I have Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet. I have gone to a foot dr. and he just told me I had to gain control of my blood sugars. Well, I have done just that for 6 months at least and I still have a tingling, numbness and often pain in my toes and bottom of my feet. It feels sometimes like my feet are on fire. I have good shoes also. When I wear my expensive tennis shoes, they still hurt. The only way I can get some kind of relief is by massaging them each night. This is difficult to do. What else can I do?

I Have neuropathy my feet are very painful.

By keeping your blood sugars within normal range you will reduce the chance of the peripheral neuropathy from getting worse, but it will not cure it. You should discuss creams and oral medications that can be taken to reduce the discomfort you are experiencing.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Belyea, DPM, C.Ped.
Foot.com Medical Director

DID YOU GET ANY RESPONSES? mY MOTHER IS SUFFERING TERRIBLY WITH THIS AND I'M TRYING TO FIND SOME RELIEF FOR HER. pLEASE E-MAIL ME @ SGMOTHER@AOL.COM. tHANKS AND FEEL BETTER

Dear Eirehc and Sue,
There are a number of treatments for peripheral neuropathy, however, your doctor should probably investigate the exact etiology of your specific case. If the neuropathy is due to diabetes, patient education regarding diabetes control is extremely important. The treatment depends on the patient and the treating physician. Some treatment options may include a combination of various supplements such as folic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 /B12 and Folate, other medications may involve drugs such as Neurontin. Some physicians also prescribe tricyclic antidepreassants (Amytriptiline, Nortriptiline, and Imipramine) prescribed in lower doses as sedatives to help patients with difficulty sleeping. A relatively new drug out on the market is Lyrica, currently indicated for pain associated with peripheral neuropathy and Hepes Zoster or Shingles. Physical therapy modalities such as Anodyne therapy is also indicated for peripheral neuropathy. I would recommend following-up with your family physician/internal medical doctor , Podiatrist and/or neurologist for an appropriate treatment plan best suited for you, an interdisciplanary approach is usually required to successfully treat peripheral neuropathy.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com
Sbarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert

Talk to your physician about Neurontin. I had cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) as a teen in the mid-1980's, so after lots of Vincristine (ABVD/COPP "cocktail") and radiation therapy for a year, I know EXACTLY what you are going through. My problem is really worse while in the car for some odd reason. Maybe it's due to the vibrations of the vehicle mess with the nerves ? Sort of like after using an electric sander and your hands being "tingly/stinging" when you finish. My feet wouldn't sweat, but would be hotter than any hot flash I've ever had. Neurontin helped me a LOT. Also, during the breakthrough pain/heat, taking off my shoes (i.e. removing the irritant, read as: Shoes &/or Socks !) seemed to help a lot. I've even had to drive barefoot before (which isn't really safe in case your foot DOES sweat, making the pedals slippery).

Also, this medication will help with the numbness/weakness in your arms, legs, and especially when your outer fingers/toes go numb for no reason. Nothing is 100%, but it sure was a blessing when my doctor suggested starting me on the meds.

Good luck !
ohmyachingfoot