Peripheral neuropathy v RLS

[Highshot]

I’m new to Health Unlocked.

I would like to know the differences between peripheral neuropathy (PN)and painful restless leg syndrome(RLS). I’ve seen three neurologists. Two say I have PN and one says I have RLS painful variety.

I am male and 80 years of age I have constant pain in my feet and legs and am currently taking 400mg of pregablin a day.

[Esperanto]

A deficiency in vitamin B6 can contribute to a painful form of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and may also be associated with neuropathy. Vitamin B6 is essential for the health of the nervous system, and a deficiency can lead to nerve damage and symptoms such as pain and tingling, which are characteristic of neuropathy. If this nerve damage coincides with RLS, the symptoms can worsen and become more painful. With prolonged deficiency, the damage can even become irreversible.

If your doctors are not cooperative, it is advisable to have your blood tested for B6 levels as soon as possible on your own. Similar problems can also occur with a B6 overdose!

[Highshot in reply to Esperanto]

Thanks for your response. I have to go to see my GP shortly so I will ask for my blood to be tested for B6 as you suggest.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Esperanto]

Do you know if a B6 overdose that happened many years ago can cause lasting damage?

[Esperanto in reply to Nothing_but_books]

In the case of a prolonged overdose (or deficiency) of B6, neuropathy can occur, which can cause irreparable damage if not intervened in time. Nerve damage, usually older than a year, leads to the degeneration of the nerves, and there is little that can be done about it. In my case, it means that the peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs is permanent, but the last observed neuropathy in my arms and hands has almost disappeared.

Achieving balance in your B6 levels is very challenging due to the long half-life of a month! Therefore, it is very possible for the effects of overdosing to continue even after several months. If you take bioactive B6 (P5P), the risk of damage is lower. There is also an association with other B vitamins, especially B2. If you have neuropathy, test your B6 levels! If there is a high or low value, repeat the testing after 3 months, until balance is achieved.

[Highshot in reply to Esperanto]

Thankyou. I will certainly get my B’s tested.

[AtopicGuy]

It's not either/or. The peripheral neuropathy causes the pain. Constantly moving the feet and legs distracts the brain from the nagging discomfort. I speak from experience: it's a rational response. Hopefully, if the pain comes under control, the restless legs syndrome will subside.

[Highshot in reply to AtopicGuy]

Thanks that makes sense! Getting the pain under control is the hard bit. I’m on 500mg of pregablin a day at the moment but the pain is still there and the toes keep wriggling. Any thoughts from your experience ?

[CheetieCat]

With RLS the urge to move your legs is virtually impossible to ignore and 9 times out of 10 it'll be at night when you're trying to sleep, it drives you absolutely nuts!

Have you tried some magnesium spray or lotion? It can be really helpful for RLS although it doesn't work as well for everyone it's always worthwhile trying. You can get in Holland & Barrett (Better You) or their own make is slightly cheaper and just as good or order online.

Soaking your legs in Epsom salts if you can manage a bath is good too. Some people swear by Tonic Water for the quinine or I think you can buy it in tablet form, I've never tried it though.

Usually you'll have burning pain with neuropathy too particularly in the soles of your feet and palms of your hands. Anything with menthol in it can help to soothe & cool it a little.

Hope some of this helps x

[Highshot in reply to CheetieCat]

Thankyou. I already do the Epsom salts and it does seem to help a bit. I’ll give the magnesium spray a go.