Is there any help at all for foot numbness in PN

Hi, there - by “Barefoot Shoes,”do you mean shoes that have separate places for each toe? It seems like it’d only aggravate the numbness by putting more stress on the bottom of your foot, no?

Do “barefoot shoes” have arch supports? Where do you order them from? Thanks.

When I had cervical and lumbar L1-L5 3 years ago they employed a nerve monitoring service which I assume was meant to guard against nerve damage during the surgery. FWIW Medicare must not think much of the service as they received about 5% of the billed amount between Medicare and my supplement provider.

No, they have thin soles and no heel - so it mimics walking barefoot with a little protection for your soles. The uppers are typically very soft fabric.

Barefoot Shoes are very uniquely constructed. Some of the models have very thin soles that may not be comfortable for some but there are many choices that give you more support. I have had so much stiffness & numbness for years that walking short distances was very challenging. I just returned from a short trip to NYC where we walked 10,000 steps in 3 days. I had to wear my Sketchers one night & they were awful, in comparison.
You can only buy them on line. I have 3 pair. “Hike” manufacturers the most variety of models & I got a pair of Barefoot Boots that are very cozy but my favorite Barefoot shoes are made by Oranginer…they are a game changer for me.
They’re all available on Amazon. Prices range from $40.00 & go to $175.
They cost less than most supplements, oils & lotions & you can return them at Amazon or trade them on Amazon.
Here’s a good link to check out although I found their favorite too thin.
https://www.rankerinsight.com/article/health/Best-5-Barefoot-Shoes-in-2024?utm_campaign=%7Breplace%7D&sub2=barefoot%20shoes%20for%20neuropathy&sub3=e&sub4=172435639354&sub5=718682552352&sub6=21845155673&sub7=t&sub8=&sub9=g&sub10=&utm_source=Google&wbraid=Cj8KCQjw-JG5BhDyARIuAGTs3gY93CvXDDBeHlcM4Xcm76l415qFtjDwbav-7-LVy0XUZJ5VhXOA5J9TGRoCNUs&gbraid=0AAAAA9g6M2P3EDgUPBD3krZdJ-STXQsIu&sub14=%7Bage%7D&sub15=%7Bgender%7D&ref_id=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06ie0sOhT4l9c7BJUaiYuIWo3ZYQpF0sNBWioB5pNuBiSn6DjqTSrB4aAkhCEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAA9g6M2P3EDgUPBD3krZdJ-STXQsIu&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06ie0sOhT4l9c7BJUaiYuIWo3ZYQpF0sNBWioB5pNuBiSn6DjqTSrB4aAkhCEALw_wcB

I also suffer from PN and I am not a diabetic. When I was getting my chemotherapy treatments, my feet started to feel like I was walking on rocks. I thought it was my shoes but, it was not. I did not have pain only incredible numbness which created problems with my balance so I fell several times.

I would like to say that everyone reacts different to remedies suggested for PN. My journey for improvement has been as follows:

I checked in YouTube and found
Exercises for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet and Legs
The instructor is a Kelly, a physical therapist, that specializes in exercises for oncology patients. These exercises helped me a great deal with my poor balance that was contributing to several falls but, I still had the numbness.

The next thing I did was to sign up for Electroacupuncture that is Acupuncture that uses electricity to enhance the benefits of the acupuncture treatments for pain management and stress relief.

After 5 treatments I was able to spread out my toes that previously had felt like they were glued together. When I finished the 5 treatments, I decided to wait for follow up appointments because these treatments are not covered by my insurance.

I then purchased a Collapsible Foot Spa, Foot Bath Massager with Heat, Remote, Timer, and 24 Motorized Shiatsu Massage Balls, Foot Soaking Tub Supports Hot/Cold Water Soaking- BA03H in Amazon.

Every day, I fill the Foot Spa with water and add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, set the temperature and massage selection comfortable for me and use it for 20 minutes. Once I turn it off, I keep my feet in the warm water until it cools down enough to empty the container. This has been very helpful and I don't think I will go back for additional acupuncture.

I finish my day by wearing socks to bed at night and feel much better. Hope some of this may be helpful for you.

It’s so interesting to read your comment. Had neuropathy in my feet for 12 years now and suffer from not just the numbness but also periodic pain which is unpredictable. Mine first started on my left side after having a total knee replacement. A year later I had my right knee replaced, and the same happened to that foot. It is definitely worse on my left side and has progressed over these years and has me constantly having a fear of falling and impacts my daily life. I asked the surgeon if this could possibly have been caused by the surgery and he denied it 100% as a possibility . I continue to believe that this was the cause of my neuropathy, but at this point have accepted the fact that there is nothing to change this outcome. It has been causing real problems in my feet since I don’t feel pain and have had problems that may end up , needing surgery. I’d be interested to hear how many other people have developed neuropathy after surgery on other parts of their body.

Hi Sheila,
I developed neuropathy in my feet at least 25 years ago with no surgery preceding it, but after back surgery in 2022 it became much more intense (pain and numbness especially at night), in my feet. Then after hip replacement in 2022 due to a fall, neuropathy and carpel tunnel developed in my hands. I have been in P.T. ever since and though it helps, I am far from living the way I used to. I invested in a BEMER through my physical therapist and that has helped tremendously to feel better overall, but especially my hands. It's complicated to describe so if you're curious, it's best to "Google" it. Every doctor I've seen tells me that there is no cure for P.N. but there are a lot of options for treatment that can make one's life more normal. Mobility without falling is where I struggle the most. It seems to be different for each person. I pray you find what works best for you and that you stay safe.
Blessings, Barb

wow, curious, if u have a punch biopsy and find your nerve fibers are damaged is there something they can do to prevent further damage OR repair!??

I’ve had PN almost 20 years that’s gradually gotten worse after multiple spine surgeries for scoliosis, my deformity was on my left side, and that’s where the numbness is worse; however, it now encompasses my right foot and has even spread to my hands at times.
As I said in my previous post, none of my doctors will even entertain my theory of the PN being linked to the spine (and later, hip surgery when I fell). Maybe it’s a chronic case of White Coat Syndrome - who knows?
As far as Barefoot Shoes go, I’m definitely going to check them out. Wish me luck!