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neuropathy

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Q: Neuropathy?
I have neuropathy and am a diabetic. I have alot of the symptoms of neuropathy, take medication for it, but want to know if “sensativity to anything touching my toes” is a symptom? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

A: Yes increased sensitivity (hyperesthesia) and decreased sensitivity (hypoesthesia) both can occur in Diabetic Neuropathy.

Q: neuropathy?
what does the burning pain feel like in neuropathy? please provide discription! Please!

A: I personally have suffered from neuropathy. Until I completely changed my diet, I had burning skin on my feet and toes.

The closest I can come to descrbing it is…it felt like I had burned my skin with a lit match. You know, the feeling after you burn yourself with fire…perhaps hours or a day later. That sensitive feel.

Q: What is the root cause of itchy sensation due to neuropathy?
I have tingling, electric-like needle pin puncture and itchy sensations in my body. I thought this was an allergy but I doubt that it is related to neuropathy. Please help me to recognized the difference between allergy and neuropathy. I have history of allergy and also neuropathy. I am confused.
Can a neuropahtic pain have mild symptoms of itchy sensation similar to allergy?

A: neuropathy will usually have a more pain-like tingling sensation, allergy is more itchy, no pain involved since there is no nerve involvement with an allergy.

Q: What is the best treatment for the pain of Neuropathy?
I have had neuropathy for at least 8 years and the pain appears to be getting more difficult to control. The pain is primarily in my feet and lower legs. I take Lyrica twice a day but have all of the side effects associated with this product. I need help desperately but don’t know where to find it. My neurologist has ordered a neuropathy profile on me and has tried several different kinds of medicines, all of which have been totally innefective. Any ideas?

A: Meditation, self-hypnosis (mind control). This sounds wierd, but it works. It is an arduous process, but you can learn.

If you can find a quiet place to lay and close your eyes, do so. Clear your mind of all thoughts, and try to “see” in your minds eye the affected area. Think to yourself “there is no pain”. Do this as often as necessary. It does work. It is much better than medicationg. Narcotic pain relievers are just too addictive. I am now trying to get off of them after a number of years of prescribed use. It is more painful to stop taking the pills than the original pain was. Now I am in misery if I do not take Suboxone – a medication used to assist in Opioid Addiction Therapy. It stops the withdrawl. But that has nothing to do with you, except to say PLEASE be careful if you are taking narcotic pain relievers.

Q: What remedies are there to relieve foot neuropathy caused by diabetes?
My mom has Type II diabetes and is suffering from neuropathy in her feet. I have read on websites that there is treatment but was curious if any of you out there who have this have any remedies for relief…like home remedies or know of any kind of over the counter cream that helps? She also has the burning and tingling sensation at times that keep her up at night. Diabetic community….PLEASE HELP!!! Any suggestions?

A: I found this article that I think will answer your question.

Q: What is the best solution to Diabetic Neuropathy in hands and feet?
I have recently developed Diabetic Neuropathy in my feet and it keeps me up at night with the pain. I am using a prescription called “voltaren” which my doctor suggested, but it only partially works. Is there anyone who has found a better solution?

A: B vitamins and folic acid.

Q: What is the best way to help diabetic neuropathy, other than watching your blood sugar levels?
I have been a diabetic for 32 years, and I just have been told I have diabetic neuropathy in my legs. Does anyone know any good exercises, lotions etc that will help, besides some meds from the doctor?

A: Diabetic neuropathy is not curable. Of course the primary med prescribed is neurontin. However, it is often thought that over the counter vitamin b-12 and vitamin e benefit the nerves. Wear good socks and shoes…check your feet often and keep them lotioned with any unscented lotion (just make sure alcohol is not in the first few ingredients listed as alcohol is a drying agent). It’s also a great idea to see a podiatrist for any nail cutting. One small wound, cut or nik can cost you your foot as neuropathy consists of numbness and tingling of the foot and you could have a sore there but not feel it. As far as exercises that help…haven’t heard much out there that benefits neuropathy..but exercise in general is a good idea to promote blood circulation as circulation is decreased in diabetics. Hope this has helped you somewhat. Best wishes.

Q: What B vitamins are good to take to help relieve foot neuropathy?
Ive heard that B vitamins can help relieve foot neuropathy. Can someone tell me what kind to buy at the store? Thanks :)

A: The B vitamins will only help if that is related to the cause of the neuropathy. If the neuropathy is due to diabetes, do not expect to see any difference.

Q: What is the best medication for neuropathy? I have it really bad in my ft from a blood clot about 6 yrs ago.?
I am on oxycodone every 4 hrs 15 mg and it does not seem to help plus I take 2 zonagran tablets at night with two lorazapam tablets. I get no releif from the pain of neuropathy. It is worse at night. Can anyone give me any suggestions. Thank you.

A: In no particular order:

- Lyrica
- gabapentin
- Cymbalta

Q: what to do to reduce the effects of neuropathy after chemo?
My mom just got done with her chemo treatments but her feet and legs feels like they have needles on them. and they’re numb.
her doctor said she has neuropathy. what can she do to fee better i heard about this “rebuilder medical” device that supposed to help with the nerves. is that a good product?

A: I am currently suffering from neuropathy as a side effect of my chemo treatments. My doctor prescribed an over-the-counter supplement called L-glutamine which is an amino acid found in our bodies. With stress and a lowered immune system some research has shown that we need additional doses of this amino acid to aid rapidly growing cells and maintain a positive nitrogen balance. All I know is that I’ve been taking it along with soaking my feet in warm water and massaging them and it seems to be helping. The main at the health food store said to increase activity level as much as possible, too. Hope this helps.

Q: How do I know if I have diabetic neuropathy?
Nerve damage occurs in people who have had diabetes because their blood sugar level is higher than normal. Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and nerves. That’s why people who don’t control (or can’t control) their blood sugar very well seem more likely to get diabetic neuropathy.

A: If you have numbness in your feet and toes, you may have diabetic neuropathy. You may notice that cuts and sores on your feet don’t hurt as much as you would expect them to. The following are symptoms of diabetic neuropathy:
•Pain or a burning feeling in your legs
•A feeling of lightheadedness that causes you to fall
•Diarrhea and constipation
•Failure to get an erection (in men)

SYMPTOMS in primary, secondary and tertiary stages : Symptoms vary depending on the nerve(s) affected and may include symptoms other than those listed. Symptoms usually develop gradually over years. Diabetic neuropathy affects all peripheral nerves : pain fibers, motor neurons, autonomic nerves. It therefore necessarily can affect all organs and systems since all are innervated. There are several distinct syndromes based on the organ systems and members affected, but these are by no means exclusive. A patient can have sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy or any other combination.

Symptoms may also include:
•Numbness and tingling of extremities
•Dysesthesia (decreased or loss of sensation to a body part)
•Diarrhea
•Erectile dysfunction
•Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
•Impotence
•Facial, mouth and eyelid drooping
•Vision changes
•Dizziness
•Muscle weakness
•Difficulty swallowing
•Speech impairment
•Fasciculation (muscle contractions)
•Anorgasmia
•Burning or electric pain

KEEP YOUR FEET HEALTHY :
•Check your feet every day. You may need to use a mirror to to check the bottoms of your feet. Call your doctor at the very first sign of redness, swelling, infection, pain, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
•Check inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or a torn lining. These things could hurt your feet.
•Have your doctor look at your feet during every office visit (at least once a year) or whenever you notice anything that seems wrong.
•Choose the right shoes. The most common cause of foot sores is shoes that are new or don’t fit properly. Buy shoes that fit properly and have a good arch support. Choose shoes made of soft leather. They should not fit tightly anywhere. To get the best fit, try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen. If you’ve had problems before with shoes that didn’t fit well, you may want to be fitted for a custom-molded shoe with plenty of room for your toes.
•Break in new shoes slowly. Wear the shoes for 1 to 2 hours. Then check your feet for red spots. If you have red spots, do not wear the shoes again until the red spots are gone. Slowly break in new shoes by wearing them one hour longer each day every 3 days.
•Wear white socks and check when you take them off to see if there is any blood or fluid from a sore on them.
•Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water. Dry them well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and blot gently; don’t rub. Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on your heels. If your feet sweat easily, keep them dry by dusting them with nonmedicated powder before putting on your socks, nylons and shoes.
Avoid things that are bad for your feet. Do not walk barefoot. Do not wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with inside seams, or socks with an elastic band or garter at the top. Do not put hot water, electric blankets, or heating pads on your feet. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or astringents (such as rubbing alcohol or witch hazel) on your feet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetic_neuropathy

Q: What do you do for diabetic neuropathy pain in your feet?
I have peripheral diabetic neuropathy in my feet and am in TREMENDOUS pain. My feet/legs twitch at night uncontrollably. They hurt so badly and all the meds I am taking doesn’t seem to be helping much. What helps YOU???

A: First of all your doctor must treat pain first and neuropathy second. Sounds to me you may need a new doctor. If I could say here in print what I think of american doctors @#$%&*(.
I would demand Tramadol for the pain. I take 2 at 5 pm so I can sleep the nite away.
Then I also take 200 mg of tegretol twice a day. An anti-depressant…
And last but not least 2 /500mcg Mecobalamin (a special Vitamin B12 )

It works. Boo to your doctor !!! Tell him I said so.

Tin

Q: Should you take b6 supplement atter getting off of drug that caused neuropathy?
I almost positive drug caused neuropathy what should i do to stop it from progressing? Take vitamins other drugs etc to help? Any drugs to generate growth?

A: prescriptive medication rarely causes neuropathy when taken as prescribed….but, once neuropathy occurs,(regardless of what may have caused it) it is rare that nerve tissue will grow back…sort of once gone, forever gone.
B6, and B12 will however help to prevent futher degeneration.

Q: What does it mean to have optical neuropathy?
I was recently tested for MS and anurism due to my left eye being diagnosed as being optic neuropathy – what causes this and could I go blind from it?

A: optic neuropathy literally means a disease of the optical nerve, the one that goes from your eye to the brain.

only your doctor can give you a prognosis because he knows more about you than you are telling us.

Q: Has anyone used anodyne therapy for diabetic neuropathy?
I have severe pain from diabetic neuropathy and was reading about anodyne therapy. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate therapy, if it works and if it is expensive?

A: The FDA has cleared lasers for a variety of treatment. The therapy you are referring to is sometimes referred to as LLLT and is very effective if you receive therapy from a practitioner who uses the right laser as well as the right training.

Apollo has a great resource of research, you should check out this link: http://lightandlaser.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/laser-therapy-benefits-diabetic-neuropathy/

You can also go to their website and locate a pracitioner in your area that may be able to assist you with your situation.

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