We produce a lot of blog content for conditions we see on a regular basis, like ankle sprains, bunions or plantar fasciitis, but we also want people with rarer foot conditions to know that they have an outlet in Dr. Silverman. One such condition is erythromelalgia, which only affects about 1 out of every 50,000 people. It is categorized by warm, red and burning discomfort, particularly in the hands and feet. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and treatment options for erythromelalgia of the feet.
Causes And Symptoms Of Erythromelalgia
Perhaps not surprisingly, a rare condition like erythromelalgia is not super well understood. The causes of the condition are not well known, but it is considered a form of peripheral neuropathy that develops as a result of damages, changes or narrowing of the blood vessels in the feet. Experts also believe that there is a genetic component at play, as about five percent of erythromelalgia patients have a family history of the condition. The condition can develop on its own, or it can be the result of issues related to a different health concern. For example, erythromelalgia onset is more common in patients with nerve disorders, autoimmune disorders or blood disorders.
Symptoms of the condition include:
- Foot pain
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Excessive sweating
- Skin tenderness
- Difficulty walking comfortably
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, bring up your issues to your doctor at your next physical or set up an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist.
Treating Erythromelalgia
Effective treatment first begins by learning more about the condition and what tends to cause a flare up. For example, many people find that they are more prone to erythromelalgia flare up when their feet experience temperature changes, like if they are in an overly tight shoe or during exercise where they are moving and sweating. Understanding triggers can help you avoid actions that lead to flare ups. Talking with your doctor about your symptoms and when they develop can help you both understand how to best treat the issue.
Along with recognizing triggers, your doctor will talk to you about additional treatment and therapy options. If your erythromelalgia is the result of another health issue, your primary focus will be to manage the underlying condition. Keeping the primary health issue under control can limit erythromelalgia flareups.
If your erythromelalgia doesn’t seem tied to another health issue, your doctor may recommend a combination of the following:
- Topical treatments like lidocaine and capsaicin
- Oral medicals
- Cooling remedies
- IV infusions
There isn’t a cure for erythromelalgia, but learning more about your triggers can help you keep flare ups under wraps. Temperature changes, caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol are all common triggers for erythromelalgia, but consider starting a journal and documenting your flare ups so you can better understand what triggers your feet. Taking some steps to avoid these triggers can make life a lot more comfortable when living with erythromelalgia.
For help managing erythromelalgia or another rare foot condition, connect with Dr. Silverman and his team today!