Has anyone had success with Red Light therapy for foot neuropathy?
I have neuropathy in my feet that is advancing up my legs. I have known issues with my spine but have hoped to avoid surgery. Gabapentin and DULoxetine stole my soul with horrible brain fog, fatigue and dizziness, with no perceived benefit. I am currently using a boot from NovaaLab that has Red and NIR Lights, but so far I haven’t seen any improvement in several weeks. Any input or feedback would be most appreciated.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
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Hello @keifriffards, Welcome to Connect. It sounds like your neuropathy symptoms may be due to compression of nerves in your spine. I'm not a doctor but the red light therapy may or may not provide relief for your symptoms. There are quite a few members who have shared their experience in other discussions if you want to scan through them.
-- Anyone tried using red light therapy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-tried-using-red-light-therapy/
-- Far infrared better than red light therapy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/far-infrared-better-than-red-light-therapy/
-- Anyone try LLLT red light therapy for helping with PN?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-try-lllt-red-light-therapy-for-helping-with-pn/
It might be helpful to connect with others that have had the surgery that you are trying to avoid. Did your doctors tell you what surgery might help?
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5 ReactionsI'm fairly sure my PN is caused by spinal nerve compression, but my "SPECIALISTS" offered no solutions!! This was at a pain clinic!
They said we'll that's all we can do.
Anyone out there have different outcomes?
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3 Reactions@suzirtist You mentioned that spinal nerve compression is likely the cause of your PN. There is a discussion you might want to look at to see if it's something that might help with your PN pain. There is a video in the first post by @jenniferhunter that does a good job of explaining what it is and how it can help.
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
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4 ReactionsResearch B vitamins for neuropathy. Get on a proper dosage for the situation and be patient. Laser light and shockwave therapy I've found helpful but time is a factor. There is no fast fix that I have found. Take something that helps to regenerate new nerves and not just mask the symptoms.
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4 ReactionsNerve Regeneration & Repair: The therapy stimulates ATP production in cells, providing the energy needed for damaged nerve fibers to repair and regenerate. I have used a red light boot for my SFN for a few months now. It is my understanding that it takes some time to regenerate nerves. It also involves addressing the cause of you neuropathy. Your nerve damage didn’t happen overnight and will probably take a long time to repair them if possible. It is a comforting heat if you have cold feet sensations. I’m sticking with it. I will do whatever it takes to help alleviate my Small Fiber Neuropathy. Good luck to you. Think positive!
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5 Reactions@illini60 thank you kindly for your response. I realize any results I hope to achieve will take some time. I appreciate your kind words. All the best to you as well.
@gcapling thank for your response. I’ve started a methylated B12 formula that also includes B1 and B6. I’ve heard some people say too much B can make things worse, but I’m careful to not take too much. As you know, the Gabapentin and DULoxetine only “work” to mask the pain, while not addressing the root cause. My neurologists told me the tests they performed on me were in the normal range, which seemed impossible. Herbal supplements containing Prickly Pear are allegedly used with success in Europe, so I just started today trying that too. Not expecting miracles, but I’m hopeful to stop the progression and achieve some relief. Thank you again for your response.
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1 Reaction@suzirtist thank you for your comment. I’ve become more and more convinced that my disc degeneration, stenosis, compression and arthritis in my spine could be the culprits. Both my lumbar and cervical area show significant wear and tear. I’ve had back pain my whole life, but I’ve always been able to rebound from most setbacks. Maybe my luck in that regard has finally runout.
@johnbishop thank you for your input, and for sharing the links. I got a referral for a neurosurgeon years ago, but never followed through on it. My pain clinic nurse who made the referral thought it would likely be a fusion of some kind. I had an older cousin who had back surgery and he flat out told me years ago, don’t let ‘em cut you open, which scared the heck out of me. I’m sure there have been many advancements in procedures since then, but it’s still worrisome. I might have reached the point where I might not have a choice anymore though. Thank you again for your input—much appreciated.
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1 Reaction@keifriffards You might find the following discussion on spine surgeries helpful.
-- January 2026 spine surgeries - Let's hear the positive outcomes!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/january-2026-spine-surgeries/
I do think surgeries and back surgeries in particular can be a little scary and I don't think you are alone with your concerns. @jenniferhunter or others who have had back surgeries may have some thoughts or suggestions also.
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4 Reactions