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.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
To be clear, the massager model I have is a Nano and UPC BK3465 available at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $60 as it is on sale for now.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/evertone-prosage-nano-percussion-therapy-massager-in-black/5544889
The one on the other link is not the model I have and can not recommend it due to complicated design. The BK3465 has a clean design that can be held from several angles or positions and no obstructive handles or un-necessary pcs that make it less versatile. Sorry about any confusion the first link may have caused.
Hands have no more numbness. Feet still have some, but I can feel the floor so I count that a win.
I'm sorry for your pain. I take the Alpha Lipoic Acid as well. I take 600 mg in the morning and 600mg
before I go to bed. VIT. B12 helps as does eating less sugar. I do not know your ability but stretching is a great way to get the blood flow going. Be carefull ,start out slowly and of course ask your doctor before starting anything new. GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS
This reply was to the NEWBUG
R-Alpha LIPOIC Acid helps. Magnesium Glycinate helps. COQ10 can help also. Benfotiamine (B1) helps. D3 can help 5,000mg. Saffron may help. These supplements each can help. Good old Absorbine Jr. in a concentrated form is Bio-Freeze and is great for topical use for burning feet (also hands and fingers). Good Luck to all and get the fires put out!
The numbness in my hands is completely gone. My feet still have some numbness, but I feel the floor all over my feet and the numbness is much less a problem.
What is PQQ?
You can read up on PQQ here: https://www.lifeextension.com/vitamins-supplements/item01647/pqq-caps
Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone, PQQ, is a supplement that was developed for other uses. Howver, the Cleveland Clinic tested its use for Neuropathy, in conjunction with CoQ10. The National Institute of Health(NIH), has referenced other supplements being tested, but the Cleveland Clinic study seemed to show promising benefits. I once had the link to that study, but my laptop was stolen and it wasn’t on my backup. Haven’t been able to find it again since then.
I had some luck for a few years with the R-lipoic acid enantiomer, but not alpha lipoic acid. The issue is the cost as it’s quite a bit more expensive.