Hi,

My mother is 67 and complaining that her foot feels hot.

What can cause the symptom of "hot foot"??

is it neurological or just a basic foot issue from aging?

The doctor prescribed her nortriptyline for the hot foot along with depression.

Is nortriptyline really for the hot foot like she thinks???

Can't comment on the medication. Other than I that I know anti-depressants are commonly prescribed for chronic pain.

67 is pretty young for some common causes. Chemo therapy is a common cause. Central nervous systems to include spine problems like nerve entrapment, bulging discs, any that could impair nerve function. Diabetes

Has her feet been completely ruled out? Is she wearing comfortable shoes like a gym shoe with plenty of ventilation? Do you live in a hot environment?

It is very common that her problem is not caused by her feet but proper shoe wear and foot care can give someone comfort that helps them better accept the symptoms that cannot be manage.

Most of the problems we experience with our feet are not our feet's fault is it mostly every thing we stack on top of them, how they are taken care of( that include washing to blood flow) and the environment we place them is that cause the problem.

Hope this helps.

Dear Nic
"Burning, tingling, sharp or shooting symptoms" are usually associated with a neurological condition, which may be a result of a number of reasons, most commonly, diabetes, nerve compression, viral infection, leprosy, to name a few. Although, burning can also be associated secondary to biomechanical pathology which increases pressure to bony prominences on the plantar of the foot as well as lead to conditions such as fat pad atrophy. Doctors will often prescribe drugs such as nortriptyline, in order to provide pain relief. The medication makes people sleepy and therefore relieves pain especially at night. There are also a number of other medications which are prescribed for neuropathy based on the etiology of the condition and the patient's history. Another approach would be to provide the patient with a well cushioned shoe with an accommadative insert or orthotic. I would recommend that you ask your mother to follow-up with a podiatrist for an evaluation in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert