1. < Neuropathy

Numbness comes and goes

Posted by paul14 @paul14, Jun 16, 2023

Does anyone have numbness along the calf and ankle on one leg one day and the other another day? I find when I elevate the leg, do exercises like ankle pumps numbness tends to subside. I also have red feet when standing or sitting which also goes away when elevating the legs. Is this the neuropathy or edema? I have both but sometimes not sure which is causing the numbness. Any thoughts welcome. Thanks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 16, 2023

Hi @paul14, I have lymphedema in both legs along with small fiber peripheral neuropathy with only numbness and some tingling but no pain. I wear compression socks to help with the swelling in the legs. I've had the neuropathy since my 50s starting in my toes and now into my legs. I'm just a patient like yourself but it sounds like it could be a little bit of both edema and neuropathy, sort of chicken or the egg thing. I would think treating the edema is more important at this point.

Are you being treated for the edema? Do you wear compression stockings?

REPLY
1 reply
paul14 | @paul14 | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @paul14, I have lymphedema in both legs along with small fiber peripheral neuropathy with only..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @paul14, I have lymphedema in both legs along with small fiber peripheral neuropathy with only numbness and some tingling but no pain. I wear compression socks to help with the swelling in the legs. I've had the neuropathy since my 50s starting in my toes and now into my legs. I'm just a patient like yourself but it sounds like it could be a little bit of both edema and neuropathy, sort of chicken or the egg thing. I would think treating the edema is more important at this point.

Are you being treated for the edema? Do you wear compression stockings?

Jump to this post

Hi John:
Thanks so much for your reply. My PCP hasn't really been concerned with my edema given all the efforts that went into diagnosing the PN. He did a lot of blood tests and I had an ultra sound of lower extremities which were all clear. I do wear compression socks on and off, they help for a bit but I can't wear them for long periods. I agree it's chicken and egg, luckily the swelling isn't constant. This whole situation with PN is new and puzzling to me, today I had a numb feeling in toes of left foot which I hadn't felt before with the numbness going up the ankle. I can still wiggle toes but it seems like I've lost some sensory feeling there. I didn't expect it because I thought the stopping of B6 a month ago would have halted additional symptoms. My gait seems unaffected but it's still not a natural gait, it takes a lot more effort than it used just to walk. Glad you folks are there to bounce these things off of.

REPLY
paul14 | @paul14 | Jun 16, 2023

Hi Heidi. I have not tried Capsaicin since the edema isn't constant. Interesting hack from the nurse in OR, I 'll have try it. As I told John, I do wear compression socks but can't wear them for too long. I agree the swelling comes back anyway. Elevation of legs always works best but you can't do that all day. I'm lucky I don't have nerve pain, just numbness, loss of feeling and changing gait. Thanks so much for these suggestions. I wish you all the best.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.