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Peripheral neuropathy, RLS and PLMD
Neuropathy | Last Active: May 9, 2023 | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
sure John, I'll add this to the RLS discussion. But would like all PN sufferers to see it too, as it might help with their pain. Perhaps people would like to read the reviews of the Icy Hot tens therapy, and other tens units, that are on Amazon. For me, buying the tens unit was really "impulse buying" and after I brought it home it sat in the drawer for a long while - then one day, out of desperation, I used it and that's when I became a believer! Yesterday I went to the Amazon site and couldn't believe the number of tens units they have! The Icy Hot is easy to use - there are 2 different models, one for back and hip, one for knees. It uses CR2032 battereis, and I have ordered more refill pads as the adhesive does wear out after a number of uses. It comes with good instructions and if you put it close to your spine it just does seem to interfere with some pain signals (or also, in my case, the constant movement with RLS or PLMD).
Replies to "sure John, I'll add this to the RLS discussion. But would like all PN sufferers to..."
does exercise help you at all?
Exercise definitely helps with my PMR and lower back problems. I've been working on my leg muscles by riding a recumbent exercise bike for 30 minutes when I wake up. It kind of gets my blood flowing and helps with the morning stiffness. I can't walk very much or far due to my lower back issues so riding the exercise bike is the next best thing for me.
Yep - I'm finding the exercise bike is a good way to get exercise.
My tens never helped me either. I’m surprised it works for anyone. I wouldn’t think impulses would go through damaged nerves. I’m only basing my this on how nerves work in paraplegics and quadriplegics. For example, if a quadriplegic gets overly hot the brain can’t receive nerve impulses that want to tell the brain the skins hot but the nerves can't go beyond the injured part of of the spinal cord. Maybe it works differently in Neuropathy.
But does the exercise relieve the pain?
Hi Leonard @jakedduck1 -- from my own personal experience I can't say that exercise relieved pain associated with my PMR but I do feel it keeps it from getting worse. I would add a qualifier for me - when I was really in pain from the PMR I would not be exercising but when I felt a little better I tried to do different exercises which I do think helps.
Excerpt from the Arthritis Foundation on PMR:
-- https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/polymyalgia-rheumatica/
Under the Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment section:
"Both exercise and rest play important roles in PMR treatment. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength and function. Good forms of exercise include walking, riding a stationary bicycle and exercising in a pool. Rest is also necessary to give the body time to recover from exercise and other activities."
John
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@barbarn -- Thanks for the information. I'm sure there are some here that might want to give it a try. I had a Zopec DT1200 tens unit for neuropathy, came with two pads for the bottom of your feet. Used it for about 3 months but it didn't really do anything for me...but then I only have numbness and no pain so it may help others.