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Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?
I was diagnosed earlier this year with "Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy" over my whole body, though I am not yet showing symptoms everywhere. I do have numbness in all my toes, feet, a large section of my upper right thigh, large section of the side of my left calf, occasional ... numbness in my hands in the middle of the night. Anyway, my neurologist did suggest Alpha Lipoic Acid (otc supplement) to help with the neuropathy. She said that although studies suggest people who also have diabetes have had some success with taking this (I don't have diabetes), she said I might get some help from it. So, yep, it's been about 8 months I have been taking 600mg/daily and it seems to have helped lessen my feelings of 'burning feet'. I am going to increase my dosage to 800mg when I finish my current bottle. I use a brand that has no additives (colors, flavors, etc). Brand: Best Vitamins. Though I don't have diabetes, and it may be helpful only because I believe in it, that is something.
My husband periodically gives me massage on my ankles, tops of my feet and calves which seems to offer some help with the emptiness feeling on that lower part of my body. I am doing some reading research on any other supplements which could be of help. I try not to think about neuropathy too much, because I have since been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and CTEPH. I stick to reputable sites like the Mayo Clinic and PubMed as well as those of us who have personal experiences. Thanks to everyone here for your help. Maybe someday there will be a definitive cure for this wicked torture.
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I will try the R Lipoic Acid, how long did you use the R - LA before you noticed a difference and what difference did you experience? Just curious. Ed
I take Gabapentin 4 times daily. Ask your doc and taper up to find the dosage that's gives relief. John
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1 ReactionHi,
I had breast cancer, I did chemo, surg. and radiation etc.
I developed neuropathy in my hands and feet, I have been doing acupuncture for a while. The hands are better, but the feet not so much, tingling, burning and numbness and sudden sharp stabbing pains still persist after 2 years.
I take Vit B.
My regular Dr. said I could try Gabapentin but on reading there seems to be a lot of side effects. Any other suggestions out there would be appreciated. I am scrolling through all the other remarks. Thank you.
Hello John, can you direct me to a site that deals with stump neuroma's? Marty
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1 ReactionHi Marty @martyk, There is a related discussion that might be helpful.
-- How do I get rid of Morton's Neuroma?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mortons-neuroma-209f16/
Here's some information specifically on stump neuroma's that might be more what you are looking for:
-- How To Address Stump Neuromas: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/how-to-address-stump-neuromas
-- The painful stump neuroma and its treatment: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/how-to-address-stump-neuromas
-- Neuroma - Continuing Education Activity (January 9, 2022): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549838/
Do you have a stump neuroma?
I am prescribed for one 300 mg tablet every 3 hours. It helps when I remember to take it on time.
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2 ReactionsGood afternoon @dianeee, thank you for responding to my post. Do you think your evidence of neuropathy is a result of your chemo treatments? Many of the folks with neuropathy have undergone treatment for cancer.
Actually, I want to let you know about my experience with Gabapentin which began in 2013….with my diagnosis of SFN (small fiber neuropathy). The first Rx was for mornings and I did not do well with that time of day. A bit fuzzy and unsure of my solidarity. So….my neurologist changed it to bedtime, telling me that Gabapentin can stay with you until about noon the next day. That worked well.
Several years later I began to start my day with Duloxetine which has been my constant anti-anxiety companion for years. I chose to taper off half of my Gabapentin dosage and that also worked well. I did notice that if I forgot my nighttime Gabapentin, I paid the price the next day with a heaviness and pain especially in my legs.
Just last Monday…..I wanted to try to be free of Gabapentin again because I didn’t think I needed it any more. I decided to do a slow taper off of that medication. Boy was I wrong. Even my MFR therapist said that my extensively greater level of pain was because I had deleted one of my 300 mg Gabapentin pills. According to her, she learned that 75% of improvement with neuropathy comes from the medications we choose to take and 25% from therapies e.g. acupuncture and other treatment options.
So…..last night I started Gabapentin again and guess what????? As soon as I sign off and say goodbye to you for today……I will head to the river to walk and do my stretch yoga exercises. Today I actually feel like doing that again.
Not everyone will have the same story because we all react so differently to medications. Just make sure you are no passing up an opportunity to allelviate some of the symptoms you are currently experiencing.
Let me know if you have other questions. I am anxious to know of your decision and how you choose to tackle those tingling, burning, and numbness symptoms with which you are currently dealing.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
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4 ReactionsWhat is your pain level?
Chris- Thanks indirectly for helping me through your response to @dianeee . You are very experienced with dealing with this neuropathy and it’s always helpful to hear about the trials of others to help give us examples and courage to try. It has been a rare event for my body to not remind me that I missed my dose of gabapentin. Because of that, I struggled with whether it was an unhealthy addiction. I like how your MFR Therapist evaluated it as part of the working formula for managing to best life comfort. I’m not into yoga yet (If I get in the floor I can’t get back up!) but I have started getting some MFR with my Physical Therapist. She’s not a specialty in MFR like yours, but what she is adding to my PT is helping.
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3 ReactionsHi,
Sorry to hear this. First, find out what is causing your pain. Then attack the problem. Diet, exercise, meds or treatment. But first find out for sure what it is that is hurting your feet.