Topical creams and lotions for Small Fiber Neuropathy
This topic has been addressed in other posts. However, it is somewhat scatter shot, so I thought it would be appropriate to address it as a separate subject.
I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. I have tried numerous creams and other preparations. Sometimes I think they are working a little, sometimes not at all.
As examples, I have used lidocaine 5%, various cannabinoids (as balms, creams and soaks), cantherides (that hurt!) and various combinations of compounded creams containing lidocaine, ketamine, phenytoin, ketoralac and others (all of which are very expensive and not covered by MediCare).
One of my "theories" is that they are not penetrating enough, so I tried a few of them with DMSO cream, which is a solvent and supposedly penetrates the skin. Still no real success.
I'd be interested to hear from others about their experiences with topicals, and particularly any suggestions or tricks that makes them work better.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
It's technically possible to take too much magnesium, so I think the maximum dose recommended in a supplement is no more than 600 mg, but I think most people take less than this.
The other thing to be cautious about is there are several different forms of magnesium supplements, and many of them have a laxative effect. That's a good thing if you're trying to stay regular or are prone to constipation, but not so great if that's nothing something you're going for!
If it helps: My PCP told me 300 mg of magnesium is the dose that's been studied for muscle cramping.
Magnesium Glycinate does not have a laxative effect and is associated with reducing anxiety, helping with sleep, and relaxing the muscles. It's more expensive, but I figured I'd rather go with what was studied a little more. I take 150 mg magnesium glycinate and 300 mg of magnesium citrate (which can have a laxative at a high enough dose), but this is because I have slowed motility related to autonomic neuropathy.
I used this as a guide while I was deciding what to take and how much: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-dosage
I’m always looking for something to help move things along, even though I eat very well. Will check my eye/multi vitamins and see what magnesium it has and go from there. You “guys” are the best…we will all be so much better because of this site…
@ch47, @emo, and all...Well, wonderful news! I'm so pleased your procedure went well. My son has had several nerve ablations for a continuously firing nerve in his left neck/shoulder/arm that sends electrical activity throughout his body. The last 2 ablations have helped him greatly! He also has maximum Botox injections for Cervical Dystonia and all that goes with it, uses medical cannabis and THC lotions/inhalants, and other medications to help, but the ablations are a part of the foundation now of his treatment. He actually was in crisis the first of the year and had the procedure with no sedation. I was sitting with them and in tears, as I watched him clench his fist in extreme pain but stay completely still as the procedure continued. It was a gift in the help it gave, but excruciating. I was thrilled this one was in the clinic with anesthesia, and a lot, of Dilaudid which he has in a pain pump and with propranolol. With those medications, he was able to communicate with the doctor as they worked but not have the pain as before.
These procedures may last for a few months to a few years. I'm hopeful you get the maximum and best relief possible.
Now, REST! This is a lot for your body to experience. Give yourself a chance to rest, recover and get better. Keep hydrated well throughout and always. Sound like your mother, eh? Well, NOT...but know all too well how these things go and just passing along some personal advice.
Sleep well,
Blessings, Elizabeth
I also use the Life Flo magnesium lotion. Apply it every night before tucking my feet in bed. No odor, not sticky or greasy.
I found Frankincense oil At Walgreens in foot dept. of the pharmacy. Just a few drops to calm the burning or whatever you have going on in your feet. It helps a little. So you can get to sleep. Plus wearing socks at night. Not compression socks.
I looked on Amazon and there seems to be several different kinds of life Flo magnesium lotion. Which one do you use?
Similarly, I used peppermint oil at night when my pain was at its worst, also with socks and made sure to use a good moisturizer.
Life-flo Magnesium lotion
Highly Concentrated 8fl oz $9.99 on Amazon. Effective for relief and relaxation. First one shown. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. My husband is battling bone marrow cancer and life is up and down. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much and I’m so sorry about what you and your husband must be going through. My thoughts are with you
Thank you so much. It is One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus. I am so very thankful to John Bishop for telling me about this.🤗🤗