Has anyone found a treatment that helps with peripheral neuropathy?

I have idiopathic neuropathy and use electrical stimulation which hasn't done much. The other day I bought a large pain patch that had a 5% lidocaine solution. I cut it into smaller pieces because the inner side of my ankles will burn. I applied the small patches and thy worked. Don't know if this will help anyone else but i wanted to share. I have tried multiple creams and so on but this really took away the burning sensation. I had to add a bandaid to keep it on at night.

@footpain I bet I have tried ~10 supplements to help with my peripheral poly neuropathy. I have yet to find anything that helps. I have Agent Orange Exposure, I have a VA rating for it. The neuropathy in my hands, I am losing my grip. The neuropathy in my feet besides the heat, numbness. Why do I say numbness? One of the exams I had to do for the VA for neuropathy was see a independent doctor. The last thing she did was take out a tuning fork and asked me to put my hands out. Then touched both the top and bottom of my hands, both fine. Then touched my feet, nope I can not feet the tuning fork. As I understand it, that means my long nerves in my feet are shot.

@3740 i am 80. I am not sure why you ask but my careers were several unrelated to malignancy. Research is now showing lung cancer may be connected to Covid. However I do have asthma. Treatment was through MD Anderson.

Has any research been done on benefits of psilocybin in treating of onset of peripheral neuropathy during came out therapy?

I saw an article in the New York Times that there was some current studies underway. The same article indicated that psilocybin may possibly have some benefits for neuropathy following chemo therapy.

@franchek43 at the moment NOTHING CURES Polyneuropathy or Peripheral Neuropathy. I have had it for more than 10 years.

For me, I get relief from Alpha-Lipoic Acid. I take a total of 1200mg daily (600mg in the morning, 600mg evening). Take with food. It helps me, was recommended by my neurologist.

Please be careful buying stuff advertised online from companies that make unrealistic promises especially if they have a “doctor” telling how wonderful it is.
Many times the doctor owns the company that makes the product. So, beware of the promises.
This includes all sorts of appliances and gadgets.

Speak with your doctor.

@robertlogue100 I am not a doctor, only one who has also tried many protocols and expensive programs that I hoped would cure it.
Have you had a neuromuscular Neurologist examine you? Or a conventional neuropathy diagnostic testing Neurologist state exactly the type of neuropathy you have. As I understand it, Agent Orange may not be the entire explanation so dont give up the fight. Are you diabetic because of the Agent Orange exposure?
Also, does anybody in your immediate family have Neuropathy? Perhaps all of these questions have been asked in your past medical visits and you were prescribed the suppliments or even medications that mask the symptoms for a while. I tried Cymbalta as prescribed by a renown U of M Neurologist and it worked great for two or three weeks by reducing pain and burning. Then they wanted me to double the dose but I backed off cause I didnt want to add another drug to my list.
Also, John who gave you post a like is very resourceful and can provide links for you to further research. You can reply to his reply. My latest attempt to curb the pain is a Merach 2396 Mini Vibtation Plate. You stand on it and adjust vibration levels to improve lymph system flow in some manner. It gives me relief from burning and settles the active nerves down for a while. You start slower levels and try to extend periods of time as your legs become stronger. The VA may have these or can refer you to a rehabilitation provider that is local to you.
Im sorry you have to struggle with this and many folks on this site are experiencing the same or similar symptoms. Keep your hopes up and dont be afraid to seek out ideas and feedback from other members.

@footpain Yes I am diabetic, no one in my family has diabetes. I have stayed active but this neuropathy is starting to slow me down at the age of 74. A1C is normally around 6.5. I just keep plugging along.

This may be helpful if you have not done this already:
An A1c of 6.5% meets the official threshold for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The burning and tingling sensations you are feeling in your legs and feet are classic symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that is frequently caused by elevated blood sugar levels. [1, 2, 3]
Thank you for your service. Given your age and your exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, there are critical medical and VA benefit steps you should take immediately:
## 1. Crucial Next Medical Steps

* See Your Doctor Promptly: You need a formal evaluation to confirm a diabetes diagnosis and begin a management plan to keep your blood sugar from rising further. [1]
* Get a Comprehensive Foot Exam: Because nerve damage can reduce your ability to feel minor injuries, you should have your feet examined regularly by a doctor or podiatrist to prevent undetected sores or infections. [3, 4]
* Discuss Symptom Relief: While nerve damage is often permanent, a doctor can prescribe specific medications (such as certain nerve pain modulators) and therapies to significantly ease the burning and tingling sensations. [5, 6]

## 2. VA Disability Benefits & Presumptive Conditions
Because you served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange, the VA has specific rules that make it much easier for you to qualify for disability compensation:

* Type 2 Diabetes is Presumptive: The VA automatically presumes that type 2 diabetes in Vietnam veterans was caused by herbicide exposure. You do not have to prove a medical link between Agent Orange and your diabetes; you only need a formal diagnosis. [7, 8, 9]
* Neuropathy as a Secondary Condition: While the VA only presumes "early-onset" neuropathy (appearing within a year of service) is directly tied to Agent Orange, they frequently grant service connection for peripheral neuropathy as a secondary condition caused by your service-connected diabetes. [10]
* Separate Ratings: The VA evaluates and rates each affected limb separately, and if both legs are affected, a "bilateral factor" is applied to increase your overall compensation rating. [10]

## Summary Checklist for Filing a Claim

1. Ensure your medical records clearly show a formal diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (backed by your 6.5% A1c) and a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
2. File a VA disability claim for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus based on Agent Orange exposure.
3. List Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities as a secondary condition to your diabetes. [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

Please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to address these symptoms, and consider reaching out to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you navigate your VA claim.

[1] [https://ubiehealth.com](https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/a1c-6-5-meaning-diabetic-considered-results-27-faq44q1)
[2] [https://www.publichealth.va.gov](https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/peripheral_neuropathy.asp)
[3] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch)
[4] [https://www.cuddiganlaw.com](https://www.cuddiganlaw.com/library/peripheral-neuropathy-and-va-disability-benefits.cfm)
[5] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch)
[6] [https://homefrontgroup.com](https://homefrontgroup.com/agent-orange-symptoms-list/)
[7] [https://claimclimbers.com](https://claimclimbers.com/va-rating-for-neuropathy-understand-the-process/)
[8] [https://www.publichealth.va.gov](https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/agent-orange/agent-orange-summer-2015/diabetes.asp)
[9] [https://www.cuddiganlaw.com](https://www.cuddiganlaw.com/video/diabetes-agent-orange-and-your-va-disability-claim.cfm)
[10] [https://www.seankendalllaw.net](https://www.seankendalllaw.net/library/va-disability-benefits-for-peripheral-neuropathy.cfm)
[11] [https://homefrontgroup.com](https://homefrontgroup.com/peripheral-neuropathy-agent-orange/)
[12] [https://homefrontgroup.com](https://homefrontgroup.com/agent-orange-and-peripheral-neuropathy/)

Thank you for the question. The desperation is real, isn’t it. And yes, I have been trapped by many of the marketing gimmicks and spent countless money and hours trying to find the “why” and “what” can help. At 76, and so tired of self management. My question is can a person “donate” their body after death to specific studies of the nerves/neuropathy? @johnbishop

@katdens trial and error , right? Yes, I have discovered with at least trying 20 different topicals (from prescription to OTC) that aspercream is most effective for me. It only lasts15-20 mins, but it’s 15-20 mins! I also like Vicks at night, menthol…so, I called a pharmacist (compound) locally. My PCP and pharmacist are going to create a cream with those two ingredients…brainstorming with them now. This neuropathy is so different and distinct for everyone, yet so the same, it is frustrating. My pain is 24/7…at night with the help of 10 mg zolpidem, Vicks, warm socks, soothing music, mediation…I can usually get 6 hours of sleep. What I think is sad…is when I wake up - the only thing that keeps me going through the day is , knowing I will get 6 hours of restful sleep later. Desperate in Florida..