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Neuropathy: Numbness only, no pain
Neuropathy | Last Active: Nov 14 3:29pm | Replies (508)Comment receiving replies
I also have been diagnosed with SFPN (August 2019) which is only affecting my feet. I have no burning or tingling. My only issue is that I feel discomfort when standing, like I am walking on rocks. If I am not standing I have no discomfort. I do have advanced osteoarthritis in both knees. Ironically my right knee is more affected than my left knee and my right foot is more affected than my left foot as far as the SFPN goes. I have read that osteoarthitis could produce SFPN symptoms. I also have autoimmune history in my immediate family. I have also read that their is a link between autoimmunity and SFPN I am looking for someone who can help get to the root of what is causing my SFPN if that is possible. Suggestions on who or where I may find help? Sorry if I did not post this correctly as I am very new to this site. Thanks
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Hi @patc55, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have SFPN which started in the toes in both feet more than 20 years ago. I don't have pain with mine either but like you it's more of a discomfort. I also have advanced degenerative arthritis in my left knee and had a knee replacement done for my right knee in 2019. There is some evidence linking SFPN and autoimmune diseases.
"Systemic autoimmune conditions linked to SFPN include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, vasculitis and celiac. Sjögren's is the most common among these Virtually nothing is known about how systemic autoimmune diseases affect small fibers. Nov 3, 2017"
- IVIg for apparently autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy: first analysis of efficacy and safety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791555/
If you are looking for more information to learn more about your diagnosis, here are a couple of websites I have found helpful:
- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/
Were you diagnosed by a neurologist? Just wondering if they gave you a specific diagnosis or did they just say it was idiopathic SFPN which is my diagnosis.