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Neuropathy: Numbness only, no pain
Neuropathy | Last Active: Apr 18 3:20pm | Replies (503)Comment receiving replies
@johnbishop What lifestyle changes do you suggest? I have gone from just numbness to now experiencing some very sharp pains in my feet, mostly at bedtime or when relaxing after a long day. The numbness makes my feet feel like I am wearing a pair of socks all the time.it stops just about where ankle socks would.
Replies to "@johnbishop What lifestyle changes do you suggest? I have gone from just numbness to now experiencing..."
I too have started experiencing sharp pains, usually at bedtime, starting after about 2 months into my IVIG infusions for my CIDP. I'm taking this as hopefully a good sign that maybe some function is coming back to my nerves!! I still have numbness and having more pins and needles feeling in my feet, and balance problems. I have had AFOs for about 2 months now that have helped greatly with my walking.
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@suzanne2, I am always looking for things I can do that might help with the numbness in my feet which is part of my idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
I think a lot of what you can do to help yourself depends on the cause of why your feet are numb. Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy?
Most of the lifestyle type changes I've made have been to focus on protecting my feet and keeping them as healthy as possible. I have to wear compression socks during the day to help with the swelling in my legs from lymphedema. When I take them off at night my legs feel great and the last thing I want to do is put on socks but an unfortunate night time incident of rubbing my feet together and a big ugly toenail inflicted wound on a vein too close to the surface of my ankle caused me to almost bleed out while sleeping. It caused a trip to the ER and I've learned to pay more attention to my feet. Every night before going to bed I rub skin lotion on my feet and put on a pair of white ankle socks so that I can easily tell if I have stepped on something during the night. By far the most comfortable socks I've ever had are bamboo fiber ankle socks. They are more stretchy without putting pressure on the feet. I have tried essential oils on my feet which I think were good for the skin and moisturizing but didn't help much with the numbness. The other significant lifestyle change I have made is to try and eat healthier and lose a little more weight.
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some Complementary and Integrative Therapies which may offer some ideas that help - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/integrative-therapies/
Here's some more information you might find helpful - Causes of numbness in legs and feet: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321560