SFSN: Symptom Relief

For me, the Knit-Rite compressogrip helps to keep my arms compressed, which decreases the pain and hypersensitivity significantly. It also increases blood flow. If I don't use it, I am extremely nauseous just by air movement, skin movement or touching anything. May not work for everyone, depends on what bothers your nerves. As far as KT tape goes (there's also another brand I really like, I'll have to find the link and post it when I do - it's medium grade strength and used for people with sensitive skin; it's the only one I can use without breaking out instantly in hives) - if placed correctly, it puts tension on your skin in a certain direction and over the nerve's pathway itself that "frees up" the nerve from any compressions. The tape provides immediate relief, and usually can be worn up to a week before having to be reapplied. It calms down the nerve and decreases the pain more than I can express to you...it really really works and I've been using it for 10+ years. I highly recommend it for pain relief! Also - one other thing I forgot to list is a technique called "scraping." You apply some type of lotion or massage oil and then use this metal piece to lightly (moderately) scrape up / down the nerve's pathway. It also helps, but I found I could not tolerate the touch at all and had to scrap that off my list.

@bpram The scraping technique is used in desensitization. I also used what's called "kinetic flow slinky" to desensitize my arms - sometimes was therapeutic, other days I couldn't even put them on. Everyone is different. (I'm still looking for the tape link)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kinetic+flow+slinky&crid=3K3GSL4W6HJB4&sprefix=kinetic+flow+slinky%2Caps%2C68&ref=nb_sb_noss

rivermaya34, I also have ice cold Neuropathy but it is just in my toes thank heavens. Hadn’t thought of using icy hot and will give it a try. Now that winter has come to Colorado my symptoms have gotten so much worse. I try to walk as much as I can but the cold asphalt is really hard on my feet so I use wool inserts in my shoes and stick on toe warmers when walking. In the house I wear Rock Dove fleece lined slippers that have a solid rubber sole so I can step outside with them on. They help my cold feet so much. In bed I use a Cozy Warmers foot of the bed heating pad. It is larger than a regular heating pad and stays on about 6 to 8 hours so you don’t have to keep waking up to turn it on. Usually just low setting keeps my feet warm enough at night that I can sleep all night… Hallelujah! Ordered both online. Tomorrow I’ll go buy some Icy Hot and be ready for the rest of the winter! Sending warm spirits your way,
BcoolinColorado

I take 1200mg Alpha Lipoic Acid daily (NOW brand). It seems to help with my neuropathy which is a prickly feeling like mosquito bites or bee stings from head-to-toe (not just extremties). I also take 400mg hydroxychloroquine/Plaquinil which also helps. I have been diagnosed with Lupus/Sjogrens which often has neuropathy as a symptom. This type of neuropathy is seen by Johns Hopkins as inflammation of the dorsal root ganglia and/or brain stem hypersensitivity. I also have to reduce stress, have quiet time, stay off the computer/screens, have a healthy diet, no caffeine, drink water, get sleep. I keep a health journal to help me figure out what triggers the neuropathy and what calms it down.

Just now found your comments of Red and NearR Light use a year ago. Are you still using it and did it help significantly? Thanks

Hello ~ Very short answer to a long story, YES. It took 8-10 months. I recently bought the full body length mat because I was so pleased with the small mat. I use the small mat to target an area.

Hi @susieqmf, I thought I would tag you in the discussion I linked in my first post so you could meet @rivermaya34, @retired123, @williamdds, @bcool123 and others who have experience with small fiber sensory neuropathy and can share what has helped them.

Hi everybody! It’s Bcool123. Cold neuropathic feet. In addition to the rock dove slippers and the wool inserts and the tow warmers, I find that sipping on hot water helps warm my toes up. Also using life flow, magnesium lotion just before I go to bed helps keep my toes warm in bed. I tried to walk across the house a couple times every hour or two and that helps warm up my toes too. I suppose it’s stimulates the circulation. I also massage my feet and toes when I’m sitting in my recliner and that helps stimulate the circulation and warm up my feet too. Hope these help you cold toe neuropathics! Bcool123