1. < Neuropathy

Is there any help at all for foot numbness in PN

Posted by wascaly @wascaly, Oct 27 9:27am

I’ve had PN several years. I’m not diabetic (amazingly), and I don’t have pain in my feet - just this horrible numbness, mainly in my left foot (sometimes both feet), leading to the fear of falling, AGAIN!

I’m wondering if anyone has found ANYTHING to help. I’ve spent buckets of money on creams, plus I’ve seen all kinds of expensive gadgets advertised on TV. I’m hesitant to buy any of them, since they look like versions of snake oil.

Has anyone had ANY relief from this horrific and DANGEROUS numbness?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

sheilamagnuson | @sheilamagnuson | Nov 3 9:09am
In reply to @bjk3 "Hi Sheila, I developed neuropathy in my feet at least 25 years ago with no surgery..." + (show)
@bjk3

Hi Sheila,
I developed neuropathy in my feet at least 25 years ago with no surgery preceding it, but after back surgery in 2022 it became much more intense (pain and numbness especially at night), in my feet. Then after hip replacement in 2022 due to a fall, neuropathy and carpel tunnel developed in my hands. I have been in P.T. ever since and though it helps, I am far from living the way I used to. I invested in a BEMER through my physical therapist and that has helped tremendously to feel better overall, but especially my hands. It's complicated to describe so if you're curious, it's best to "Google" it. Every doctor I've seen tells me that there is no cure for P.N. but there are a lot of options for treatment that can make one's life more normal. Mobility without falling is where I struggle the most. It seems to be different for each person. I pray you find what works best for you and that you stay safe.
Blessings, Barb

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Thanks Barb for this information. I’ve just looked up BEMER online and it appears to be something used for muscles. And it seems to help you with your nerve problems? I’m curious to hear more. Thanks.

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1 reply
wascaly | @wascaly | Nov 3 9:16am
In reply to @diaz "I also suffer from PN and I am not a diabetic. When I was getting my..." + (show)
@diaz

I also suffer from PN and I am not a diabetic. When I was getting my chemotherapy treatments, my feet started to feel like I was walking on rocks. I thought it was my shoes but, it was not. I did not have pain only incredible numbness which created problems with my balance so I fell several times.

I would like to say that everyone reacts different to remedies suggested for PN. My journey for improvement has been as follows:

I checked in YouTube and found
Exercises for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet and Legs
The instructor is a Kelly, a physical therapist, that specializes in exercises for oncology patients. These exercises helped me a great deal with my poor balance that was contributing to several falls but, I still had the numbness.

The next thing I did was to sign up for Electroacupuncture that is Acupuncture that uses electricity to enhance the benefits of the acupuncture treatments for pain management and stress relief.

After 5 treatments I was able to spread out my toes that previously had felt like they were glued together. When I finished the 5 treatments, I decided to wait for follow up appointments because these treatments are not covered by my insurance.

I then purchased a Collapsible Foot Spa, Foot Bath Massager with Heat, Remote, Timer, and 24 Motorized Shiatsu Massage Balls, Foot Soaking Tub Supports Hot/Cold Water Soaking- BA03H in Amazon.

Every day, I fill the Foot Spa with water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, set the temperature and massage selection comfortable for me and use it for 20 minutes. Once I turn it off, I keep my feet in the warm water until it cools down enough to empty the container. This has been very helpful and I don't think I will go back for additional acupuncture.

I finish my day by wearing socks to bed at night and feel much better. Hope some of this may be helpful for you.

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I’ll check with Amazon for the foot spa you mentioned. I’m grateful for your suggestion. I’m at the point where I’ll try anything (within reason and budget) if it’ll help. I already have nightmares about having my foot amputated!
Thanks again and stay healthy!

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wascaly | @wascaly | Nov 3 9:26am
In reply to @diaz "I also suffer from PN and I am not a diabetic. When I was getting my..." + (show)
@diaz

I also suffer from PN and I am not a diabetic. When I was getting my chemotherapy treatments, my feet started to feel like I was walking on rocks. I thought it was my shoes but, it was not. I did not have pain only incredible numbness which created problems with my balance so I fell several times.

I would like to say that everyone reacts different to remedies suggested for PN. My journey for improvement has been as follows:

I checked in YouTube and found
Exercises for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet and Legs
The instructor is a Kelly, a physical therapist, that specializes in exercises for oncology patients. These exercises helped me a great deal with my poor balance that was contributing to several falls but, I still had the numbness.

The next thing I did was to sign up for Electroacupuncture that is Acupuncture that uses electricity to enhance the benefits of the acupuncture treatments for pain management and stress relief.

After 5 treatments I was able to spread out my toes that previously had felt like they were glued together. When I finished the 5 treatments, I decided to wait for follow up appointments because these treatments are not covered by my insurance.

I then purchased a Collapsible Foot Spa, Foot Bath Massager with Heat, Remote, Timer, and 24 Motorized Shiatsu Massage Balls, Foot Soaking Tub Supports Hot/Cold Water Soaking- BA03H in Amazon.

Every day, I fill the Foot Spa with water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, set the temperature and massage selection comfortable for me and use it for 20 minutes. Once I turn it off, I keep my feet in the warm water until it cools down enough to empty the container. This has been very helpful and I don't think I will go back for additional acupuncture.

I finish my day by wearing socks to bed at night and feel much better. Hope some of this may be helpful for you.

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I forgot to ask: is your foot spa made by HOSPAN for $89? Thanks!

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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2 replies
circawdm | @circawdm | Nov 3 10:32am
In reply to @wascaly "I forgot to ask: is your foot spa made by HOSPAN for $89? Thanks! Sent from..." + (show)
@wascaly

I forgot to ask: is your foot spa made by HOSPAN for $89? Thanks!

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

Jump to this post

We who have numbness sensations or pain or burning etc. in the feet need to do all we can to reduce inflammation in the body and to increase circulation in the legs and feet.

3 yrs. ago I had terrible feet issues from numbness to sharp pains, burning etc. I changed to an anti-inflammatory diet (which means no sugar, caffeine or processed foods or fried foods) - inflammation just irritates the nerves all over the body = and added anti-inflammatory supplements, and importantly, started exercises for the legs and feet that increase circulation. Walking when I can, using an elliptical pedaling device, using vibration pad, etc. It has to be done daily and same with diet and supplements, since they ALL work together to lower inflammation in the body and no "glucose spikes" (sugar spikes) which increase inflammation.

Today, 75-80% of my feet symptoms are gone. I also switched to a much better shoe, with good support, large toe box and soft sides and top. Increasing circulation to the legs and feet daily and eating a low-inflammatory diet are key to preventing old nerves from continuing to die and promoting the growth of new, healthy nerves.

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bjk3 | @bjk3 | Nov 3 11:36am
In reply to @sheilamagnuson "Thanks Barb for this information. I’ve just looked up BEMER online and it appears to be..." + (show)
@sheilamagnuson

Thanks Barb for this information. I’ve just looked up BEMER online and it appears to be something used for muscles. And it seems to help you with your nerve problems? I’m curious to hear more. Thanks.

Jump to this post

Hi Sheila,
Actually I think that's exactly the way the manufacturer describes it: electromagnetic therapy for muscle stimulation to improve circulation (stimulates blood circulation through the micro blood vessels and veins which have in some way closed or become non-functioning due to any number of events ~ aging for sure, and maybe chemo? Maybe injury from an accident? The process opens these many tiny vessels so that they receive nutrients and oxygen in places that have been robbed of them. They BEMER really needs to be used most every day as this is not a system where there results are "one and done". But the neuropathy in my hands (also the carpel tunnel) and feet is much improved. Balance is not an issue that will go away, but I do have feeling again and even better, I can use my hands (writing, opening jars, carrying things without constantly dropping them, picking things up, etc.) again. And in addition, I just feel better because of the improved circulation. For me the whole goal is to remain independent in my own home (I'm a 77 y.o. female, widowed), so that is my motivation in making the investment of time and cost. All the best to you! ~ Barb

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diaz | @diaz | Nov 3 12:33pm
In reply to @wascaly "I forgot to ask: is your foot spa made by HOSPAN for $89? Thanks! Sent from..." + (show)
@wascaly

I forgot to ask: is your foot spa made by HOSPAN for $89? Thanks!

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

Jump to this post

No, mine is brand BEAUMOI and it is on sale now at Amazon for $89.99. (Foot Bath Massager with Heat, Remote, Timer, and 24 Motorized Shiatsu Massage Balls, Foot Soaking Tub Supports Hot/Cold Water Soaking- BA03H
Brand: BEAUMOI ) Picture attached to this message.
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1 reply
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Nov 3 1:06pm
In reply to @sassytwo "wow, curious, if u have a punch biopsy and find your nerve fibers are damaged is..." + (show)
@sassytwo

wow, curious, if u have a punch biopsy and find your nerve fibers are damaged is there something they can do to prevent further damage OR repair!??

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@sassytwo
If they can get to the bottom of what is causing small fiber neuropathy/small fiber nerve damage (like diabetes, drinking alcohol, vitamin deficiencies, vitamin toxicities, chemo toxicity, etc.), they can treat to stop further progression of SFN. If they can’t, it is called idiopathic (which is what I was told), there really isn’t treatment other than taking Cymbalta to help with nerve pain, using over the counter creams and supplements (like Capsaicin cream, alpha Lipoic acid, Acetyl l carnitine, magnesium, etc.). My neurologist told me there isn’t really a cure for SFN but if you can get to the source of what is causing small fibers to die, that may be the best you can do.

I focus on all of the above plus take detoxing types of supplements, too (like inositol) and addressed my iron deficiency due to heavy menstrual cycles. Poor oxygen flow may be behind some of my SFN plus sedentary lifestyle (worked a desk job for 30+ years). I drank red wine for a period of time but stopped that. I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is my own body attacking itself (autoimmune) and not sure what is behind it but believe mine is hereditary plus toxins in air, water, food, hormones, vaccines disrupting my system. An anti inflammatory diet might help plus I am doing physical therapy to try to recover some strength and fitness. Once my iron deficiency was addressed, I noticed some improvement in numbness in my calves.

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wascaly | @wascaly | Nov 3 4:19pm
In reply to @diaz "No, mine is brand BEAUMOI and it is on sale now at Amazon for $89.99. (Foot..." + (show)
@diaz

No, mine is brand BEAUMOI and it is on sale now at Amazon for $89.99. (Foot Bath Massager with Heat, Remote, Timer, and 24 Motorized Shiatsu Massage Balls, Foot Soaking Tub Supports Hot/Cold Water Soaking- BA03H
Brand: BEAUMOI ) Picture attached to this message.

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Thanks - will definitely check it out!

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sassytwo | @sassytwo | Nov 3 8:39pm

i will see how things go post lumbar fusion. i suspect it is related to stenosis and scoliosis

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solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | Nov 4 9:40am

I don’t want to sound like a broken record but I’ve consistently supported LDN - low dose naltrexone for pain & Barefoot Shoes for numbness & stiffness. After 15 years of trying everything I found this combination to be the best so far.

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