Sunday, August 24, 2025

Hot legs, and not the good kind… any medical advice?

This is going to be a weird blog.  For the last 10 days or so, I’ve been dealing with foot pain.  The pain isn’t as bad as it was a week ago, but I think it’s because I’ve stopped walking so much.  

But my toes on both feet and my soles always seem to be very hot.

And now, the last three nights, I’ve awoken around 5:30am with burning legs from the knees down.  It usually takes them a couple hours to die down.  My friend Evie at the senior center says it’s neuropathy, welcome to old age.

I was just wondering if I have athlete’s foot and not be aware of it?  I bought anti-fungal cream 3 days ago and been using it twice daily—but now with the burning legs, I don’t know. 

Here’s some unflattering photos of my feet (and legs) taken last night around 10:30pm.

FYI, the last photo is my compression socks.  I had pretty swollen ankles earlier this week, and have been wearing compression socks for 5-6 hours every day. 

Do these feet look fungal to you?  I’m open to suggestions, thanks everyone.

 
 

30 comments:

  1. I am so sorry about your legs. I did not recommend to make such a self-checked especially by using that cream whoch should be verified regarding the inggredients or material concealed it. I suggest you to the hospital to make it sure safe and unharm thing

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  2. Doug, I’m sorry you’re dealing with that burning pain — it sounds very uncomfortable. Athlete’s foot usually stays on the skin, so the burning in your legs may be more nerve-related, like your friend suggested. It might be a good idea to have a doctor take a look to be sure. Hoping you find some relief and comfort soon. John

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  3. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I would make a doctor's appointment. Does your insurance cover "urgent care" or "convenient care". We have something in our town that is an office rather than an emergency room. You don't need an appointment and it's first come, first served. I have learned to go about 15 minutes before they open.

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  4. Hi Doug,

    I would definitely get this checked out ASAP. The burning sensation could by a symptom of several different things, (neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, blood clots, cellulitis). The medical team can run some tests, get some blood work and figure out what is going on.

    I'm so sorry you are going through this. Take care, and let us know how you are doing.

    Carole

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  5. Thank you for the good advice everyone. There is a business in my community, associates in podiatry and I have called and left a message hoping they can see me as soon as possible. I doubt my insurance is covered there but to be honest that's not a priority with me right now. I also have jury duty this Thursday! Thanks again everybody.

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  6. Dug, I'm no expert, but your feet look more like a rash than athlete's foot to me. But burning pain in your legs sounds more like neuropathy. My son has that due to his diabetes and another friend has that too. I would have it checked out. And of course it could also be another symptom of your long covid, I guess. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. Praying it's something simple that can be diagnosed and taken care of quickly. Here's a virtual hug! (they always make me feel better).

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    1. Thank you Rian, I'm sorry your son has that but I am wondering if this is the first symptom of diabetes for myself as well. Oh dear.. thank you for your kind words.

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  7. I like Carole's advice. Neuropathy is a definite possibility; my neighbor has burning hands and feet but that's from chemo. Are you on any drugs that could cause this?

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    1. Margaret I'm only on amlodipine for my high blood pressure. Let's just started like 8 or 9 days ago, I was hoping it get better not the other way around. I did call a local podiatrist office, hoping they get back to me soon.

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    2. I just googled that med. First thing that comes up under side effects is swelling of hands, feet and lower legs. Good luck!

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    3. Thanks Bobi, I tried getting off that med a couple years ago because of the swelling, but it eventually went down. I think this time the swelling was for a different reason, more dangerous one. I really need to focus on cutting out the things that cause gout, and to reduce my weight.

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  8. You have a great group of general medical practitioners here (laughing), but I agree with pretty much everyone, get thee to a doctor immediately.

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  9. I am really sorry that you aren’t feeling great ,and that you are worried about what to do . Seeing a Nurse/Doctor does seem the most sensible cause of action - I think when you live alone ( as I also do ) it’s easy to let those worrying thoughts dominate - I think it’s great that you
    are able to talk to people through your blog . Take pain killers . Drink plenty of fluids ( and yes sadly this means water and not gin )
    And try to get an appointment
    Siobhan x

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    1. Thank you Siobhan. I wish this was a quick fix but I have a feeling it's the start of something serious. And you're right when you live alone, times like this can be difficult. As for gin, I wouldn't dare!

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  10. Lots of different advice, most of it appropriate, Doug. I also think a doctor's visit is the right way to go. I have a hard time analyzing photos because of my eye problems. I'm right there with the others, though, thinking a doctor is the best option now. This is not normal.

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    1. Thank you DJan, I'm going to try and see one as soon as possible.

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  11. I didn’t think I’d comment as I don’t have any of the conditions you describe. Then I thought, oh what the hell. My fingers were twitching above the keyboard.

    There’s one symptom I did have and that’s the swollen ankles. That was just after I’d been prescribed blood pressure tablets. I told my doc and he changed the prescription and that went away in a day or two – that was a couple of years ago.

    I do have really painful toes, feet, ankles, knees, fingers (especially fingers), hands, elbows and more. But that’s arthritis and looking at your limbs you don’t have that, otherwise they’d be quite misshapen as mine are.

    So sorry, I can’t help.

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    1. Peter I'm sorry for your arthritis, but what you wrote here did help. Thank you.

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    2. What the doc switched me has the brand name Zircol 10, made by Viatris (possibly an Australian company).
      Its chemical formula is lercanidipine hydrochloride, a 10 mg dose.

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  12. Doug, I’m very sorry to hear about your painful experience. Definitely time to see a doctor. But I wouldn’t go to a podiatrist. This seems like something more systemic than just foot related. Keep us posted.

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  13. Dug, Do your feet also feel hot to the touch or is it a sensory messaging error? I'm no doctor, just know from experience that can be a "thing" (with cold too). I started with a podiatrist and my nerve issues were not in their purvue. Went to PCP and on from there, eventually had a nerve conduction test. My situation is different than yours though. Wishing you success as you muck through the medical scene. Kim in PA

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    1. Thanks Kim. My feet feel very hot on the floor, but cool to the touch. I am really thinking it was a case of gout that traveled to both feet, more on the right one. But I also think this was a wake-up call, my legs from the knees down and ankles were so swollen for the last couple months. Been wearing these compression socks everyday and they have been a huge, tremendous help. I think I'm going to do what Don suggested and focus more on a doctor than foot doctor.

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  14. Hi Doug, glad to read your last comment. I would head to a regular doctor for something like this. Are you able to get in quickly to see one? Here in Canada it can be quite a wait.
    Hope you find out what is going on soon Doug.❤️❤️
    Robin

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    1. Thanks Robin, I did leave a message with my doctor's office. I was in there a couple months ago getting a minor exam and my prescription renewed for hypertension medication. He wanted me to do a full set of blood work and I put off rescheduling. It would check for things like diabetes, prostate, congestive heart failure. So I'm going to get that done. Hope you and Chuck are well. ❤️

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  15. Sorry, I've no idea, though I concur with many of your other commentors. Time to see your doctor.

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    1. Thanks Maebeme--I'm planning to, the sooner the better.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, it really means a lot to hear from you.