Foot neuropathy: What gives you relief?

Posted by kathrina @kathrina, Nov 5, 2019

It seems if I get enough activity/exercise daily I don’t have pain; if not, am awakened from sleep and must get up (even in the middle of the night). What’s going on & what more should I do to avoid rest-disruption?

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I have used a TENS unit for several years to soothe or eliminate the burning pain in my left foot. For the first several months, I used the unit 2 to 3 times per week and tapered off usage when the pain did not return as quickly. The TENS units are available form many sources and have varied control features. The TENS unit works for me rather than drugs or surgery.

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@preknight

I also take clonazepam each night and I sleep 7-8 hours each night. Before I started taking clonazepam I slept maybe 3 nights a week. I also take Lyrica 3 times a day, but still have a lot of pain during the daytime. I suspect it will continue to worsen as I get older (I am 77 years old), but as long as I can sleep at night, I can survive.

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I take Lyrica twice a day. It doesn't help that much. I have Neuropathy in my hands and feet and then I got the Restless Leg Syndrome which is really bad. This all started in January. I'm 53 years old and from what I've heard this doesn't go away. And there is no cure for RLS. I also feel like there is a tight band around my left leg above my ankle. My Neurologist doesn't seem to give me any information. He just says it's Neuropathy. I'm going to a new Neurologist.

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@dwlowrance

I have used a TENS unit for several years to soothe or eliminate the burning pain in my left foot. For the first several months, I used the unit 2 to 3 times per week and tapered off usage when the pain did not return as quickly. The TENS units are available form many sources and have varied control features. The TENS unit works for me rather than drugs or surgery.

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I liked using the TENS too, but sometimes I found that it just made me feel more exhausted. I use a foot vibration massager.

Right now the relief I get is mostly from soaking them in an Epsom salt bath.

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@burningman

I liked using the TENS too, but sometimes I found that it just made me feel more exhausted. I use a foot vibration massager.

Right now the relief I get is mostly from soaking them in an Epsom salt bath.

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I've just started weekly reflexology. I seem to feel better the next day. Going to try acupuncture too.

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@archermac15

I take Lyrica twice a day. It doesn't help that much. I have Neuropathy in my hands and feet and then I got the Restless Leg Syndrome which is really bad. This all started in January. I'm 53 years old and from what I've heard this doesn't go away. And there is no cure for RLS. I also feel like there is a tight band around my left leg above my ankle. My Neurologist doesn't seem to give me any information. He just says it's Neuropathy. I'm going to a new Neurologist.

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I went to a neurologist that was associated with Neuropathy Association, and he was of no help either. All I ever hear is "There is no cure for neuropathy." The neurologist that I now go to just checks to see what progress the neuropathy is making, i.e., how strong my grip is, how far up I have feeling on my legs, etc. Hang in there.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @tomm547, I also have neuropathy but only the numbness which medication doesn't help. Hoping you get some relief with soaking the feet with cold water as suggested by @donaldpickett. Since you mentioned spinal cord simulators I thought you might be interesting in this discussion:

Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comparison-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-from-boston-sci-nevro/

Is your appointment in 3 weeks for a spinal cord simulator trial to see how it goes?

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Yes.. my spinal stimulation trial with NEVRO is on 6-1. I am hoping for the best cause this is the only solution I have for this very painful neuropathy. Until then I find that Cymbalta helps a lot but I don't want to be on meds the rest of my life if I can help it. Although it seem to work it has some unwanted side effects like causing my legs and arms to twitch at night.

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@preknight

I went to a neurologist that was associated with Neuropathy Association, and he was of no help either. All I ever hear is "There is no cure for neuropathy." The neurologist that I now go to just checks to see what progress the neuropathy is making, i.e., how strong my grip is, how far up I have feeling on my legs, etc. Hang in there.

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For me the worst part is the Restless legs. For most people it's just at night, but when I got the Neuropathy in my hands and feet, that's when the RLS started off and on in January, by February it was constant and I had to get the Lyrica from my pain Doctor my Neurologist didn't even prescribe it. He sent me for labwork to check my Iron, and I went to the lab in pain only to find out that he forgot to put down the test they check for Iron so I had to go again. It turned out that my iron levels were good, but he prescribed Iron anyway. I've heard and read that it's not good to take Iron if your levels are good.

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Has anyone tried a 5 Therapy PEMF mat from Healthy Wave? I just bought one for my Dad who has neuropathy for several years. I believe it helped him the last couple of nights. I will let you know. I have laid on it and it definitely helps my sciatic nerve down my leg.

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@sandy8156

Has anyone tried a 5 Therapy PEMF mat from Healthy Wave? I just bought one for my Dad who has neuropathy for several years. I believe it helped him the last couple of nights. I will let you know. I have laid on it and it definitely helps my sciatic nerve down my leg.

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Welcome @sandy8156, I have no experience with a PEMF mat for neuropathy but there is another discussion where members have discussed PEMF mats -- Looking for recommendations on electromagnetic mats (PEMF): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/electromagnetic-mats/.

If you are looking to learn more about neuropathy for helping your Dad, the following sites have a lot of good information:
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/
-- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview

Is your Dad on any treatments for his neuropathy?

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@dwlowrance

I have used a TENS unit for several years to soothe or eliminate the burning pain in my left foot. For the first several months, I used the unit 2 to 3 times per week and tapered off usage when the pain did not return as quickly. The TENS units are available form many sources and have varied control features. The TENS unit works for me rather than drugs or surgery.

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@dwlowrance would you please share with me the name of the TENS unit you have and where you purchased it? Thank you as I search for anything to help eliminate this horrible burning & pain in my legs and feet.

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