Has anyone tried acupuncture for neuropathy?

Posted by Nancy Banks @banksnc49, Jun 27, 2018

I was just wondering if anyone has tried acupuncture for neuropathy. The balls of my feet and toes on both feet are affected. It’s no longer covered on my insurance plan so I have to pay out of pocket for the treatments. I was told I would need about 9 or 10. It would cost me about $1000. I’d like to hear if anyone has had success with this type of treatment. Thanks, Nancy Banks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

gailk4 | @gailk4 | Mar 3 12:09pm

In reply to @petr "has acupuncture been used to treat non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy?" + (show)

I’ll ask my acupuncturist more about this. I’ve had acupuncture to treat other issues but it hasn’t helped my neuropathy that I’m aware of. Mine is also non-diabetic.

I saw someone asked about Tens and I’ve posted about this elsewhere but look into SCENAR therapy. It hasn’t eliminated my neuropathy but has dramatically improved it. I’d say 50-70 percent better!

mrmacabre | @mrmacabre | Mar 3 2:06pm

In reply to @petr "has acupuncture been used to treat non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy?" + (show)

I've been told by my doctor that at best acupuncture is only temporary.

honghtt | @honghtt | Mar 3 4:22pm

In reply to @gailk4 "I’ll ask my acupuncturist more about this. I’ve had acupuncture to treat other issues but it..." + (show)

Hello @gailk4

I'm interested in knowing more. How many sessions did you do it before seeing results? Have your symptoms stabilized after treatment? And is the treatment covered by insurance? Thank so much!

gailk4 | @gailk4 | Mar 3 5:34pm

In reply to @honghtt "Hello @gailk4 I'm interested in knowing more. How many sessions did you do it before seeing..." + (show)

Hi, I noticed results after one treatment. I felt the ground more beneath my feet, like I hadn’t since it began about 1-1/2 years prior. I noticed more flexibility in my ankle and toes after a couple sessions (and “cracked” my ankle for the first time since) and after several sessions, I had noticeably less discomfort in my socks and shoes! I’ve had several sets of sessions (5 sessions or so) a few times. It is lasting, but going in for boosts (1-2 sessions) seems to help even more. It’s not covered by insurance, sadly. I think the more people who request it, who knows? My practitioner is certified and charges $60 per session because I was one of his first. New people are $80. Sessions are 1-1/2 hours or so.

It helps with all kinds of pain but that’s a whole other story. I have a shoulder story 🙂

ctiernan09 | @ctiernan09 | Jun 24 1:38pm

My husband has non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He has tried many things, but we’re wondering now about Acupuncture has anyone tried it and with what success?His legs are not in pain. They are uncomfortable and twitchy as he tries to go to sleep at night and continues during the daytime.

eloise999 | @eloise999 | Jun 24 3:46pm

In reply to @ctiernan09 "My husband has non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He has tried many things, but we’re wondering now about..." + (show)

I found it helpful for my numb feet.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jun 24 5:20pm

In reply to @ctiernan09 "My husband has non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He has tried many things, but we’re wondering now about..." + (show)

I've had dry needling for relaxing muscles of my jaw from TMJ stress. Worked great.

Has he tried Cymbalta - that stopped my legs being uncomfortable and twitchy; as did exercise, strength training in my legs i.e., squats, lunges, etc.

midwesterner49 | @midwesterner49 | Jun 25 4:43am

In reply to @ctiernan09 "My husband has non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He has tried many things, but we’re wondering now about..." + (show)

I tried about 5 treatments, but did not have any significant relief.

midwesterner49 | @midwesterner49 | Jun 25 4:47am

In reply to @ctiernan09 "My husband has non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He has tried many things, but we’re wondering now about..." + (show)

What your husband may have is called Restless Leg Syndrome. It can be treated with good success with a drug called Pramipexole. I have had it for over 50 years and this drug definitely helps. Ask your doctor about it.