Is there any help at all for foot numbness in PN

Posted by wascaly @wascaly, Oct 27 9:27am

I’ve had PN several years. I’m not diabetic (amazingly), and I don’t have pain in my feet - just this horrible numbness, mainly in my left foot (sometimes both feet), leading to the fear of falling, AGAIN!

I’m wondering if anyone has found ANYTHING to help. I’ve spent buckets of money on creams, plus I’ve seen all kinds of expensive gadgets advertised on TV. I’m hesitant to buy any of them, since they look like versions of snake oil.

Has anyone had ANY relief from this horrific and DANGEROUS numbness?

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

wascaly | @wascaly | Dec 4 9:15pm

In reply to @gba "Has anyone had success using Intravenous (IV) ALA. Treatment for complete numbness in feet? Thanks!" + (show)

How can I get IV AL treatment? Do I go thru my PCP?

Thanks!
Karen Belue

rondoak1 | @rondoak1 | Dec 5 3:07am

Hi there, myself I have been diagnosed pre diabetic and have been tested for neuropathy, this happened about 4 months ago, I suffer with numbness in my left foot and partly my right and was getting these horrible shooting pains from time to time, I hate to suggest meds to you as I know a lot of people don’t like to take them but I started to take a drug called Gabapentin, must say this has helped quite a bit, I have also purchased diabetic socks, excellent and my shoes on the advice of a podiatrist are brand name roka, these or brooks, in store I talked with staff and they were very helpful getting me the pair to suit my needs, I hope this helps you 😊

rondoak1 | @rondoak1 | Dec 5 3:08am

In reply to @rondoak1 "Hi there, myself I have been diagnosed pre diabetic and have been tested for neuropathy, this..." + (show)

My original comment is for wascaly.

rondoak1 | @rondoak1 | Dec 5 3:51am

In reply to @rondoak1 "Hi there, myself I have been diagnosed pre diabetic and have been tested for neuropathy, this..." + (show)

Sorry the shoes are hoka brand type bondi, great shoes and very comfortable

wascaly | @wascaly | Dec 5 7:26am

In reply to @rondoak1 "Hi there, myself I have been diagnosed pre diabetic and have been tested for neuropathy, this..." + (show)

Thanks so much for your response.
Unfortunately, I took massive doses of Gabapentin for years, with absolutely no effect on my numbness. I can’t remember where I read this but if you don’t have pain, then Gabapentin won’t help. I found that to be true for me. So, I stopped taking it - I figured why bother if it’s not doing anything for my numbness, my only complaint?
I’m glad it works for you, tho - what a blessing!

rondoak1 | @rondoak1 | Dec 5 8:02am

Well you have opened my eyes and from today I am going to decrease my dosage slowly and see the effect it has,many thx to you

Berk | @gba | Dec 5 3:50pm

Anyone know of Therapy, Exercises for complete numbness, no feeling in feet? Thanks.

formerrunner13 | @formerrunner13 | Dec 6 11:34am

I have had neuropathy with foot and partial ankle numbness for years. You are correct the "gadets" are "snake oil. I believe the various medications are also similar. I do not take any meds because they really just work on the brain telling the person there is no pain or discomfort. I would rather know what I have and how I feel. My suggestion is two fold. 1) Live with your issues, accept them and 2) exercise- keep your body as strong as possible.

fred101 | @fred101 | Dec 6 12:50pm

Ihave been living with horrific bofy inflammation that started in my left big te a few years ago and has now spread up to my waist through the knees and from my hands up thru my arms and into my shoulders and even left side of my face with a severe irchy pain! Have seen 14 different kinds of doctors and no has any answers for what I might take, as I am highly allergic to opiats and most meds. All the horrific pain seems to cause elevated blood pressure so it appears I am quickly approaching the end of my life.
I certainly have no regrets as I just turned 80 and all my fabulous children all came out to Colorado to celebrate for a whole week- biggest and best surprise ever!! So sad that there is not one thing that might help with alll the pain but it is what it is. I am an 80 year old Vietnam Veteran and was way up North in Vietnam where is was exposed to agent orange. MY sincere thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is battling this terrible condition in some form. Semper Fi.

wascaly | @wascaly | Dec 6 1:07pm

In reply to @formerrunner13 "I have had neuropathy with foot and partial ankle numbness for years. You are correct the..." + (show)

Thanks very much for your response. I always appreciate anyone who agrees with me - lol.
I’m presently contemplating how to accept the fact that my complaints will probably go unaddressed. That really gets me down, I admit.
As far as your second suggestion: I’ve been physically active the last 30 years. Yes, at my age (74), I’m definitely not as strong as I used to be but I find I’m just not ready to give it up. I suppose before long, the choice will be made for me!
Thanks, again.