Neuropathy sudden stiffness in my feet & ankles.

@corneliagd I have exactly the same senario, I did consult my neurologist and he has put me on 450 mg of Pregabalin. I have also add 600mg of R form Alpha lipoic acid. It’s early days but I’m seeing a small amount of improvement.

@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
Hi. John. Along your journey, did you have an MRI and a lumbar X-ray to see if you had spinal stenosis (esp. L4-5) causing your symptoms?
I understand you were diagnosed with PN, but there could be one or more causes of PN operating at the same time, right?

Hi @deefer, welcome to Connect - I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease prior to getting my neuropathy diagnosis so I’m sure it probably doesn’t help much. Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy 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

@johnbishop . Hello John. Thank you for letting me know about your degenerative disc disease. I was curious to know about that and whether you received treatment or surgery to correct or mitigate it, and whether it helped with your neuropathy.
Yes. I have had peripheral neuropathy for almost 27 years now and had some early lumbar X-rays and two emg's. I managed the PN over the years. The last two years, the PN has gotten much worse. I just had a lumbar X-ray and an MRI that show a severe L4-L5 nerve root issue affecting my left leg and foot. I have bilateral issues as well. I have another EMG this week to update my situation and look at progression. After that, I will likely see a spinal surgeon and neurologist. Spinal surgery may be considered at some point. That's why I was wondering about you and your disc disease and whether you had surgery and if it helped. Keep up the good work on Connect for all of us.

My feet and kegs freeze up every now and then - have to sit quickly or I fall. Worst feelig ever - my body is ready to take a step and feet and legs are as though they are set in concrete, Worst symptom of my Neuropathy yet.

@johnbishop . Hello John. Thank you for letting me know about your degenerative disc disease. I was curious to know about that and whether you received treatment or surgery to correct or mitigate it, and whether it helped with your neuropathy.
Yes. I have had peripheral neuropathy for almost 27 years now and had some early lumbar X-rays and two emg's. I managed the PN over the years. The last two years, the PN has gotten much worse. I just had a lumbar X-ray and an MRI that show a severe L4-L5 nerve root issue affecting my left leg and foot. I have bilateral issues as well. I have another EMG this week to update my situation and look at progression. After that, I will likely see a spinal surgeon and neurologist. Spinal surgery may be considered at some point. That's why I was wondering about you and your disc disease and whether you had surgery and if it helped. Keep up the good work on Connect for all of us.