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<p>Has anyone on here used the infrared treatment for neuropathy yet? So to say I am tired and frustrated is a true under statement. My neuropathy started in my feet a little over 2 years ago and about 6 months ago it moved to my hands which has been a challenge but for about 2 weeks now I have a whole new set of pains. The top of my calf muscles are extremely tight like with a bare stretch will cramp in a heartbeat then a part of my foot will also cramp. When I go to stand it feels like my skin is 2 inches to small for my legs and it's like someone is pulling hard to stretch my skin so it fits. None of my wonderful VA drs seem to have a clue and seem to be in no hurry to figure any of this out. As I said I will be trying the infrared therapy starting on the 9th and if successful the VA will get me my own little set. I guess I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I take a combination of Gabapentin, Morphine and CBD gummies to get about a 40 to 60% relief from pain. What if anything are you finding to work on your issues</p>
Replies to "Has anyone on here used the infrared treatment for neuropathy yet? So to say I am..."
@painfully64 I hope you will find some relief. I've read of the red light treatments but there is no one in my area that offers it. And I've also read that so many of the setups sold through Amazon and other sites are not of the same quality as the ones sold to health professionals, so I have hesitated to buy those. Please let us know if you feel the red light makes a difference for you!! Best of luck!
Hello @painfully64
I am so sorry that you are having so much to deal with, even on the medications that you described. I have had neuropathy for over 20 years, and after 3 major surgeries in 2021, it intensified and also went into my hands. My physical therapist who is a sports PT (and I'm 76 - lol) uses what I believe you are referring to but she calls it a laser treatment. The light is definitely red and both you and the person applying the laser needs to be wearing special protective eyeglasses. At the beginning she used a weaker laser, which is covered by Medicare and the VA ~ but it really wasn't strong enough. Someone on this thread mentioned investing in one sold on Amazon and I think it also would be insufficient to treat serious pain.
She then offered a stronger laser therapy, which I believe she refers to a "class 4" but the downside is that it is not covered by Medicare or the VA, at least in the U.S. It is a different machine - in other words, it isn't the same weaker version turned up a few notches. I have found that it is worth the $40. charge for each application (I buy the "12 pack" which is 12 treatments for $420) because I do believe it has its place in my combination of treatments (pain meds, chiropractor, PT once a week plus at home , Bemer, laser). It does not necessarily relieve a lot of pain, numbing, tingling, etc. right away, but if I miss a treatment, I definitely know it. At the beginning I was having my hands and feet lasered once a week; now it is every other week. That is my experience -- I truly hope you will find the combination that works for you. It takes time and sometimes more money, but I am so grateful for what is available.
Blessings to you,
Barb
I will let everyone know if I have success. I pray that it does work. I am doing a lot with the Homeless in my area and sometimes it requires me going into the woods to find their encampment. It is starting to effect my ability as to how long and how far I can go and sadly I do not have anyone ready to step up and take my place
Hello @painfully64. Thank you for sharing about your journey with infrared therapy. It is wonderful that you are trying new and different things to address your symptoms. You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on a similar topic. There may be additional resources and information that you find valuable in this discussion as well. You can find your post here now:
- Laser Therapy for Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-1/
You started treatment on the 9th. How has it gone so far?
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Let us if it helps.