I have been getting acupuncture for 2 weeks now, and it's the only relief I've ever had from my small fiber PN. The numbness is gone from the full length of my heels. It is limited to the to the toes and balls of the feet and is far less severe. I can feel my toes for the first time since the onset of symptoms about 3 years ago. The numbness is diminishing, and there is no sustained pain. I've only felt 2 short twinges.
I've been trying to find a cause since my neurologist called it idiopathic and sent to my PCP, who sent me back to my neurologist or to a related specialist. The acupuncturist related it my CKD and said the renal insufficiency allowed unfiltered toxins to damage the nerves and permitted uric acid to accumulate in the joints resulting in my gout. He explained there are other contributing causes but that the CKD is the major cause. He said he has been clearing what he terms the channels from the kidneys to the feet. I don't understand it but it's working so far.