Neuropathy sudden stiffness in my feet & ankles.

Hi! Has anyone felt the progress of the numbness up the legs from the feet? After how long it started from the feet neuropathy diagnostic? What treatment/ meds/procedures were advised by the neurologist? Thank you

@corneliagd - My neuropathy started in my toes sometime in my 40s and I saw various PCPs over the years as it progressed up into my lower legs but I didn't have any associated pain. Every time I asked my PCPs when I was worrying about the progression I was told there wasn't anything to help with the numbness and tingling. The medications only help with the nerve pain. So I avoided getting a diagnosis until my 70s when the progression was in my lower legs. Then I got a referral to a Mayo neurologist and was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Sadly, my neurologist told me the same thing as all of my PCPs had over the years, not much they can do about the numbness and tingling. That's when I joined Connect to learn what others have shared. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

I'm 83 now and the progression seems to have slowed way down or stopped as my symptoms are the same but haven't gotten above the bottom of my calf muscles. I did make a lot of lifestyle changes, lost some weight, more daily exercising and trying to stay more positive but I do have my days also. If you haven't seen it already, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on the different types of treatments and lifestyle changes - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/.

@corneliagd - My neuropathy started in my toes sometime in my 40s and I saw various PCPs over the years as it progressed up into my lower legs but I didn't have any associated pain. Every time I asked my PCPs when I was worrying about the progression I was told there wasn't anything to help with the numbness and tingling. The medications only help with the nerve pain. So I avoided getting a diagnosis until my 70s when the progression was in my lower legs. Then I got a referral to a Mayo neurologist and was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Sadly, my neurologist told me the same thing as all of my PCPs had over the years, not much they can do about the numbness and tingling. That's when I joined Connect to learn what others have shared. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

I'm 83 now and the progression seems to have slowed way down or stopped as my symptoms are the same but haven't gotten above the bottom of my calf muscles. I did make a lot of lifestyle changes, lost some weight, more daily exercising and trying to stay more positive but I do have my days also. If you haven't seen it already, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on the different types of treatments and lifestyle changes - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/.

@johnbishop thank you! I have a question please: this progression of the numbness up your legs has affected your walk, your speed or balance? Did you have any pain also? Thank you !

@corneliagd Yes and no 🙂. It has affected my balance, gait and walking ability but I don’t really have what I consider pain in my legs or feet. They do feel heavy and exercise does help me maintain some level of strength. I also have back issues that keep me from walking upright like I should so I’m sure that plays a part in balance and walking too.

Hi! Has anyone felt the progress of the numbness up the legs from the feet? After how long it started from the feet neuropathy diagnostic? What treatment/ meds/procedures were advised by the neurologist? Thank you