What does it look like?
Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder that happens due to enlarged blood vessels. It occurs often on the skin of feet but also appears on hands, face, ears and nose. It is more common in women and the average age of diagnosis is 61 years old. People with this condition experience a myriad of symptoms that when put together can be debilitating. With a flare-up, you will have warmth, redness, swelling and pain often in the form of a burning sensation. The pain and burning can be so severe even in a mild case that can impair simple tasks like standing, walking, working, exercising and sleeping.
This condition also varies greatly from case to case. For some, it comes on gradually and can stay mild for years. Others experience acute flare-ups that grow severe in a few weeks time. Unfortunately, there is no known cause or cure for erythromelalgia. Studies have shown that a small percentage of cases are inherited and it can be associated with other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.
This describes what I have, what can I do?
It is important that you persist in finding help. Different medicines seem to work for different people and your podiatrist can help find a treatment plan that helps alleviate your pain, reduces flare-ups and improves the condition. The two most effective treatments found are elevating and cooling the affected area. Icing or soaking in cold water needs to be monitored or avoided altogether as prolonged and consistent periods of doing those could permanently damage tissues. Diabetics should avoid icing of the feet.
Living with this condition can be very painful and frustrating. Seek help from a podiatrist such as Dr. Jeffrey Bowman from Houston Foot Specialists, in Houston, TX. He has all the resources necessary to diagnose and treat any foot or ankle problem. Contact him today at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.
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