Hello:

Every once in a while (about 4 times per year) I get an unusual pain, normally on the side of my foot near the arch, or sometimes on the resting side of my hand (opposite side of thumb).

The pain normally last no more than a day or two, and generally doesn't hurt unless something rubs against it, or pressure is applied to it. So when it's on my foot it won't bother me unless I'm up walking around.

Any idea as to what this could be?

It doesn't really burn, it's not numb, it doesn't tingle, it doesn't sting, it's just kind of... raw.. like the skin has been rubbed raw.

A visual inspection of the site, shows nothing unusual. No redness, no bruising, nothing, it's as though nothing was there at at...

Any ideas?

I have gout in my feet from time to time, doesn't always strike in the same place but will near a joint. I use anti-inflammatories for the pain.

This isn't so much a joint pain, it's more like a skin rash may feel, only there is no rash, no redness, nothing, just tender to the touch... And it can also apear on my hands, sometimes my sides.

Come to think of it, almost anywhere where something "rubs" a lot. Such as on a belt line, the sides of my feet, and where my hands rest...