Question
I am 23 years old and I have had warm feet for as long as I can remember.  No one is able to provide a real solution to the problem... My problem is this: my feet feel like they are on fire as soon as I lie down.  At no other time do my feet have any problems, just as soon as I lie on my bed.  The level of 'heat' that my feet experience or the amount of discomfort also varies. I am not sure exactly waht it is that I do to aggravate the situation.  This phenomenon runs in my family - on my grandfatther's side.  He also sleeps, just like I do, with my feet outside the covers.  I, however,sleep with my feet outside the covers the whole year round.  I have tried many crazy stunts like poor water all over my feet and bottom of the bed just to provide a little relief (but not even this works).  I now sleep with a fan aimed directly at my feet to cool them down.  This often leaves me freezing, but only then do my feet feel 'normal'.  Please help.  Is this truly a poor blood circulation problem? If not, what else can it be and what can I do about it?

Answer
Hi Jess,

It sounds like you may have a condition known as Hereditary Peripheral Neuropathy involving the feet.  Are there any autoimmune diseases in the family such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma?  Any diabetes?  Any condition known as Charcot Marie Tooth Disease in the family?  Do your feet ever become purple or pale? Are you healthy otherwise?

First step is to see a Neurologist.  They will help with a diagnosis.  Medications for neuropathy include Lyrica, Neurontin and Cymbalta.  However, they may come up with a different diagnosis. If problems with circulation are suspected there are other tests, however it is not common to have problems like this at your age.

Let me know if there is any other info.  Happy Holiday.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Advanced Podiatry
Tampa, FL
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com
http://www.theTampaPodiatrist.com