Nothing Seems to Work!

22F, a Masters' student, currently sitting in a very cold lab for my dissertation work (not able to stand even for 2 minutes). The cold for some reason makes my feet ache more, and I've been doing hot water dunking of my feet twice a day (pretty cold where I live now as well).

None of the exercises that my ortho and a visiting specialist at my uni seemed to be work. I genuinely think my pain is getting so much worse to the point I haven't left my campus in 2 months (just walking between lab, my dorm, and the dining hall). Just 6 months ago, when the pain was bearable, I used to be out every weekend like every other person in their 20s. My world has become so small that I'm dreaming of going to a mall. I have started waking up earlier than usual just to do stretches and strengthening exercises.

I just want to watch a movie in the theater with popcorn, without waiting for it be released online. I want to go clothes shopping instead of doomscrolling on online platforms. I want to have food at a cafe rather than mixing instant slop in my dorm.

Btw I don't live in the US so most of the US-centric advice (like footwear) doesn't work for me. I live in a third world country, and I survive on $150 a month. I can't afford anything pricey (just brought some slippers for $25 that brought me comfort for 2 weeks before going to square one), nor can I ask my parents for help because they think I'm over-exaggerating the pain ("Everyone gets foot pain"). I can only go home in the last week of October (flight tickets to my hometown are also pricey from where I study). The $150 turns into nothing after spending on skincare, toiletries, and food.

Rant fin.