Small Fiber Neuropathy: What helps?

It took 13 doctors before I was diagnosed with SFN. It was a podiatrist that recognized the symptoms within 10 minutes. My understanding is a skin biopsy is the only way to rule it in or out. My first neurologist never mentioned the possibility. He sent me to balance therapy that did nothing to help. Now that I know it is SFN I'm on the hunt for some improvement.

Glad you brought it up! I see my Neurologist Tuesday. Will add it to my list of questions.

Went to top neuropathy doctor at Duke and had EMG. She said "Yes you have small fiber neuropathy. Bye,Bye. I don 't treat that. Find a rheumatologist to help you."

Something I've been experiencing for awhile now is random fingertip pain in all 10 of my fingertips which usually starts at night and lasts for a few days. The timing is very random and I can never pinpoint a cause/significant stimulating factor. Frustrating. It feels like pressure underneath each of my nail beds which is localized there, and I feel like I have to press on them constantly. Somewhat sensitive and painful to touch, too. I tried therapeutic tape in the past on just my thumb/pinky fingers which gave minor relief, but I can't find anything that works. Does anybody else have this problem or have any suggestions on things to try? Thanks y'all

I was diagnosed with idiopathic SFN 3 years ago, and since then I have realized I've had symptoms since as early as 12 years old. I've been able to manage things pretty well until recently. About 2 months ago it seems my symptoms have gotten worse, and I now can not tell how much pressure I'm putting on a gas or break petal. I explained this to my neurologist at MUSC and was given a blanket statement and told to see a phycologist because its not SFN. I then questioned the Dr. why they would tell me three years ago that what I was describing was a symptom but now its not, and I was brushed off and told not to drive until something can be figured out. They offered an in person appointment in January but I'm not sure if I should continue with that Dr. Has anyone experienced numbness to the point of not being able to drive? Also does anyone have any suggestions for Neurologist's in S.C.? Thanks in advance

I get the same thing. For me it can last any where from minutes up to two weeks. as far as walking it feels like there is a piece of glass between my feet and the floor and I'm very unstable. walking in this state always ends in me falling so I've built up my arm muscles and keep different things for support around the house. I honestly have no idea why it happens. My Dr just told me its a part of SFN.

About three months ago I had a very hard time feeling the brake and gas pedal, I had to always look down to make sure I was pushing down in the brake. I started doing really hard deep tissue massage in my feet usually twice a day along with vigorous stretching exercise. I have so far managed to reduce the numbness in my left foot about 80% and right foot about 70%. I now have no trouble feeling the brake and gas pedals. Strangely enough now my fingers have more numbness comes and goes especially at night.

Yes PN can effect your bowel and bladder, both controlled by neurons.

Hi @rivermaya34, I've had instances where one of my fingernails is sore and hurts if I press on it but I haven't had it in all of my fingers. Here's an article with different possibilities and some home remedies that may be helpful.

7 Reasons You Feel Pain Under Your Fingernail When Pressed: https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-under-fingernail-when-pressed

Hello @jinxedroot93, Welcome to Connect. I have numbness from my idiopathic small fiber PN but so far it has not bothered my ability to drive. That is also one of my major concerns. I think each of us is a little different and may not quite experience the numbness the same way. I have been taking supplements since 2016 which I think are helping me. You can read my story in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. Other members have mentioned deep tissue massage, stretching and other techniques have helped some with the numbness. You might find the following discussion helpful:

Anyone use a device to allow driving without foot pedals?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/device-to-allow-driving-wo-using-foot-pedals/

I would be irritated to say the least if my doctor brushed me off the way your doctor did. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has Find a doctor page and lists 4 different ones including one from MUSC (hope it's not your doctor!).
-- https://www.foundationforpn.org/support/find-a-doctor/

The link above also has some complementary and integrative treatments that may help with your symptoms. Have you tried any other type treatments?