Aching legs from Small Fiber Neuropathy

Posted by Rachel, Volunteer Mentor @rwinney, Oct 23, 2019

One of my relentless symptoms from neuropathy is profusely aching legs. Does anyone share this symptom with me? At times I wonder if it could be another issue. They hurt so bad and create pain when walking continuously. Both legs feel heavy, tired and can't get much mileage. When I walk it's as though they are full of lead and they make me go at a turtles pace. If I stop and don't move they may settle a bit but then same old situation as I walk again. Only relief is being elevated and wrapped with heat or soaking in warm water. That buys me maybe a half hour or an hour tops. Same goes for any topicals. A tight wrap feels good almost like a weighted blanket does. Something about tightening the muscles does too.
I appreciate comments or feed back you may have to share on this.
Thanks all,
Rachel

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@artscaping

Hi there...I just want to acknowledge your description of SFN in your legs. That is exactly the way mine feel in the morning. They also feel a little heavy. I truly have to lie in bed until the achy heaviness goes away and I can tackle my day. Do you use any topicals or other medication to get your legs to sit up and take notice n the morning?

May you be safe, protected and free.
Chris

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I am way past topicals. My legs skin feels like I have 3rd degree burns all over them. Third degree burns with tight nylon stockings pulled over them. I also have fibromyalgia. I am on both Lyrica and an opioid patch. That is the only thing that keeps me sane.

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@dck

I was diagnosed with idiopathic SFN two years ago. My legs are currently achy, heavy, and tired feeling. My feet are dumb but not completely so. I find that a warm bath in the evening helps along with a topical spray called "That Stuff for Pain". I use it in the evenings when my symptoms are a little more pronounced. Going on walks during the day is also effective. I thought that I would try some CBD topical cream. Just bought one that is 500 mg THC and 25 mg CBD. Fingers crossed....

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Good evening @dck. Thanks for sharing on connect. I also have achy, heavy legs in the morning. I do find that an Aveeno Bath is soothing for my entire body. I love walking and do some stretchy yoga when my cranky knee permits it.

I am a little concerned about your CBD topical. I have been using medical cannabis for about 7 years. I have never heard of a 500/25 combination of THC and CBD. Are you sure? That is 20 to 1. THC to CBD. As far as I can go is a 1:3 CBD to THC. Please check for me so I don't worry about you.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

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Chris, I checked the cream and it is as I described. The manufacturer is Proofly. I am located in Canada. I agree that it is an unusually high mix and, in fact, the exact product is not presently available on the manufacturer's web site. I have been told that because the product is a topical cream, there is no possibility that the THC will have a hallucianic effect. I did use a 50-50 mix before. That experience was positive but I wanted to see if this product produced a better/worse effect.

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Have you had an ultrasound for venous insufficiency? The heavy aching legs is a main symptom. See a vein specialist for a diagnosis.

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I have similar symptoms along with ice cold feet. Erggggg. My Neurologist diagnosed me with Progressive Sensory Motor Axonal Neuropathy. A fancy tile for a terribly limiting condition. I've gone from being a long distance cyclist to a weak walker. Tough to accept. Distraction helps, along with doing as much exercise as I can handle. I had constant leg cramps which resolved with me going to dance & weight classes daily. The name of the game is keeping rx to a minimum as each drug has a cost. My Pain Mgt doc implanted a Spinal Cord Stimulator which helps a lot. Maybe something for you to try?

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Yes, I have the symptoms. It is unrelenting. I am having a caudal injection under general anesthesia tomorrow. Praying for some relief.

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@penniehahn

Yes, I have the symptoms. It is unrelenting. I am having a caudal injection under general anesthesia tomorrow. Praying for some relief.

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I'll be interested to know how you fare with the Caudal as my doc will be giving me injections in a few weeks. Wishing you the best.

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@minfromtexas

I'll be interested to know how you fare with the Caudal as my doc will be giving me injections in a few weeks. Wishing you the best.

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I meant to say that I have "the same symptoms". Thanks so much. We are headed to the surgery center now.

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@janstar61

I am way past topicals. My legs skin feels like I have 3rd degree burns all over them. Third degree burns with tight nylon stockings pulled over them. I also have fibromyalgia. I am on both Lyrica and an opioid patch. That is the only thing that keeps me sane.

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Do you mind telling me more about the opioid patch? How long does it last, what is the mg?

Thank you

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Hi Rachel.
I’m truly sorry that you have to suffer with all these bizarre sensations in your legs. I experience similar symptoms 24 seven I have numbness tingling and a feeling like they’re spiders crawling up and down my legs. Every morning I wake up and it feels like a truck hit me and my legs are so sore and so stiff it’s hard for me to move and stand up. My legs feel like lead and extremely heavy.. I also have the heaviness and soreness all over the body including the torso, my arms, my legs, my hands and my back so the soreness is consistent and it feels like I have the flu without a fever every day.. I don’t like to take pain medication however I have found that low-dose naltrexone minus the vivid dreams have been really helpful and sometimes I just take Tylenol which isn’t effective for nerve pain but it does help me sleep. Of course, I experience, relentless, fatigue, due to the stiffness , numbness and the tingling and pain. Hope you find effective relief!

Eileen

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