Hello @grannymary7077, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear you were just diagnosed with neuropathy. It can be a challenge at times depending on how bad the symptoms are. You mentioned wanting to avoid more prescription meds as long as possible. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of complementary and alternative treatments that you might find helpful here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/. The site also has some useful information and tips and living well with neuropathy here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.

There is another discussion you might find helpful by learning what other members have shared here:
-- Burning feet and legs: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-feet-and-legs/

Have you done any research on alternative treatments that might help?

Good evening @grannymary7077, welcome to Connect and our neuropathy group. I think you can do a lot to help yourself with your neuropathy symptoms. I have had SFN (small fiber neuropathy) since 2013 when I was diagnosed via a punch skin biopsy. Mine is rather severe without enough nerve cells to do a good job of creating feelings in my body and especially in my feet. What started with my toes in the right foot has now invaded both feet and is continuing to march right on up my leg. Since the diagnosis, I have been through quite a few prescribed medications and custom lidocaine topicals created by a specialist pharmacy as guided by my neurologist. These worked quite well until my condition went beyond the capabilities of those creations.

Since then I have settled on two treatment options plus some special exercises for strength and balance. First, I use one of two medical cannabis topical balms. One is for acute pain and the other is for chronic pain. Both contain CBD and THC at different levels.

At this point, I also have my feet treated twice a week by an MFR (myofascial release) therapist so that I can continue to drive. Have you heard of or read about MFR yet?

Your approach is excellent. Read, research, and study everything appropriate for your condition. Knowledge is power and you will benefit tremendously from the experience. I am happy to help you on this journey.

What are you most concerned about at this time?

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

My name isGinger. I have neuropathy as a result of taking chemo for breast cancer. My husband who recently passed used voltaren pads for his neuropathy that were prescribed and he thought they were helpful. The cream version of voltaren does not need a doctor's prescription. I am 83 (84 next month) and try not to take any more additional meds than I absolutely need. I have also used the CBD cream and voltaren, both at different times. It helps but I am not regular in apply them to my feet and legs. You might try one of these topical remedies rather than ingesting a pill.

I am 84 and have neuropathy after chemo treatments. I was wondering if you suffer also from leg cramps or muscle cramps when you stretch. I do and while I am not taking that many meds now, I sure wish I could latch on to something that will help these awful leg/muscle cramps that wake me up in the middle of the night.
Ginger