Neuropathy pills: How to avoid scams?

I moved quickly from feeling like I was walking on rocks, to balance problems, to tingling feet and numbness in both feet and above the ankle on the left. I was told by a neurologist and a podiatrist, that that there was nothing to be done for numbness. And, I have read that in every forum. I’ve never had any pain but the ‘rocks’ feeling. Supplements are Vitamin B 12, lopoic acid, B-complex, and magnesium. Haven’t been on any of them for more than 2 months.
From very shaky with a cane to a rolling walker. Left foot much more numb. Getting upstairs at night is still so scary, I use a stair cane now that rest on two steps at a time. Still need help. Dread going up. This Tuesday, I am getting my stairs measured for a chair lift. They are not as expensive as I thought. Cheaper than attempting a shower in our small powder room. Use a shower chair that I can sit on and lift my legs and slide over under the showerhead. My feet are too heavy to lift.
Stay in here and read. This is the best place for the best information and advice. Good luck. 🍀
I go from feeling hopeful, to angry, to sadness. It is an emotional roller coaster.
The advertisements? The very minute you use your search engine and type in neuropathy, 💥 you will see so many ads or testimonials for what ‘really works’. NOTHING that these snake oil people are pushing works. I actually call them that and shame them for taking money from desperate people. Mostly I just hit the delete button.
Only thing keeping me going, other than my husband a a few close friends that call often, is my recumbent bike, my foot massager and my portable elliptical. Massage the feet and ankles nightly. I use any lotion with mint in it, Bengay or Vicks vaporub. I watched videos and try to
do a vigorous massage.

I think, generally, we are too quick to label something as "a scam."

Sometimes a supplement or therapy will help to a degree, but not to a degree where we consciously become aware of its effect.

So, for example, everyone knows that eating a healthy salad with a lot of leafy green vegetables is good for us.

But who FEELS the effect of eating that salad? We don't feel the effects, but it clearly is helping us.

So, some therapies or supplements may be giving us improvement at a low level...5% or 10% improvement, but it is not noticeable.

And then, some therapies / supplements may take months to show results.

from Dr. Andrew Weil, an Integrative Medicine, MD...

He seems very wise, grounded, down to earth and reasonable. Will easily advise traditional medicine over natural medicine. Not some fadist...

Neuropathy Symptoms and Treatments
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/diabetes/neuropathy-symptoms-and-treatment/
Excerpt:

What neuropathy treatment and natural remedies does Dr. Weil recommend?

Your first step should be a general medical checkup to determine if an underlying disease or injury is the cause of your neuropathy symptoms, and if so, to determine its nature. Your doctor should do complete blood work and may refer you to a neurologist who will probably do an EMG (electromyelogram) to assess muscles and nerve conduction. If you have no underlying disease, you can try one or all of the following neuropathy foot treatment strategies:

Take one B-100 B-complex vitamin daily. The B vitamins are necessary for normal nerve function, and supplementing is a good preventive measure. Do not take more than 200 mg of B-6, as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy.

Take 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily. This antioxidant protects microcirculation to the nerves. You can gradually increase the dose to 300 mg twice a day over the next month.

Acupuncture can help relieve peripheral neuropathy pain. Additionally, a practitioner of Chinese medicine can provide you with herbs that may speed recovery. You might also try reflexology for neuropathy of the legs, feet and toes. If a toxic exposure is the cause, time is your greatest ally – injured nerves will slowly recover, as long as the exposure has stopped.

The upper dose for Vit B6 is now 10mg per day in Australia (it used to be 100mg). Lowered in late 2024. You are saying 200mg! I got Vit B6 Toxicity (which mimics deficiency) taking 25mg a day. The is an escalating epidemic of B6 toxicity cases as it is not a standard test and often is given as a cure when symptoms of peripheral neuropathy present to the doctor.

Welcome @lorry, Sorry to hear you developed vitamin B6 toxicity, thanks for sharing your experience with us. You might find it helpful to scan through the list of other discussions where B6 toxicity is mentioned - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=b6%20toxicity.

How long have you been diagnosed with neuropathy?

Hi John
I’ve been researching and realised I’ve presented to my local clinic with neuropathy symptoms for about 5 years. I keep records of all medical appointments so I have been able to document and discuss the history with my doctor.

Such symptoms in a younger person may have been investigated further but because of old injuries (broken bones from car accidents) and being in my 60s many symptoms have been written off as aging.
I am now in my 70s.
My journey of detoxing from B6 is just beginning and symptoms have worsened (which I have read is common).

I have a doctor who is engaged and I am having monthly blood tests and a discussion about changes. I am keeping a daily diary.

I’m taking low dose magnesium, B12, D3, ALA.
Just started physio (hydrotherapy- moving and stretching) I don’t have enough data to comment on that yet.

I have ideopathic neuropathy. First diagnosed in 1999. My main issue is balance and restless legs at night. Also some venous insufficiency recently. I am 85. I wear support hose in the day. I find rubbing my legs with frankincense and myrrh in an olive oil rub sooths my legs enough that I can sleep. I was on gabapentin, lyrica, etc but that only made my balance worse. I am now wearing ( one week) the HIKE "earth shoes" hoping for some relief. Too soon to tell.

After a few weeks on HIKE earth shoes, I do notice better balance and less leg issues at night. It took a week of walking before I noticed any difference

Hi...I've had (non) diabetic neuropathy for 4 years now. I've seen multiple neurologists and have had a spinal stimulator implant done. That does help a little, but the only thing that keeps me going at all is taking 4 Oxcarbezapine a day and 2 Pregabulin at night.
Nonstop medication, but what else can I do? I endure.
God Bless!!