peripheral neuropathy and lymphedema in bilateral feet

Hello @volt1, Welcome to Connect. I also have peripheral neuropathy and lymphedema in both legs. My cardiologist suggested a treatment of wearing compression socks with 20 to 30 mmhg. I buy ones that have a zippered side to make them easier to put on and take off. They go to just below my knees and do help with keeping the swelling down and forcing the fluid up and out of the legs. If you just have numbness in your feet and legs and do not have pain, the drugs won't help. Years ago I tried a tens unit on my feet for a couple of months using it twice a day for 30 minutes and it didn't really make a difference for me. There are a couple of discussions on TENS units where others have shared their experience.

--- TENS Units: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tens-units/
--- Has anyone had success using Tens on their feet?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-success-using-tens-on-their-feet/.

Did your doctor suggest compression socks or other treatments for the lymphedema? How long have you had peripheral neuropathy?

I developed PN from trauma to my ankles 5 years ago. I’m using only Alpha Lipolic Acid and other supplements.I used Sanexas treatment twice at Physical Medicine Center in Tampa Fl. in March 2023. What a terrible experience. The tingling and numbness in my feet increased from PN to severe PN, according to my doctor’s test. And the spot that was cut for unnecessary nerve analysis (I presented them with the nerve study test from my dr)
still sometimes hurts after
4 months. I walk a lot and massage my feet and calves but it was a mistake to go for this treatment.

Hi @elizabethbrennan, Welcome to Connect. I think it's good that you are walking along with massaging your feet and calves. I don't walk as much due to back problems but I do make sure I keep my calves and feet moisturized with lotion so they don't dry out which makes it worse.

Sorry to hear the Sanexas treatment didn't help. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a lot of good information on complementary and alternative treatments that you might find helpful here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/

Do you mind sharing what type of trauma you had on you ankles that caused the nerve damage?

I did not have any ankle trauma. The peripheral neuropathy is secondary to long standing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mainly numbness and some foot pain and electric shock like paresthesias at night. Just got a wireless tens unit so will see what happens.

I wear farrow compression wraps on my legs. They help if put on early in the day. I have had neuropathy for 2-3 years but it has become more pronounced lately. Took all the b vitamins and alpha-lipoic e with no improvement. The tens unit may be problematic as I do not feel the current in my feet. I dont want to risk a burn on the skin. Open to any suggestions

Have you seen the list of complementary and alternative treatments on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy website?

--- Treatments: https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/
--- Living Well with Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/

May try sequential lymphoedema pump. @5 years when I was in USA it was sold on prescropation by MD. MAY BE NOW AVAILABLE as OTC. Try AMAZON.COM

Sorry for misspell
25 years ago, prescripation

Same problem - plus arthritis in all joints! ApCodein helps- but not enough!😢

Company called Tactile Medical has state of the art lymphedema pumps covered by Medicare.