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Anyone tried shock wave therapy for peripheral neuropathy nerve pain?

Posted by carolynmcn @carolynmcn, Dec 20, 2024

I’ve had peripheral neuropathy since 2020 after having a Covid vaccine. My pain worsens from supper time on. At bedtime, it is excruciating. I’ve tried all of the creams, even prescription creams. I’ve been on Gabapentin and Lyrica, with no change in my pain, so I am weaning off of these meds. I’ve heard horror stories about the med and withdrawal symptoms.
Has anyone here tired sh I wave therapy? My medical professional suggested it? Any advice? Thank you very much.

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Apr 19 10:15am
In reply to @jfn "Hi @lindavs , Do they start at your calves and go to your toes and do..." + (show)
@jfn

Hi @lindavs ,

Do they start at your calves and go to your toes and do each toe. That is what you want done, so that the blood is going to your toes, the farthest from your heart. Then the foot and calves. For me I am charged $50 a session. If I bought a plan much cheaper. I would look for other providers. As for how well it works, spectacular. It does not completely get rid of my neuropathy , but reduces it to a small background noise.
I will answer questions. I have also done red light therapy.

JFN

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@ Did you use it for pain as well as numbness? If so did it help numbness also. How long have you you had neuropathy before using this technology?
I read after so long neuropathy becomes permanent. I’ve had it for 40+ years. Now just numbness, thankfully.
Thanks,
Jake

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Apr 19 10:21am

@lindavs
Thanks for the numbness information. I read it after I posted.
Do you know anyone or statistics on how often this is successful.
Thanks,
Jake

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1 reply
lindavs | @lindavs | Apr 19 10:33am
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@lindavs Thanks for the numbness information. I read it after I posted. Do you know anyone..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@lindavs
Thanks for the numbness information. I read it after I posted.
Do you know anyone or statistics on how often this is successful.
Thanks,
Jake

Jump to this post

I have had neuropathy for over 5 years. I have numb areas mostly on soles of my feet (neuropathy started on myvfeet) but the neurological tests I had done showed areas of complete non-response in areas in numerous places on my lower legs and even a few places above my knees. I am trying the shock wave treatments to relieve pain. It effects me mostly at night, partly because daily life can distract us and make pain move to the background. But it seems some of the mechanics of neuropathy also make lying still more conducive to pain. I don't know the whole medical science behind it. I do know from my personal experience that lack of sleep in debilitating. So my goal is to reduce discomfort to a level that makes sleep possible and with luck and a prayer might even heal what can be healed, maybe keep it from spreading.

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William | @willgranger1127 | Apr 19 10:45am
In reply to @lindavs "I have had neuropathy for a number of years. It has slowly crept up from my..." + (show)
@lindavs

I have had neuropathy for a number of years. It has slowly crept up from my feet to just under my knees. Gabapentin was all the neurologist seemed to have to offer. That drug is contraindicated for me. My cousin who completed medical school and then obtained his PhD in pharmacological research, is the very last person to try "woowoo" medical treatments so when he called me and suggested I try shockwave therapy at one very particular place, I was willing to try it. I had my second treatment yesterday. I have 6 more to go, which take place once a week. I did not have any noticeable change after first session (both feet). This second session (also just both feet) I had noticeable improvement that day but that night was awful as usual. I go every Thursday. I will let you know how it goes over the course of the next 6 weeks. By the way, there are 2 kinds of shockwave therapy. One is not as effective as the otger. If I can find the notes from my cousin, I will post again. Let us know how it is going for you if you actually started.
BTW, no insurance. $3k for 16 treatments. Work on each leg is considered one treatment. If I can ever sleep again, I will consider it a life changing investment.

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I finished 12 treatments $2400 at the end of March. It included red light therapy. I think it helps a good bit. I bought a tens unit from Oxiline. I take numerous supplement and an ibuprofen at night. It all helps. I’m working on losing 15 pounds and getting A1C down some more. My best…
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jfn | @jfn | Apr 19 11:19am
In reply to @lindavs "They have started at the feet and will go up. They do each toe. My understanding..." + (show)
@lindavs

They have started at the feet and will go up. They do each toe. My understanding from the neurologist is that where I am completely numb, the nerves are dead and will not resurrect. Not an Easter miracle, per tge neurologist. Where there is pain and tingling, nerves are still alive. Goal is to keep them from dying and degeneration from spreading. He is curious about my shock therapy treatments though he never mentioned them as an option. I will mention the cake to foot option to my shock wave doc.

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How long have the nerves been "dead"? Look up nerve growth it depends....
JFN

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