I would recommend discussing with your primary care doctor before taking any B6. Even though it's water soluble you can get too much in your system and get B6 toxicity which is bad news. I would want to have labs to make sure the B6 is the issue.
Strangely enough, my leg cramps happen most often when I awaken in AM and do the in-bed stretch. This stretch seems to be a bit out of my control and while I can stop it, it seems to have a mind of its own -- this is when the cramps hit on the outside of my ankle and in my feet. I can't tolerate gabapentin but do take Vit B12 (oral supplement). Feet are most comfortable when cold (icy cold!). I notice when I don't drink enough water, the cramps are more severe. I have the type of PN where my feet are hyper-sensitive - feel everything - even bathmat causes discomfort. I've had this level of discomfort since chemo 6 years ago. It never improved but did get more severe. I've kind of divorced myself from traditional testing as it seems painful with no indication that the tests will result in help... so I take my tylenol, keep my feet cold, and alternate between swearing and praying.
Cramps are muscle problems due to mineral depletion (Potassium,Magnesium and Calcium)from dehydration.
Dehydration can be caused by medications, including diuretics,excessive exercise and other factors.
They are likely to occur when sitting or lying down for hours in one position. That seems how I get my thigh cramps, from being in bed.
Strangely enough, my leg cramps happen most often when I awaken in AM and do the in-bed stretch. This stretch seems to be a bit out of my control and while I can stop it, it seems to have a mind of its own -- this is when the cramps hit on the outside of my ankle and in my feet. I can't tolerate gabapentin but do take Vit B12 (oral supplement). Feet are most comfortable when cold (icy cold!). I notice when I don't drink enough water, the cramps are more severe. I have the type of PN where my feet are hyper-sensitive - feel everything - even bathmat causes discomfort. I've had this level of discomfort since chemo 6 years ago. It never improved but did get more severe. I've kind of divorced myself from traditional testing as it seems painful with no indication that the tests will result in help... so I take my tylenol, keep my feet cold, and alternate between swearing and praying.
You may not be able to see a relationship between cramps and NP but I know a lot of folks with NP (various/multiple diagnosis) that have leg cramping. There are lots of causes which can also explain why people with NP can get leg cramps.
Hello @ridgerunner, I think we may be two peas in a pod with slightly different diagnosis. I'm also 73 and have had the tingling, numb toes & feet for over 20 years but ignored until this past March when I went to a Mayo neurologist and was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. The neurologist thought it may be genetic but my living relatives are too far away to run tests. There can be many causes for neuropathy including chemotherapy and some drugs. I believe lisonpril (blood pressure med) was the cause of my SFPN. I took it for over 5 years in my 40s until I participated in a Mayo heart study and the cause/diagnosis of my high blood pressure was changed and I was switched to spironolactone and hydrachlorathyazide. It could also have been caused by me being pre-diabetic but I'm not fully convinced.
If you do not have the pain that goes with neuropathy you are one of the 20% or so that only has the numbness/tingling and not the pain that goes with it. I did not start being proactive until last March which is when I had an EMG and several MRIs before meeting with the Mayo neurologist. At that time I was still looking for the magic bullet and trying to avoid all the scams out there for people with our condition. After my neurologist told me there are no medications or topical creams/oils that will get rid of numbness I started doing my own research. First I joined the Minnnesota Neuropathy Association where I started my search. They had some resources on the website for things that have worked for some people with the caveat not everyone will be helped with each of the treatments so you just have to keep looking until you find something that works for you. There is also quite a bit of information on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy's website. I have similar problems with balance and driving. There are some exercises that will help with your balance. I will see if I can find the link and post it.
After the neurologist told me there was no magic bullet for the numbness/tingling I decided to step up my search and found several closed Facebook groups on neuropathy. I had joined a couple of them before finding one that works for me because they offer a solution where the other groups were more for support and sharing stories/diagnosis. This group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SPNPD/ - Solutions for Peripheral Neuropathy Pain & Discomfort has put together a protocol of supplements that will help with repairing the nerves. It may not work for everyone but they have a very high number of success stories and over 3000 members in the group, all with different PN and multiple other diagnosis. The group sells nothing and has recently obtained their 501c3 status which is a plus for me. I started taking the protocol in the first week in September 2016 and when I started the numbness/tingling was in both legs down through the toes starting just below the knees. It is now just above the ankles so even if it doesn't total repair the nerves down through the toes I'm happy because it has reverse the progress of the disease. I also have polymyalgia rheumatica and it has been in remission for about 6 or 7 years but it came back this past August so I had to start taking prednisone for it. I'm currently trying to titrate off of the medication but it's not going well so will just have to keep working on it.
I would recommend taking a look at the protocol and then discussing it with your neurologist or primary care physician.
Hello John Bishop LOL don't poo poo the soap remedy - it works I use any type of soap, any brand works, I don;t know why but I am sure it is some ingredient that is common in all soaps. I take calcium, potassium and magnesium every day. I also use essential oils on my feet and ankles - 50% almond oil, 25% tree tea oil and 25% eucalyptus oil .
For cramps, I've tried all the obvious remedies. I take magnesium, calcium supplements and eat a banana almost every day (not just for potassium, I really like bananas). I tried the soap remedy under the sheets not too long ago, and I found that my feet and legs "burned." Maybe I'll try it again using a different type of soap. I had a cramp last night in my right foot, hobbled to the fridge and took a swig of pickle juice, and then ate a pickle. The cramp went away and didn't return. Weird. It seems to work only at the beginning of the cramp. Once a cramp has really set in, nothing works for me. I just have to wait it out and it often takes all night for my muscles to relax. Please keep sending any suggestions my way, no matter how silly they may seem. I may try medical marijuana and intend to bring it up with my PCP next week.
For cramps, I've tried all the obvious remedies. I take magnesium, calcium supplements and eat a banana almost every day (not just for potassium, I really like bananas). I tried the soap remedy under the sheets not too long ago, and I found that my feet and legs "burned." Maybe I'll try it again using a different type of soap. I had a cramp last night in my right foot, hobbled to the fridge and took a swig of pickle juice, and then ate a pickle. The cramp went away and didn't return. Weird. It seems to work only at the beginning of the cramp. Once a cramp has really set in, nothing works for me. I just have to wait it out and it often takes all night for my muscles to relax. Please keep sending any suggestions my way, no matter how silly they may seem. I may try medical marijuana and intend to bring it up with my PCP next week.
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 18, 2017
If you live in and around the Minneapolis - St. Paul area or within reasonable driving distance, the Minnesota Neuropathy Association is holding a support group meeting. Saturday, Jan 21st 10 AM at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, Minnesota. More information on their website - http://www.neuropathy-mn.org/.
The meeting presents a good opportunity for people suffering from various forms of neuropathy to discuss and share information and hopefully find answers for themselves. P.S. - they also provide coffee and normally have cookies to go with it - some sugar free and some not so sugar free ☺
For cramps, I've tried all the obvious remedies. I take magnesium, calcium supplements and eat a banana almost every day (not just for potassium, I really like bananas). I tried the soap remedy under the sheets not too long ago, and I found that my feet and legs "burned." Maybe I'll try it again using a different type of soap. I had a cramp last night in my right foot, hobbled to the fridge and took a swig of pickle juice, and then ate a pickle. The cramp went away and didn't return. Weird. It seems to work only at the beginning of the cramp. Once a cramp has really set in, nothing works for me. I just have to wait it out and it often takes all night for my muscles to relax. Please keep sending any suggestions my way, no matter how silly they may seem. I may try medical marijuana and intend to bring it up with my PCP next week.
You also might try tonic water (the kind you make gin & tonic with). I buy Schweps (sp?) and it has worked for me but not when the cramp has set in - then I resort to swearing & hopping. It has quinine (a tiny bit) and was originally used to ward off malaria by the British when they were in India and unused to the heat and mosquito problem. Anyway, it's worth a try with or without gin.
Had peripheral neuropathy in 2006. Visit to medical University, EMG not much help nor direction. Did use turmeric for two years and a prayer group per internet to Philippines, in two years, no more problems in that area. JIM>> rather use science based food medicine (phytochemicals), instead of NSAIDS.
Hi all. Have been dealing with chronic pain associated with neuropathy for the past five years. Not diabetic and have been to the University of Iowa hospital for extensive blood work, nerve conduction studies etc. and have never been able to locate a cause. Idiopathic neuropathy is what I'm told. Have tried every cream, lotion, tens device and prescription pain med. for the burning and crushed glass feeling in my toes and balls of my feet with little positive result. Any miracles out there that I have not heard of or tried? Went from running 25 miles a week for 20 years to barely able to walk a few blocks now, very frustrating. The golden years are not so much. I'm 66 years old and would like to be able to enjoy my grandkids and retirement. Thanks in advance!
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I would recommend discussing with your primary care doctor before taking any B6. Even though it's water soluble you can get too much in your system and get B6 toxicity which is bad news. I would want to have labs to make sure the B6 is the issue.
John
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1 Reactioni see no relationship between cramps and NP.
Cramps are muscle problems due to mineral depletion (Potassium,Magnesium and Calcium)from dehydration.
Dehydration can be caused by medications, including diuretics,excessive exercise and other factors.
They are likely to occur when sitting or lying down for hours in one position. That seems how I get my thigh cramps, from being in bed.
You may not be able to see a relationship between cramps and NP but I know a lot of folks with NP (various/multiple diagnosis) that have leg cramping. There are lots of causes which can also explain why people with NP can get leg cramps.
Hello John Bishop LOL don't poo poo the soap remedy - it works I use any type of soap, any brand works, I don;t know why but I am sure it is some ingredient that is common in all soaps. I take calcium, potassium and magnesium every day. I also use essential oils on my feet and ankles - 50% almond oil, 25% tree tea oil and 25% eucalyptus oil .
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionFor cramps, I've tried all the obvious remedies. I take magnesium, calcium supplements and eat a banana almost every day (not just for potassium, I really like bananas). I tried the soap remedy under the sheets not too long ago, and I found that my feet and legs "burned." Maybe I'll try it again using a different type of soap. I had a cramp last night in my right foot, hobbled to the fridge and took a swig of pickle juice, and then ate a pickle. The cramp went away and didn't return. Weird. It seems to work only at the beginning of the cramp. Once a cramp has really set in, nothing works for me. I just have to wait it out and it often takes all night for my muscles to relax. Please keep sending any suggestions my way, no matter how silly they may seem. I may try medical marijuana and intend to bring it up with my PCP next week.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe soap I've heard recommended is the Ivory soap which I think may be because it's a white bar soap.
If you live in and around the Minneapolis - St. Paul area or within reasonable driving distance, the Minnesota Neuropathy Association is holding a support group meeting. Saturday, Jan 21st 10 AM at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, Minnesota. More information on their website - http://www.neuropathy-mn.org/.
The meeting presents a good opportunity for people suffering from various forms of neuropathy to discuss and share information and hopefully find answers for themselves. P.S. - they also provide coffee and normally have cookies to go with it - some sugar free and some not so sugar free ☺
John
You also might try tonic water (the kind you make gin & tonic with). I buy Schweps (sp?) and it has worked for me but not when the cramp has set in - then I resort to swearing & hopping. It has quinine (a tiny bit) and was originally used to ward off malaria by the British when they were in India and unused to the heat and mosquito problem. Anyway, it's worth a try with or without gin.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHad peripheral neuropathy in 2006. Visit to medical University, EMG not much help nor direction. Did use turmeric for two years and a prayer group per internet to Philippines, in two years, no more problems in that area. JIM>> rather use science based food medicine (phytochemicals), instead of NSAIDS.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi all. Have been dealing with chronic pain associated with neuropathy for the past five years. Not diabetic and have been to the University of Iowa hospital for extensive blood work, nerve conduction studies etc. and have never been able to locate a cause. Idiopathic neuropathy is what I'm told. Have tried every cream, lotion, tens device and prescription pain med. for the burning and crushed glass feeling in my toes and balls of my feet with little positive result. Any miracles out there that I have not heard of or tried? Went from running 25 miles a week for 20 years to barely able to walk a few blocks now, very frustrating. The golden years are not so much. I'm 66 years old and would like to be able to enjoy my grandkids and retirement. Thanks in advance!
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions