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.

judy12st | @judy12st | Nov 8 6:09am

HSS in NY has a remarkable nonsurgical foot specialist, Dr Positano, who developed an electrical impulse therapy that for me has vastly improved the numbness of my toes.

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1 reply
wascaly | @wascaly | Nov 8 6:51am

I’ll check it out, but I can’t go to NY. Maybe he has other offices in the USA.

Thanks!

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tgregg99 | @tgregg99 | Nov 10 9:26am
In reply to @wascaly "I’ve had PN almost 20 years that’s gradually gotten worse after multiple spine surgeries for scoliosis,..." + (show)
@wascaly

I’ve had PN almost 20 years that’s gradually gotten worse after multiple spine surgeries for scoliosis, my deformity was on my left side, and that’s where the numbness is worse; however, it now encompasses my right foot and has even spread to my hands at times.
As I said in my previous post, none of my doctors will even entertain my theory of the PN being linked to the spine (and later, hip surgery when I fell). Maybe it’s a chronic case of White Coat Syndrome - who knows?
As far as Barefoot Shoes go, I’m definitely going to check them out. Wish me luck!

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I was diagnosed and have lived with with PN (numbness only, in toes) since 2009. The only remedy for my numb toes has been using a lidocaine roll-,on on my toes at bedtime than wearing warm socks (not tight) like Heat Holders (the best I've found for me).

Good luck!

Equate Pain Relief Liquid Roll-on, Maximum Strength, with Lavender and 4% Lidocaine, 2.5OZ https://www.walmart.com/ip/5212591264
https://www.heatholders.com/collections/all-mens-socks

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1 reply
wascaly | @wascaly | Nov 11 8:41am
In reply to @tgregg99 "I was diagnosed and have lived with with PN (numbness only, in toes) since 2009. The..." + (show)
@tgregg99

I was diagnosed and have lived with with PN (numbness only, in toes) since 2009. The only remedy for my numb toes has been using a lidocaine roll-,on on my toes at bedtime than wearing warm socks (not tight) like Heat Holders (the best I've found for me).

Good luck!

Equate Pain Relief Liquid Roll-on, Maximum Strength, with Lavender and 4% Lidocaine, 2.5OZ https://www.walmart.com/ip/5212591264
https://www.heatholders.com/collections/all-mens-socks

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Thanks very much for your response/suggestion.

PN can be maddening. Last night it felt like bugs were playing soccer inside my feet - it was terrible. Needless to say, I didn’t fall asleep til almost 2AM, after taking massive amounts of sleep aids! This morning I feel like someone hit me over the head with a 2 x 4. I know I’m telling you something you probably already know!

I’ll certainly try what works for you, although sleeping in socks doesn’t appeal to me since I live in FL 🔥 Hopefully, I’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep - that, alone, will make a world of difference!

Thank you, again!

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tgregg99 | @tgregg99 | Nov 11 10:06am

I assume you've seen a neurologist for your PN diagnosis. Although I did and took the standard PN tests, I stopped taking the Gabapentin the doctor recommended (didn't work for me). Eventually, I figured out a non-prescrption solution that works for me. Lidocaine + warm (not tight) socks. That's it. I don't live in FL (used to), when I visit FL I always take and use my roll-on and socks to contain my numbness. Every night, makes no difference where I'm at, it works for me. Best wishes.

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shordae | @shordae | Nov 25 5:18pm
In reply to @dlydailyhope "@sassytwo If they can get to the bottom of what is causing small fiber neuropathy/small fiber..." + (show)
@dlydailyhope

@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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Do you think deficiency was your cause?

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1 reply
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Nov 25 7:04pm
In reply to @shordae "Do you think deficiency was your cause?" + (show)
@shordae

Do you think deficiency was your cause?

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@shordae
I think my small fibers died due to poor oxygen flow (sedentary, iron deficiency), autoimmune attack on small fiber nerve cells (I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which causes my own immune system to attack healthy thyroid cells), toxicity (air, water, food, early smoking as a teen, drinking wine for a period of time, etc.).

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1 reply
Berk | @gba | Nov 26 2:13pm
In reply to @judy12st "HSS in NY has a remarkable nonsurgical foot specialist, Dr Positano, who developed an electrical impulse..." + (show)
@judy12st

HSS in NY has a remarkable nonsurgical foot specialist, Dr Positano, who developed an electrical impulse therapy that for me has vastly improved the numbness of my toes.

Jump to this post

Please advise who is HSS and Dr. Positano? Please tell us what and where is Electrical Impulse Therapy?? Thank You

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1 reply
gregd1956 | @gregd1956 | Nov 26 2:51pm

Hi @dlydailyhope
I saw your “Hashimoto’s thyroid” in your neck and you’ve many more other “physically problems” but doesn’t say your age; I bet your age is up there like me 🙂 (like a laugh).

For me most of my “problems” are physically & mentally from an accident of riding bicycle - 12 years ago. That causes me a TBI (brain-injury) member and the lose of my brain-uses.

Well, have a great way of you and your friends & families for Thanksgiving.

Thanks,
Greg D. @greg56xx

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1 reply
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Nov 26 3:14pm
In reply to @gregd1956 "Hi @dlydailyhope I saw your “Hashimoto’s thyroid” in your neck and you’ve many more other “physically..." + (show)
@gregd1956

Hi @dlydailyhope
I saw your “Hashimoto’s thyroid” in your neck and you’ve many more other “physically problems” but doesn’t say your age; I bet your age is up there like me 🙂 (like a laugh).

For me most of my “problems” are physically & mentally from an accident of riding bicycle - 12 years ago. That causes me a TBI (brain-injury) member and the lose of my brain-uses.

Well, have a great way of you and your friends & families for Thanksgiving.

Thanks,
Greg D. @greg56xx

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@gregd1956
I am 55 but feel like I am 85z. It isn’t fun to have a spinal cord injury plus stenosis, degenerative disc disease, Hashimoto’s, major depression, etc. but I try to make the most of each day and ask God constantly for His strength to help me do things. I am a single parent of a teen son and his sole provider. I am not working and still waiting to learn if I am going to get approved for disability (filed claim in February and draining my savings).

I’m so sorry to hear of your bike accident and TBI. My prayer is that you have a good support system and that God’s peace be with you. 🙏

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.🦃

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