u/Brie_Fromage

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Former competitive ultra runner, just curious to hear if any of you long distance runners have ever experienced any issues in your spine that has affected other parts of your body....Long shot I know....

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Today I saw a well-known chronic pain specialist after almost a year of dealing with really confusing symptoms: 

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Today I saw a well-known chronic pain specialist after almost a year of dealing with really confusing symptoms: 

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Quick background: I’m a 24-year-old endurance athlete. In 2025, after a long period of under-eating, fasted training, high mileage running, lifting, cross-training, sauna use, and very high daily step counts, I developed severe symptoms under both feet. I was also dealing with an eating disorder/low energy availability at the time.

My main symptom is a burning/“walking on bone” feeling under both feet. Barefoot walking feels like stepping on bricks or concrete, especially under the heels, metatarsal pads, and toes. Standing or walking too long can cause heat, burning, zapping, or tingling sensations. Later, a similar pressure sensitivity spread to my hands and elbows — for example, leaning on my elbows can feel like sunburn/bone-on-bone, and putting pressure through my hands can feel like there is no cushioning. However, at rest, sitting or lying down I am completely fine. 

I’ve had a lot of testing done: X-rays, multiple MRIs, MSK ultrasounds, bloodwork, DEXA scan, and EMG/NCS. Earlier imaging showed serous bone marrow atrophy/starvation-type marrow changes, but my most recent whole-body MRI showed normal bone marrow with no residual serous atrophy. My foot fat-pad ultrasound showed the plantar fat pads/soft tissue are within or near normal range. Bloodwork is now much improved/normal, DEXA/body composition is good, and EMG/NCS was normal.

Today, I saw a chronic pain specialist. His theory is that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His plan is to do two cortisone injections in my back, and if I get relief, he would consider PRP afterward.

Today I saw a well-known chronic pain specialist after almost a year of dealing with really confusing symptoms: 

Originally, I wondered if this was central sensitization or some kind of nervous-system hypersensitivity after a real overtraining/undereating injury. But the chronic pain specialist ruled that out because I’m generally fine at rest. He was very confident that the foot symptoms are coming from lumbar spine inflammation/irritation, specifically around L5-S1, likely caused by constant running/loading. He said the hand and elbow symptoms could be coming from the neck/cervical spine. His recommendation was two cortisone injections in my back, one week apart. He said if I were his son, he would do the injections. If I get major relief, he said he would consider PRP afterward to try to fix the problem more long-term.

I’m honestly clueless and scared. I’ve seen so many doctors and done so many tests, and this has been a year of suffering where even walking has become my main “activity.” I’m wondering if this spine theory sounds plausible to people who have dealt with spine-related nerve pain or pressure-triggered symptoms like this. Has anyone seen anything similar, especially without back pain or classic symptoms going down the legs?

Hey everyone,

First, thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this. I know this is long, but I’m hoping to hear from people who have dealt with it.

I’m a 24-year-old male endurance athlete. Before all of this, I was training at a very high level: running high mileage, cross-training almost every day, lifting, walking a lot, using the sauna, and often training fasted or under-fueled. At my worst, I was running 50–60 miles per week while also cycling, swimming, lifting, walking 20–30k steps per day, and not eating enough to match the amount of energy I was burning. My weight dropped to around 138–140 lb. I was constantly tired, cold, sore, irritable, and I was also dealing with an eating disorder, including restriction and occasional purging.

In spring 2025, after another intense training block combined with under-fueling, I had a major relapse. After an unfueled 20-mile run, I developed deep metatarsal pain in both feet. That eventually turned into severe burning under both feet. MRI later showed serous marrow changes again. For months, my symptoms were mostly limited to the soles of my feet: burning, zapping, hot sensations, and a horrible “walking on bone / no cushioning” feeling, especially when barefoot or standing.

In fall 2025, I returned to school and overloaded myself again. My foot symptoms worsened, and the “reduced padding / bone-on-bone” sensation spread beyond my feet to my hands, elbows...

I stopped gym activity around September 22 and reduced activity significantly. I also worked hard on eating more consistently and gaining weight. I’m now around 168–170 lb.

Testing so far:

• Recent whole-body MRI in April 2026: normal marrow survey, no residual serous atrophy.
• Bloodwork now: essentially normalized.
• EMG: normal, no large-fiber polyneuropathy.
• Foot fat pad ultrasound: calcaneal/metatarsal soft tissue thickness described as within or near normal and reassuring.
• DEXA/body composition: no longer underweight; body fat restored.

From September to mid-April, I stopped formal exercise and focused on recovery. Around April 15–19, I finally felt some improvement: less zapping, more comfortable barefoot walking, and slightly less of the “bone” feeling. On April 20, I returned to the gym. Looking back, I definitely attacked it too aggressively and should have eased in much more slowly. For one week, I did strength training Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, non-impact cardio Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday, sauna after workouts, and 10–12k steps per day. I was eating three meals and 1–2 snacks, but I wasn’t tracking closely.

I’m now 12 days off the gym and still flared badly. Standing to make lunch makes the bottoms of my feet hot, irritated, and zappy. Even leaning on my elbows or forearms gives me a burning/sunburn-like sensation. My whole nervous system feels shot. Some days have also been filled with anger, stress, and panic because I feel like I worked so hard to recover and then triggered everything again.

I’m meeting with a chronic pain specialist next week, and I’m honestly looking for a way out of this. At this point, I feel like I’ve corrected everything I can on the systemic side. I’m not looking to be told only to “take it slow” or “wait it out.” I understand gradual rehab matters, and I know I can’t force my way back into training. But I need an actual pain-treatment strategy so I can calm this system down enough to live normally again.

IF YOU HAVE HAD SOMETHING SIMILAR ONLY: what actually helped you?

Did anyone have success with medications such as duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin, nortriptyline/amitriptyline, low-dose naltrexone, tramadol/tapentadol, topical lidocaine, capsaicin, compounded creams, or other supervised pain medications?

What treatment, medication, procedure, specialist, or approach made the biggest difference for you? After dealing with this at sound a young age for a 1 year now, I am open to any solution or pill I can take to return to enjoy life a little more.

God bless you all.

Please only respond if you’ve experienced something similar or have meaningful advice.

I’m a 24-year-old male and I’ve been dealing with this for about a year now.

It started during a period when I was struggling with an eating disorder while also training seriously as an athlete. Around that time, I developed a strong burning sensation under my feet, which gradually turned into a feeling like I was walking directly on bone. After a bit of a relapse, that “bone pressure” sensation started spreading to other extremities as well.

Over the past year, I’ve gone through a lot of testing:

EMG: normal

Ultrasound: no fat pad depletion

Bloodwork: returned to normal (there was never an issue with B12)

DEXA scan: borderline osteopenia

MRI: showed bone marrow atrophy

Since then, I’ve restored about 35 lbs and completely stopped physical activity for 8 months.

I was never sensitive to touch, I don’t have any spine or back issues, the zapping sensation is only under my feet, and I have never had any numbness.

Last week, my feet actually felt more cushioned and I was able to go on a 1-hour walk with no problems. This week, the symptoms came back—more of that “walking on bone” feeling around the house, plus occasional zapping during walks.

I recently tried returning to the gym, but I’m worried I won’t be able to continue and may have to stop again.

At this point, I feel pretty stuck and I’m really hoping to hear from anyone who’s gone through something similar or has any insight

Please only respond if you’ve experienced something similar or have meaningful advice.

I’m a 24-year-old male and I’ve been dealing with this for about a year now.

It started during a period when I was struggling with an eating disorder while also training seriously as an athlete. Around that time, I developed a strong burning sensation under my feet, which gradually turned into a feeling like I was walking directly on bone. After a bit of a relapse, that “bone pressure” sensation started spreading to other extremities as well.

Over the past year, I’ve gone through a lot of testing:

EMG: normal

Ultrasound: no fat pad depletion

Bloodwork: returned to normal (there was never an issue with B12)

DEXA scan: borderline osteopenia

MRI: showed bone marrow atrophy

Since then, I’ve restored about 35 lbs and completely stopped physical activity for 8 months.

I was never sensitive to touch, I don’t have any spine or back issues, the zapping sensation is only under my feet, and I have never had any numbness.

Last week, my feet actually felt more cushioned and I was able to go on a 1-hour walk with no problems. This week, the symptoms came back—more of that “walking on bone” feeling around the house, plus occasional zapping during walks.

I recently tried returning to the gym, but I’m worried I won’t be able to continue and may have to stop again.

At this point, I feel pretty stuck and I’m really hoping to hear from anyone who’s gone through something similar or has any insight