 225 mg of Venlaxafine to 75 mg daily. This was done over a 2 month period. I have also run out of the Bupropion, as well as the HCTZ & Metropolol, Pravastatin and folic acid I was taking. The main problem I have is the extreme swelling of my calves, ankles and feet. I stay off my feet as much as possible and elevate them above my heart, but that only helps for the time I m doing it. I have no insurance, my bp is in the neighborhood of 123/78. I m 5 7 , 190#. I hope you can offer me some help. Thank you. Joy D. Webb Doctor: Hello!Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms are suggestive of increased fluid retention. For this reason, it is important performing some tests (a cardiac ultrasound, blood electrolytes, kidney and liver function tests). Starting a diuretic like furosemide may help improve your situation. Hope to have been helpful!Wishing all the best, Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist