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What helps the symptoms of Small Fiber Neuropathy?
Neuropathy | Last Active: Dec 12, 2023 | Replies (131)Comment receiving replies
I am seventy years old and have had PN for at least seven years. It started with my second toe on each foot becoming numb, and then one morning I discovered that the numbness had spread to my other toes and then to the balls of my feet. Now my feet feel sore, the big toe on both feet curls up, and my ankles bother me at times; my calves are sore. For the last few weeks I get a temporary muscle spasm in my left calf in the morning while laying in bed, but it goes away fairly quickly. I found out a few days ago that I have a torn meniscus in my left knee, which I probably had for some time, but it was aggravated by playing too much pickleball, which doesn't help. Mostly the periphery of my calves and thighs remain achy. My feet feel like my tendons are being stretched. I've been to a few neurologists who can do nothing. There isn't a lot of pain so far, so I haven't taken gabapentin. Any suggestions as to what I should do next? Thanks.
Replies to "I am seventy years old and have had PN for at least seven years. It started..."
I developed neuropathy in my feet a few months after successful radiation and chemo treatment for esophageal cancer tumor. I am signed up to see acupuncture MD next week but am not expecting quick fix. I did find this link to research on neuropathy helpful:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/
How many acupuncture treatments does it take to help?
Hi all who suffer from PN
Same stories over all
I’ve dealt with this for 20 some years. Advanced most in last few years. Besides numbness I’ve noticed weakness in ankles and lower legs. Bothers me that no help from Med field. So we have balance problems. And weakness when doing anything. So what can we do?
Only thing I know of to avoid a wheel chair in future is work hard on weights swimming stretching and massage. Walk as much as u can however slow. With 10# wts I Dosquats two sets of 10 each. Keep ur muscles as strong as they can be. No drugs I know help. If u have no pain u are fortunate. Keep in shape if u can. Hot tub jets good too.
K in NC
Hello @stevemoyt and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found another discussion on this same topic so you will notice I have moved your post here:
- What helps the symptoms of Small Fiber Neuropathy?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tingling-from-small-fiber-neurapathy/
Members @su8 @dsh33782 and @kenab have joined you to share with you already.
Have you talked to your neurologist about physical therapy as a potential recommendation?
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Gabapentin is a drug for epilepsy. I took it for neuropathy. Gave me brain fog. Careful with alcohol in your mouthwash, you will feel icky. No alcohol. Brain fog, that’s all it’s good for.
PT, certified acupuncturist,herbalist. I know others have said acupuncture didn’t work, I think they did not do their research for the right person. It is not one time treatment. It takes months.
I’m tired of doctors not paying attention.
I went to pain management, and I told them acupuncture has helped a lot. He was very mad. Never mentioned it in the notes. Sad times. Ya, pain management doctor.