Hi all...

I've been an unregistered lurker here for a few weeks.

A little background before I jump in and ask a few questions...

In May of 2010 I started experiencing a restlessness in my feet when I would go to bed. A few days after my feet started bothering me my hands started to exhibit carpal tunnel symptoms ( I had bi-lateral carpal tunnel surgery about 3 years ago and have been great since). This lasted a week or so before the symptoms disappeared completely.

In Novemeber 2010 my feet started bothering me again...agan only when tying to sleep. This time I started feeling a very slight burning sensation and occasional cramping. This lasted until January 2011 when I finally went to see Podiatrist. He thought I might have Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and had an emg done on both legs/feet. He also ran a bunch of blood tests which turned out negative. I was diagnosed with pn with little explaination and given a precription for gabapentin. At this time I decided to research pn and figure out what was wrong. I decided not to take the gabapentin and started a course of supplements that others that are here seem to be having some success with.

I decided to see a neurologist after the carpal tunnel symptoms returned. The carpal tunnel symptoms went away after 3 or 4 days and before I was able to see a neurologist. Anyway....the neurologist reviewed all of my tests and did a few sensativity tests of his own. His determination is that I have a very mild case of pn. Given that I have had a couple of nerve issues in my hands that have come and gone...and that my foot issue started in may 2010and disappeared for 6 months...he is having an MRI done this weekend.

I have had great relief from soaking my feet and ankes in ice baths for 5-10 minutes every night. I also notice that if I talk a warm/hot bath that my feet are worse that night.

Finally I can get to my question...

If I have pn...does it make sense that I experience NO symptoms after the ice baths?

I have not read in anyone elses posts that they are doing this and it works.
It seems that the ice baths are reducing inflammation...thus I am experiencing relief because my nerves are not being obstructed.

Thanks to everyone that contributes here. I have learned a lot by reading here.

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Yes Ice can work, the same way menthol does.

By stimulating the cold receptor nerves you block the sensations from the heat receptors temporarily.

You might want to try Biofreeze, it works the same way, without the bother of the cold water treatment.

This is just basically symptomatic, however. The Biofreeze does have a potent antioxidant in it too, which helps with inflammatory situations. The ice does not of course.

I will give Biofreeze a try...I just happen to have some lying around from a previous neck/back issue.

MrsD....

Can you share your thoughts about the sudden appearance and disappearance of carpal tunnel symptoms. My neurologist claims that these and my pn symptoms are unrelated. He acted like it is impossible for my feet and hand symptoms to be related....this contradicts what I have read here.

I guess an MRI will show if I have a bulging disk in my neck or bach causing these symptoms.


Naturally I want be in denial and want there to be something that is treatable , other than pn, causing my symptoms.

I had both foot and hand issues 30 yrs ago when my thyroid was malfunctioning. This causes edema under the ligaments and squeezes the nerves.

Carpal tunnel can be metabolic. You can have numbness that comes and goes.

Some things can make it worse, even if you don't have low thyroid issues.

Low blood sugars...poor blood sugar control

fluid retention

compressive issues (watch bands, or tight socks, sleeping with wrists bent)

Poor B6 levels

Alcohol use (increases fluid retention)

High sugar consumption-- increases fluid retention.

Hormone imbalances (more common in women)

Some drugs (Neurontin, and Lyrica, or some antidepressants)

Gluten intolerance.

I was waking up 2-3 times per week with one of my hands or arms completely numb. since reducing my blood glucose levels in the past three weeks it hasn't happened once. i use ice all the time to calm my feet down when they are getting too hot.

Drswami-

Have you been diagnosed with diabetes or hyperglycemia?
If not...what caused you to reduce your blood glucose levels?

I must admit that I have abused sugar my entire life. While I would eat a healthy diet...I have always consumed way too much sugar...usually in the form of candy. My glucose levels on my last 4 tests were 60mg/dL, 86mg/dL, 90mg/dL and 73mg/dL.

I often wonder if my issues are caused by sugar/glucose. I have significantly reduced my sugar comsumption to see if I notice any reduction in symptoms.

Whatever it is, the good news is that you have caught this early. Glad to hear you did not start taking the drugs. I suggest you avoid them as long as you can and treat this with lifestyle changes--nutrition, exercise, and stress management--basically a healing lifestyle. It seems very few Drs are educated about such crazy ideas. Look up Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Andrew Weil for example.
Electron

Thank you!

I read nothing but bad stuff about all the neuro drugs and just wouldn't do it!

I am very familiar with Dr Weil and take a few of his supplements. I consider myself very lucky in that I have taken control of my issue at an early stage. It looks like I will be preventing some other nasty disorders in the process....all around a good thing.