Severe foot pain

[cindylou222]

I was diagnosed with Non Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy many years ago; given Gabapentin which doesn't do anything. I was told the reason for the PN was my height (6'1") and the length of nerves in my legs...which I think is ridiculous. The only relief I get is ice. Several times I had 2nd degree burns because of the intensity of pain and trying to get relief from ice. Pain is severe/unpredictable; I carry ice packs everywhere I go. I am overweight, and on BP meds. The longest episode of excrutiating pain I had is 4 days straight; and ice didn't work at all; no sleep just crying for 4 days. Doc said I could take up to 8 Gabapentin but there has to be another way to live life without being on meds that could make you feel like a zombie. Any thoughts?

[Swallowpoint]

Dear Cindylou, Your condition certainly sound unpleasant. And it seem modern medicine cannot pinpoint the cause of nerve damage. A surgeon told me the causes were too numerous to list! I am seventy-six and have had a non-diabetic foot neuropathy of "unknown origin" for

[Swallowpoint in reply to Swallowpoint]

Continued----a decade but my case has not progressed and is not painful--but just a different sensation in the feet. I am sure you have heard of and are taking the usuals--like B1-Benfotamin 600mg, R-Alpha Lipoic acid-300mg as well as Riboflavin, B6, B12, D3, and such as minor items like Feverfew, Passionflower, and Skullcap. -----But I would also mention to you as I have done before on this site---I believe strongly in straight NIACIN. I buy 500mg pills in 1000 pill bottles, the Rugby brand that pharmacists dispense prescriptions from. I take niacin pills throughout the day. I have taken Niacin for over thirty years. If you haven't taken Niacin (nicotinic acid) you will get a severe red flush for some hours after taking it. But in a week or less of taking it you will no longer get the "niacin flush." Medicinally, niacin cleans out the arteries. (but not--niacinimide) Therefore it is good for anybody over forty. Good luck.

Eric

[cindylou222 in reply to Swallowpoint]

Thank you for your suggestions, I appreciate them! I have tried Niacin and it seemed to "ignite" my feet more so. I do take 1000mcg of B12 which has made an immense difference. I will try the Niacin once again tho. I have noticed that less stress makes a difference as well. Thank you again for your suggestions, I will give Niacin a try once again.

[Swallowpoint in reply to cindylou222]

Dear Cindy, Better circulation is a good thing. And I am fortunate that my foot neuropathy has gotten NO worse in a decade. But the niacin has to be nicotinic acid to clean the arteries. Although it should have little to do with nerves---I also decided on a low to no fat diet thirty years ago. I cared for my Mother at that time and she had stroke related problems--TIAs. I determined a person is as "young as their arteries." I mostly eat non-fat dry milk in concentrated form. I know that sounds strange but I enjoy the flavor and obviously can tolerate lactose. I believe milk is the ideal food. And I take supplements. Yet--I have never needed any prescriptions. Eric

[rory1957]

I'm sorry, but I have no recommendations. I was diagnosed in 2013 with non-diabetic PN but my symptoms, though progressing, include only the loss of sensation. I have an appointment in a month or so with a Neuro specialist at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis. Perhaps...I'll know more (or not) after that visit.

I will say, I've had some additional pain in my left arch and my podiatrist says it is common for the arches to collapse in PN patients.

Sorry that I have nothing to add.

Will update after my upcoming appointment.

Rory

[Hidden in reply to rory1957]

Hi Rory - l am 70 and was recently told l have neuropathy. I am wondering how your appt. at Barnes went.

[cindylou222]

thank you

[Valerie58]

Exercise may help. Doing resistance training has definitely helped me. There is also a view that even though we are not diabetic reducing sugar levels can help. It is worth considering a low carb diet even if you dont wish to lose weight.

[cindylou222 in reply to Valerie58]

Thank you! I try to be more active but I have a bad back also which limits my activity.. I barely make it thru a shower or grocery run without back pain.. I will try your suggestions tho, thx