Cortisone relief for foor and leg discomfort

Posted by llanfi @llanfi, Dec 31, 2025

I have progressive numbness in both feet and calves. It staeted about 4 years ago and has been diagnosed by a professional neurologist.
She prescribed Pregalbin 175 mg two pills a day. I was already taking two Tramacet pills a day and one Celebrex for cervical (spine) stenosis, and I added the Pregalbin to them.
I haven't found the Pregalbin very effective and I have tried three pills a day .
About three years ago I had a major tooth extraction and the dentist prescibed some hydrocortisone pills; the neurapathy vanished! It came back after a couple of days and I would like to know if anyone has experience or advice regarding cortisone for foot numbness... Thanks!!!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 31, 2025

Welcome @llanfi, I think the Pregabalin is primarily to help with neuropathy nerve pain and doesn't help the numbness symptoms at least it never did when I was prescribed gabapentin (similar but not as effective as pregabalin from what I've read) for my neuropathy numbness only symptoms. I have not heard about using corticosteroids (oral or injections) for neuropathy numbness but from what I've read it may help if the numbness is due to nerve irritation and inflammation. More information on this and other treatments on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy site - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/.

While you wait for other members to respond, you might want to scan through the other discussions and comments from members who have posted about cortisone for neuropathy - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/.

Have you looked into any other alternative treatments or therapies?

laura1970 | @laura1970 | Jan 3 2:23am

Definitely let your neurologist know the steroids helped the numbness. This could provide valuable insight.

llanfi | @llanfi | Jan 6 10:37pm

In reply to @laura1970 "Definitely let your neurologist know the steroids helped the numbness. This could provide valuable insight." + (show)

@laura1970
Hi, I have informed several specialists about the cortisone, but they won't prescribe it. Presumably for side effects..
I have tried massaging my feet and legs with 1% cortisone cream, and that provides some relief when the numbness is really bad. However, there seems to be a risk od skin thinning.
As a result I am not going to move further on the cortisone until I get some medical recommendation. I don't advise anyone else to try cortisone expert help on dosage etc.
Thanks for the attention in ths forum!!