Neuropathy: What works and what are scams?

Posted by bigjohnscho @bigjohnscho, May 2 6:09am

I am new to this forum although I have been suffering with peripheral neuropathy for 2 years (none diabetic). Like most sufferers I have searched endlessly to find supplements that provide some relief and a possible cure. My search has proved how impossible this quest is and so expensive due to misleading adverts and down right scams.
What would be really helpful if members posted their experiences with supplements they’ve tried , which were useless/helpful or obvious scams. I am sure there must be some helpful supplements out there and we would all benefit if these were posted on this forum.

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

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Sep 20 4:17pm

In reply to @gba "Any suggestions for Shoes for numb Frozen feet? Thanks !" + (show)

Sorry, no.

kathyv66 | @kathyv66 | Sep 21 7:40am

In reply to @gba "Any suggestions for Shoes for numb Frozen feet? Thanks !" + (show)

I find barefoot shoes have provided some improvement because you are forced to use your foot muscles. I have several pairs and wear them inside and outside.

suzirtist | @suzirtist | Sep 22 8:22am

In reply to @heisenberg34 "Sorry, no." + (show)

For me, the frozen feeling correlates to the medicine.
I take a hairdryer and put it on warm...the get my toes warmed up. It helps a lot to relieve the frozen feeling

kathyv66 | @kathyv66 | Sep 22 10:03am

In reply to @suzirtist "For me, the frozen feeling correlates to the medicine. I take a hairdryer and put it..." + (show)

yes, I didn't need them last winter but the year prior, I purchased electric socks for when I was sitting around - they felt great! a nice gentle warmth.

fzadroga6491 | @fzadroga6491 | Sep 25 3:03pm

In reply to @jevancar "I would like to get a professional opinion on Nerve Shield Pro. It looks like a..." + (show)

Would like to find out if Nerve Shield Pro is legit or a scam. I need help with my neuropathy issue.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 25 3:21pm

In reply to @fzadroga6491 "Would like to find out if Nerve Shield Pro is legit or a scam. I need..." + (show)

Welcome @fzadroga6491, I don't think I would waste my money trying it. I don't know of any clinical trials or research behind it. There are some supplements that have shown to help with neuropathy. If you are looking at trying supplements, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of the supplements in their Complimentary and Alternative Treatments listed here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.

What are your neuropathy symptoms? Have you been diagnosed with a specific type of neuropathy?

Jill Christine | @jillchristline | Sep 25 3:55pm

Thank you John for this list.
So far, I have dropped one 900mg dose of Gabapentin (now at 1800mg). I take 3 Dynamic Nerve supplements one time a day. Now on day 13 and don't feel worse. So, I will continue on this way for a bit. I have six months of Dynamic Nerve. Cross your fingers!

Cheers, Jill

adbrown | @adbrown | Oct 23 7:55am

I have tried everything from creams, supplements R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to EMS foot massager. I am a type 2 diabetic. I took Metformin for 20 years. It seems to be the cause of my neuropathy. It striped away the B12 that supports the nerves. Things that get me through the never ending pain flare ups in my feet is daily EMS helps, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, and keeping my legs and feet moisturized. I use the diabetic lotions. I no longer take Metformin if you are diabetic get off it now. There are newer drugs that won’t have the side effects. The loss of B12 is the main reason our nerves are no long working. It is so hard to rejuvenate the B12 in supplements. Most supplements use synthetic B12 as their ingredient. So if you know of anything that is almost a sure cure for this expensive and almost endless struggle please pass it my way. I continue to exercise and keep praying for a cure. Save your money all advertisers are SCAMs. Restore B12 don’t know how get your life back.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 23 8:27am

In reply to @adbrown "I have tried everything from creams, supplements R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to EMS foot massager. I am..." + (show)

Welcome @adbrown, You are so right about doing your own research and advocating for your health. There are a lot of scams and dubious treatments out there for neuropathy as well as other conditions and we owe it to ourselves to do the research first.

There are some members who have discussed B12 injections. Here's a link to the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=B12+injections
Have you been tested for B12 deficiency?

kbirchem | @kbirchem | Oct 27 9:22pm

In reply to @carolinlv "Thank you so much for taking the time to share this information with me. I’ve had..." + (show)

I took rosuvastatin for a couple of years . I was not a diabetic before taking it . I did my research . I found out that Rosuvastatin can raise your blood sugars . My Dr Malachia Trout at the Fargo VA told me that she knew that the statin would raise my blood sugars . She said that she made a decision that was best for me . When I started having tingling in my toes and feet . I asked her if the statin could have caused the problems . She said no. But , she never once told me that the statin could take me from a prediabetic to a diabetic . I stopped taking rosuvastatin and my blood sugars went down . I now am taking Alphalipoic acid . It helps with the tingling and burning .