Has anyone had success with Red Light therapy for foot neuropathy?

Posted by keifriffards @keifriffards, Jan 29 12:08am

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.

You might consider a spinal cord stimulator.

REPLY
Profile picture for hray1948 @hray1948

You might consider a spinal cord stimulator.

Jump to this post

@hray1948 I have just started with a red light bag. Too soon.

REPLY
Profile picture for illini60 @illini60

Nerve 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!

Jump to this post

@illini60
Keep us posted on the red light therapy? I just bought the red light boots - I’ve tried a ton of things but it’s not getting any worse !

REPLY
Profile picture for keifriffards @keifriffards

@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.

Jump to this post

@keifriffards You owe it to yourself to get information so you can make an informed decision. Spine surgery has had a lot of advancements. It really depends on how much the spine changes in time due to aging after an injury. For me that was close to 20 years, and I developed spinal cord compression because of a collapsed disc with bone spurs and there was no answer except surgery. I have no regrets. A gifted surgeon at Mayo gave me my life back and solved all the pain and dysfunction. I do work on loosening tight muscles to keep everything moving well. I had a one level cervical fusion at C5/C6,

REPLY
Profile picture for suzirtist @suzirtist

I'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?

Jump to this post

@suzirtist - I had spinal nerve compression surgery on November 5, 2025 with L2-3 and L 1-2. It did not help. Now my surgeon is saying I need the major surgery that is a 2-day surgery, 12 hours, one day surgery from the front and surgery from the back on the second day and is a cage and rod surgery. No thanks. I am also searching for alternatives for my neuropathy, so I read this site almost every day.

REPLY

Yes. About five years ago at age 80, I started Class 4 Laser treatment to correct by shuffling while walking. Took about nine months of weekly sessions to restore my gait to normal, which has enabled me to play Pickleball 3X/week. I have had numbness and tingling on both feet to 4" above my ankles, but no pain for about ten years. I also workout, elliptical and stationery bike which has helped me.

REPLY
Profile picture for keifriffards @keifriffards

@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.

Jump to this post

@keifriffards I have never heard of the Prickly Pear remedy; however, I have always noted that Natural medicine in Europe is miles ahead of North america. I must research that. Remember B vitamins are water soluble so we tend to pee whatever is not used in the therapeutic process
I try to not be excessive as well. It makes me crazy when I hear what some doctors tell those suffering from neuropathy. It is a slow journey when we are trying to heal and restructure our fractured nerves. I only compare month to month past and never day to day. Best of recovery to you!

REPLY
Profile picture for gcapling @gcapling

@keifriffards I have never heard of the Prickly Pear remedy; however, I have always noted that Natural medicine in Europe is miles ahead of North america. I must research that. Remember B vitamins are water soluble so we tend to pee whatever is not used in the therapeutic process
I try to not be excessive as well. It makes me crazy when I hear what some doctors tell those suffering from neuropathy. It is a slow journey when we are trying to heal and restructure our fractured nerves. I only compare month to month past and never day to day. Best of recovery to you!

Jump to this post

@gcapling thank so much for your kind words. I agree with what you said about what Doctors say. My neurologist told me my tests were all within the normal range for some one my age. I thought, how could that be? He then immediately wrote me a subscription for Gabapentin, while I had already been on DULoxetine for 6 months with no positive results, doing nothing to help my symptoms or address any potential cause, and making me feel like a zombie. The Gabapentin side effects were even worse, and I quit that within a couple months.

The product that has Prickly Pear and other herbal ingredients is called NervaEase. Hoping for some positive results, as it seems to have provided that for some users.

I agree with your thoughts on Europe vs North America. Maybe the ties to Big Pharma have less impact there.

Thank you again for your thoughtful input. I appreciate it.

REPLY
Profile picture for tallsweet @tallsweet

Yes. About five years ago at age 80, I started Class 4 Laser treatment to correct by shuffling while walking. Took about nine months of weekly sessions to restore my gait to normal, which has enabled me to play Pickleball 3X/week. I have had numbness and tingling on both feet to 4" above my ankles, but no pain for about ten years. I also workout, elliptical and stationery bike which has helped me.

Jump to this post

@tallsweet that sounds wonderful! Good for you! I would love to be able to play Pickleball, but I’ll settle for being able to ride my bike again and continue with my Nordic walking. My first grandchild arrives in April, and that will be a priority for me too. I will most certainly investigate Class 4 Laser treatment. Thank you kindly for your reply.

REPLY
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor @jenniferhunter

@keifriffards You owe it to yourself to get information so you can make an informed decision. Spine surgery has had a lot of advancements. It really depends on how much the spine changes in time due to aging after an injury. For me that was close to 20 years, and I developed spinal cord compression because of a collapsed disc with bone spurs and there was no answer except surgery. I have no regrets. A gifted surgeon at Mayo gave me my life back and solved all the pain and dysfunction. I do work on loosening tight muscles to keep everything moving well. I had a one level cervical fusion at C5/C6,

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter thank you kindly for your response. It’s so awesome to hear that someone has had success, and your words are very encouraging. I’m fortunate that the Mayo Clinic is only a couple hours away from me. Contacting them will be my next step. Thanks again!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.