Hi Rosie,
I'm tagging @johnbishop on this question. John, you use a TENS unit, do you not?

Hi Rosie (@rhepler), I have used a Zopec DT-1200 tens unit for my feet which I have numbness but no pain. I found out about it from the Minnesota Neuropathy Association when I read about things that have helped others on their website -
http://www.neuropathy-mn.org/

It is a programmable device but has several built-in programs for neuropathy. I used it for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening for about 2 months with mixed results. There were times when I thought it made my feet feel a little better but it was really hard to tell since I don't have the pain with my small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Some others in the group report that it has helped them but I stopped using it since I didn't really see the results I was expecting. If you are looking at a tens unit and the price is not too much it might be worth trying. Here's a YouTube video of the device treatment:
http://bit.ly/2toWIKx

Hope this helps...

John

Sounds like an option I may want to try. Also, John, or anyone else, does having Neuropathy in your legs and feet mean that when you do have complete numbness that there isn't any blood flow? My understanding is that it's the nerve responses but NOT the blood flow. Because then I'm wanting to know (my fear of course) is does that mean that your feet or legs have to be amputated? I don't have diabetes (I am prediabetic)but plan to change that with diet and exersize.
Darlia

Hi Darlia - for a long time I had thought I had poor blood flow and thought it was a cause of the numbness but about 2 or 3 years ago I went to a local check your heart and arteries type clinic where they check to see if your arteries are "plugged" or has signs of blockage. They take your blood pressure on your arms and legs and also used some sort of sonogram(?) device to check how the blood is flowing. They didn't find anything and it cost me $200 but I guess the knowing helped. I'm pretty sure the numbness from neuropathy is small fiber nerve damage in my case. I'm guessing poor circulation in the legs doesn't help with neuropathy but I don't think it's a cause - but that's just an opinion and not a medical fact.

My last doctor told me I was prediabetic also but I'm not sure. Yes, I've got the indicators and I have diabetes in my family - both sisters and mother had it. The doctor also tried to get me to take statins to lower my cholesterol but I told her that statins make neuropathy worse and I will work on my diet a little harder and exercise more. I do think diet and exercise is the key so that's a great plan to use to get healthier.

Here is an easy to understand explanation of small fiber peripheral neuropathy by Matthew B. Jensen. Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Wisconsin: https://youtu.be/S1qt-ueIP6

John

Darlia (@darlia) - my younger sister had diabetes and her doctors thought at one time she may have to have her feet amputated due to poor circulation or the diabetes - I'm not sure. It was always a concern of hers and mine. She passed away of lung cancer a few years ago.

I share your same concern about the feet. One thing I think is really important for people with neuropathy and diabetes is to check their feet every day and protect them. I started wearing socks all the time so that if I do hurt my feet I can see any injuries on the bottoms of the socks - yup! I have to change them stinkers every day. I started wearing socks at night after waking up in the middle of the night for a bathroom trip and seeing blood all over the floor and wondering where is it coming from. Turned out is was from the ankle and caused by a sharp toenail and rubbing my feet together in bed nicked a blood vessel just under the skin. That turned into a 911 call, a trip to the emergency room when I could stop the bleeding. Looking back at it, it was pretty funny but when it happened not so funny.

John

@johnbishop

This is a good example of caring for your feet. Have you ever posted this in the Diabetes discussion group? If not, it might be a good idea.

Teresa

Hi Teresa (@hopeful33250) - I think I've shared it once or twice but not sure if I did in the Diabetes discussion group. I actually gave a humorous speech on it at Toastmasters a few years ago. I will be happy to add it in the Diabetes discussion group if you think it's a good idea.

John

Yes, John, @johnbishop I think it is an important story to share - go for it!

Teresa

i do not know in which area this should be filed in but here goes. i have very painful neuropathy in both legs. the valves by the ankles and knees will not close enough and there is not enough pressure to allow enough of the blow flow to the heart. i am in the process of having venous closure to assist with this. but yes you are correct, the blood flow is very important. (hope i made sense)

i always keep slip on slippers next to me or the bed. also, VERY IMPORTANT, i use BAG BALM (it is like vasaline) i slather it all over the feet, in between the toes and just past the ankle. then i put on the socks. come the morning i wipe off the bag balm and my feet are so smooth like baby's feet. any and all dead skin is gone. do this whenever it is needed and it is a very great help. you can buy bag balm at walmart, pharmacies, etc. and it is not expensive because a little goes a long way. been doing this for years.