Foot Problems: Pins & Needles

Hi thanks for asking your question. I am happy to hear that you will be seeing a new rheumatologist. I think that is the right choice. Can you please come back and update us to the meeting. Vickie W., Community Moderator

Will do, thanks Vickie. My current rheumatologist has finally agreed to an appointment tomorrow. I’ll see him tomorrow but will also see the new rheumatologist. I suspect that one of my medications is causing a peripheral neuropathy and want a referral to a neurologist. I’m very annoyed and worried over the whole situation.
Thank you very much for writing back as your support really helps my emotional wellbeing.x

Hi Vickie. Just home from my rheumatology visit.
He said it seemed to be neurological, possibly Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy or Multiple Sclerosis. I now have a referral to an excellent neurologist.
I asked my rheumatologist whether he’d heard of peripheral neuropathy being a side- effect of taking Leflunomide. I’ve been on this drug since January and have read journal articles outlining a clear link between taking Leflunomide and the possible development of peripheral neuropathy after being on the drug for three to six months. He looked it up and agreed that I should stop taking this medication.
Personally, I suspect that my problem is related to this Leflunomide side-effect. It has a very long half-life and can take about three months before the side-effects disappear.
I will see the neurologist but don’t think I have anything that’s irreversible.
I am still going to change rheumatology specialists as I wasn’t impressed at having my concerns “brushed-off” since reporting the symptoms as soon as they started.
Thanks so much for your support, Vickie. Will keep you updated on my progress.

I was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy after a few years on Humira, in both my hands and feet (worse in my feet.) Was seen at Mayo Clinic Nueropathy and a nerve biopsy was done to see about the health of my nerve endings. Also, was no longer able to walk in a straight line (like DUI tests) and was not able to stand with my eyes closed without weaving from side to side, dizzy. All results were positive. They said my “Brain no longer speaks to my feet & vice versa...or less so than what is normal. The “pins & needles” eventually stopped, and no I just deal with the after-effects. I drop a lot of small items, and have learned how to hold things differently to prevent dropping them (coffee cup with pinkie underneath, 2 hands carrying nail polish after breaking a few on our tile floor..). I don’t think about it much anymore. (I do think it was Humira that caused it.). I’m off Humira and on Otezla now, for different reasons.