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Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (2974)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I am new to this , I had a skin biopsy showing I was positive to small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I get excruciating legs and feet cramps. I take magnesium tablets, I wear cotton socks up to the knees day and nights. I take salt water, and bananas. When I start walking( not much) for exercise my feet start cramping. It’s difficult to explain to others why I have to sit down and massage the area. I haven’t been able to travel in two years due to the excruciating burning pain in both legs. I also have cramps in my left arm and hand. I have other issues but I am at a loss about what to do, specially at night when the pain is a nightmare.. thanks for listening.
Replies to "Hello, I am new to this , I had a skin biopsy showing I was positive..."
@unhealed44
I am 54 and diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy almost 8 years ago. I had severe burning, pins and needles in bottoms of my feet and numbness in calves. I would have restless leg syndrome at night in bed. I take alpha Lipoic acid and Acetyl l carnitine supplements which has reduced burning and pins and needles in my feet. I take only 100 mg gabapentin but don’t like that it makes me dizzy. Nerve pain creams like capsaicin and lidocaine help relieve some symptoms so you can sleep at night. I would be careful with knee high socks. I read that the band around/under your knee joint can cut off blood circulation which would make cramping worse. If you want to wear compression socks, I read that they should be over the knee. I was out on Cymbalta/duloxetine for nerve and arthritis pain and it helped me when on it but I’ve read others have not done well on it. I eventually went off it because it made me tired and I was already struggling with low energy/extreme fatigue. Have you been tested for peripheral artery disease or had your iron/b12 levels checked?
@unhealed44
P.S. I should have clarified. Compression socks should be up to thigh level. If the band is at/under knee joint, it can restrict blood flow plus also press on nerves that may make your cramping and burning worse. Epsom salt bath soaks may be good for your feet/calves/legs. Just be careful not to take to warm/hot baths or showers because I think the swelling in tissues aggravates small fibers and blood vessels. I remember having extreme pain in my feet when I walked in warm/hot days. The heat seemed to really aggravate my small fibers in my feet/calves.
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Hello @unhealed44, Welcome to Connect. You are not alone. I think we have all been there being at a loss about what to do when it comes to neuropathy. That's how I found Connect after being diagnosed with neuropathy back in 2016. I am one of the fortunate ones that don't have the pain but the numbness can be also be a pain to deal with so to speak. The best suggestion I have is to continue learning what you can about your condition, symptoms and treatments that are available that might help.
Here's a link to discussions and comments by other members that have cramping in their feet along with other symptoms similar to yours. It might be helpful to scan through them to see if anything sounds similar - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=feet%20cramping.
I'm guessing you are making sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water during the day.
Has your doctor or neurologist offered any suggestions to help with the cramping?