My neuropathy improves with pressure against my feet. Feet are happiest when firmly against the floor or when I am wearing compression socks. I then feel more sure footed. Worst times can be at night when in the prone position. I like my feet weighted with a heavy pillow at night.
I have been using a Bemer which improves my circulation. A Bemer uses magnetic impulse therapy and it is FDA approved for blood circulation to the smallest peripheral capillaries in the body. I know that it helps with my walking and have been using it for about 5 years. I am also interested in trying cold laser therapy to encourage nerve regeneration.
I do some yoga but balance is a real issue.
I think that I started becoming aware of neuropathy about 15 years ago. I am now 83. I am not a diabetic.
My neuropathy improves with pressure against my feet. Feet are happiest when firmly against the floor or when I am wearing compression socks. I then feel more sure footed. Worst times can be at night when in the prone position. I like my feet weighted with a heavy pillow at night.
I have been using a Bemer which improves my circulation. A Bemer uses magnetic impulse therapy and it is FDA approved for blood circulation to the smallest peripheral capillaries in the body. I know that it helps with my walking and have been using it for about 5 years. I am also interested in trying cold laser therapy to encourage nerve regeneration.
I do some yoga but balance is a real issue.
I think that I started becoming aware of neuropathy about 15 years ago. I am now 83. I am not a diabetic.
Hi Ann -
Many thanks for your comments. My P.T. just got a Bemer and she tried it on me today for the first time. I will go in again this week for a second treatment. She would like me to come in for as many days each week for a couple of months, as work for my schedule. Today I also had the Class 4 laser treatment (deep tissue) on my hands and feet (which I get once every week as well) and was given a new program on another machine that I use every week. The laser treatments do help quite a bit but I have to pay for them out-of-pocket. I fell asleep for about 2 hours when I came home but woke up feeling better and more alert than I have in a long, long time, and I am wondering if the Bemer has that effect on you. My P.T. told me that the optimum effect is for about 18 hours for noticeable neuropathy relief. Are you finding that to be the case for you? Also, do you own your Bemer mat? Sorry for all the questions! I'm just so glad to be able to connect with someone who has used the Bemer over time, and to ask how you like it. It sounds like it doesn't help with balance, which is definitely my main issue. I'm 76 and also not diabetic.
I fixed my foot drop with exercise since its a nerve communication problem. Operations will cause more nerve damage. Think about each movement slowly on up/down stair placement. Watch self walking slowly in mirror holding onto parallel bars. Uphill treadmill helped strengthen muscles around knee for lifting. Standing stations for leg strength. Dropping ankles off back of leg press for ankle strength. I practiced slow heel to toe walking and watched in mirror. Used walker for smooth walk and progressed to Hugo cane. 4-Leg canes slow down smooth walking. Check online for handicapped or physically challenged gyms or centers in your area. Had more equipment than the hospital gym. Christopher Reeves Foundation discussed neuroplasticity which is the brain connection to your nerves. Your spine also has a memory that needs to be engaged thru repetition. I took me 6 months to walk again and a 4 months to move to cane. Then drop foot a few more months. Many center s allow PTs to be there to help.
ask your physical therapist about an electric stimulator ( portable) EMS to help you lift your leg up when you walk. It helps with each step. Good luck. Jack
My neuropathy improves with pressure against my feet. Feet are happiest when firmly against the floor or when I am wearing compression socks. I then feel more sure footed. Worst times can be at night when in the prone position. I like my feet weighted with a heavy pillow at night.
I have been using a Bemer which improves my circulation. A Bemer uses magnetic impulse therapy and it is FDA approved for blood circulation to the smallest peripheral capillaries in the body. I know that it helps with my walking and have been using it for about 5 years. I am also interested in trying cold laser therapy to encourage nerve regeneration.
I do some yoga but balance is a real issue.
I think that I started becoming aware of neuropathy about 15 years ago. I am now 83. I am not a diabetic.
Hi,
This is a fickle disease. You think you know how is is going to "go", but then it changes. I can read 5 or six letters in a row with folks with PN, and have one symptom in each one that is the same as what I am feeling. I have been wearing compression socks for a few years. (I was finally diagnosed with SFPN in 2016.) Did not think of those socks at first. Seemed to work for quite a while, but recently my feet have gotten much worse. Coincidentally, I was just browsing around saw & bought a pair of "Sketchers" on sale last week. They were my size, but wide. Great price & OMGoodness my foot pain reduced considerably! What? WOW! I always change my sneakers everyday, some times in the middle of the day...but these WIDE sneakers feel SO MUCH better than the regular!! The pain still increases. but I still have a sense of balance!! Sometimes it gets better, sometimes worse!! Really enjoyed your post! Best wishes!
Hi,
This is a fickle disease. You think you know how is is going to "go", but then it changes. I can read 5 or six letters in a row with folks with PN, and have one symptom in each one that is the same as what I am feeling. I have been wearing compression socks for a few years. (I was finally diagnosed with SFPN in 2016.) Did not think of those socks at first. Seemed to work for quite a while, but recently my feet have gotten much worse. Coincidentally, I was just browsing around saw & bought a pair of "Sketchers" on sale last week. They were my size, but wide. Great price & OMGoodness my foot pain reduced considerably! What? WOW! I always change my sneakers everyday, some times in the middle of the day...but these WIDE sneakers feel SO MUCH better than the regular!! The pain still increases. but I still have a sense of balance!! Sometimes it gets better, sometimes worse!! Really enjoyed your post! Best wishes!
I wear Skecher’s XW trail shoes & they help in 2 ways. Less pain as you mentioned, but the trail shoes also add more stability. My balance is better because of them.
The latest I came across is called PhotoBioModulation. A portable one costs $1650. No choice since you need to use it twice a day daily. 30 minutes per foot per session, to be effective.
<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>
<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>
<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>
@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!
<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>
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
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Thank you,
My neuropathy improves with pressure against my feet. Feet are happiest when firmly against the floor or when I am wearing compression socks. I then feel more sure footed. Worst times can be at night when in the prone position. I like my feet weighted with a heavy pillow at night.
I have been using a Bemer which improves my circulation. A Bemer uses magnetic impulse therapy and it is FDA approved for blood circulation to the smallest peripheral capillaries in the body. I know that it helps with my walking and have been using it for about 5 years. I am also interested in trying cold laser therapy to encourage nerve regeneration.
I do some yoga but balance is a real issue.
I think that I started becoming aware of neuropathy about 15 years ago. I am now 83. I am not a diabetic.
Ann
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2 ReactionsHi Ann -
Many thanks for your comments. My P.T. just got a Bemer and she tried it on me today for the first time. I will go in again this week for a second treatment. She would like me to come in for as many days each week for a couple of months, as work for my schedule. Today I also had the Class 4 laser treatment (deep tissue) on my hands and feet (which I get once every week as well) and was given a new program on another machine that I use every week. The laser treatments do help quite a bit but I have to pay for them out-of-pocket. I fell asleep for about 2 hours when I came home but woke up feeling better and more alert than I have in a long, long time, and I am wondering if the Bemer has that effect on you. My P.T. told me that the optimum effect is for about 18 hours for noticeable neuropathy relief. Are you finding that to be the case for you? Also, do you own your Bemer mat? Sorry for all the questions! I'm just so glad to be able to connect with someone who has used the Bemer over time, and to ask how you like it. It sounds like it doesn't help with balance, which is definitely my main issue. I'm 76 and also not diabetic.
ask your physical therapist about an electric stimulator ( portable) EMS to help you lift your leg up when you walk. It helps with each step. Good luck. Jack
Hi,
This is a fickle disease. You think you know how is is going to "go", but then it changes. I can read 5 or six letters in a row with folks with PN, and have one symptom in each one that is the same as what I am feeling. I have been wearing compression socks for a few years. (I was finally diagnosed with SFPN in 2016.) Did not think of those socks at first. Seemed to work for quite a while, but recently my feet have gotten much worse. Coincidentally, I was just browsing around saw & bought a pair of "Sketchers" on sale last week. They were my size, but wide. Great price & OMGoodness my foot pain reduced considerably! What? WOW! I always change my sneakers everyday, some times in the middle of the day...but these WIDE sneakers feel SO MUCH better than the regular!! The pain still increases. but I still have a sense of balance!! Sometimes it gets better, sometimes worse!! Really enjoyed your post! Best wishes!
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Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI wear Skecher’s XW trail shoes & they help in 2 ways. Less pain as you mentioned, but the trail shoes also add more stability. My balance is better because of them.
The latest I came across is called PhotoBioModulation. A portable one costs $1650. No choice since you need to use it twice a day daily. 30 minutes per foot per session, to be effective.
<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>
Let us if it helps.
@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
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