Neuropathy post-Covid infection: Is there treatment that helps?

My UIC/Mayo/Harvard long Covid is adding small fiber neuropathy testing as part of its protocol.

Try to exercise every day, especially walking. You must strengthen your legs and feet to get feeling back.

I find that after I walk to try to get my strength back up my legs & feet tingle non-stop. It is so annoying! I can’t really do anything to stop it, either.

Rachel R

Has anyone developed neuropathy from a Covid infection?

@detc, here is a discussion where members are talking about neuropathy related to COVID infections
- Neuropathy post-Covid infection: Is there treatment that helps?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-in-feet-post-covid/

Thank you, Colleen. I appreciate the link you provided. I posed the question because my doctors have differing opinions about which scenario will put me more at risk for possibly getting neuropathy again. Covid vaccine or Covid infection? I got neuropathy after my first booster, but have gratefully, completely healed. The Evusheld monoclonal antibody treatment I received in September and was due to receive again in March, is not being offered anymore.

Hello, My husband has diabetic neuropathy and he sees a PT who recommended a novel treatment which, amazingly has helped. Buy about 4-5 lb of dried beans and put them in a bag or tote - put your feet in and wriggle them, and even roll handfuls of them up and down your legs. This helps stimulate the nerve endings. There are also rubs and roll-ons which contain menthol, eucalyptus or other "tingly" ingredients that will help wake up the nerves. I was a skeptic - but it works!
Sue

I have had foot neuropathy since a severe frostbite injury two years ago. I take 1500 mg (5 300 mg) and it will a very helpful. I am a well known musician and writer and have just developed right hand alcoholic neuropathy. as a piano guitarist and percussionist I just quit alcohol cold Turkey. That was brutal but my music and writing matter more. I will be in touch with my physician in Minneapolis to be seen soon and discuss both new vitamin regimens and maybe increased gabapentin

Hi @zannman, Welcome to Connect. I don't have the pain with my neuropathy only some numbness and some tingling in the feet. I shared my story and what has helped me in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

You mentioned contacting your physician soon to discuss a new vitamin regimen and maybe increasing the gabapentin. You might be interested in the list of supplements that help with nerve damage that is on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy website here:
-- Complementary and Alternative Treatments:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf
Hoping you find some relief soon. Can you give us an update after you talk with your doctor?

It's so hard to differentiate between the various Long Covid pains and the potential causes. I have had most of the typical problems, pulmonary, joint, GI Track, and neurological pains yet as the long covid persist, I find that joint pains might actually be nerve pains. I am into month 9 of Long Covid and what I thought to be joint inflammation turned into Saitic nerve pain in both hips/legs last week. I might still have inflammation in my hips, that caused the Saitic episode or not but since my PCP has no interest, it up to me to diagnose and treat. The problem is some of the symptoms have very serious potential outcomes. Right know the whole right side of my body Toe to head and shoulder to fingertip have my nerves on fire and I currently believe it to be neurological based. The strength in my right arm decreased from being able to lift and carry 65 lbs. to barely lifting 7 lbs. Opening a bag of anything is virtually impossible as the strength in my hand (thumb to index finger) is virtually zero. I have to cut open all bags as I can't grip and pull them open with my right hand. These along with right eye pain, toe pain, Tinnus, 9 month headache and double vision tell me neurological issues are a big part of long covid - but my PCP seems to think it's all in my head.