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Neuropathy: Numbness only, no pain

Neuropathy | Last Active: Nov 14 3:29pm | Replies (508)

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@johnbishop

Hello @campberj, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear that you also have similar symptoms but I can relate to your feeling of finding out that you are not alone in the way you feel and your symptoms. You ask a very good question and one we have all searched looking for an answer in hopes that we can find that one fix that gives us back some of our previous abilities and life.

I know that daily exercise helps me mentally and physically by keeping the blood flowing. You mentioned curled toes. I also have "hammer toes" and my neurologist actually told me that's common with people who have peripheral neuropathy. I think if it's severe enough there is surgery that fixes the condition. I've just never felt mine is that bad. There are a couple of discussions you might find helpful.

- Hammer toes: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hammer-toes/
- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

You also mentioned muscle cramps in your legs. Have you found anything that gives you relief when the cramps appear?

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Replies to "Hello @campberj, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear that you also have similar..."

Thanks John,
I don't have hammer toes, there's no pain; they just have a mind of there own, doing their own thing, not responding to motor neurons. I don't have issues with conditions benefiting with MFR, however as an elder, exercise and stretching help me a modest amount in normal common ways, as they do for all of us, with or without neuropathy. The muscle cramps can be intense and every major muscle group of my body can have them. Finger cramps are curious, probably look weird to others, but are not really very painful or of a long duration. When they happen, I use my other hand and press down the bad finger on a table top or my thigh until it relaxes. Wrist cramps are more difficult to deal with, but of only slight discomfort. Your leg cramp question is well directed Leg cramps are usually the worst. When cramps occur, if it's my leg or legs, I get on my feet and walk around. If it's my abs, I stretch my torso diagonally for relief. If it's an arm, I'll raise my arm, curling it across my body and they soon stop. Leg cramps occasionally will benefit by drinking water or milk or eating a banana as I walk it off. The calcium and potassium boost sometimes helps, just like when I was young. But now in later life, sometimes the painful intense gripping leg cramps can go on and on for over half an hour. That can really raise your blood pressure. Nothing can always give me relief and the cramps go in cycles for several weeks more intense, then less or none for several weeks. Knowing what to expect is helpful. I just keep calm and carry on. Progressive muscle atrophy, with it's resulting weakness is very discouraging. Three years ago I worked out at the local SnapFitness gym daily and developed a slight abs six-pack. That's a distant memory now. Muscle twitches (fasciculations) occur with regularity all over my body. Enough about me.

Has anyone tried TENS, Transcutaneous electrical stimulation or Stem Cell therapy?