[tomt]

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.

[mrsD]

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.

[tomt]

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.

[mrsD]

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.

[drswami]

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.

[tomt]

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.

Originally Posted by drswami

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.

[mrsD]

Here is a very good video to watch... it is long but right in the middle is an explanation of how fructose (found in sucrose/sugar and high fructose corn syrup) is metabolized by the liver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

It is not just weight problems that it causes, but basically it is poison to some of our systems over time and with high consumption.

Sugar raises insulin levels, and that increases inflammation.

This article explains it well... it is information for everyone, not just women:
http://www.womentowomen.com/inflammation/causes.aspx

[tomt]

Thanks for the links...I will be sure to watch the video today.

I know that everyone is different and for some...a reduction in sugar helps...some it doesn't help. So....fo those that reducing sugar helps...how long after reducing sugar intake should one expect to see positive results...especially a reduction of tingling and burning in the extemeties?

[mrsD]

I think many people report fast results with cutting back sugar.
If you cut it all out you may see results in a week or two! Once you reduce sugar and high glycemic intake, you can go back in a month and binge on sugar (ice cream is one thing that will bring back symptoms) and see if your symptoms return quickly.

If you search the net on "insulin resistance" you will find some doctors who believe that many people over 40 start to develop this condition. Insulin resistance leads to inflammation and may lead to type II diabetes (but not in everyone). Our bodies do change with age.

You can look up foods on this resource and see the inflammatory index for them...that is helpful too.

http://nutritiondata.self.com/

[tomt]

I just finished the video...I did fast forward through some of the parts. Simply AMAZING....what is really sad is that I think most of us know that sugar and fructose are...just not how BAD!!!

I stopped taking Prilosec 2 weeks ago and part of my selfcare. Interestingly...I only get acid reflux when I eat high sugar foods. I can eat spicy foods with no problems. I have also seen a reduction in blood pressure. I will be checking my hdl/ldl levels next week...I suspect my hdl will be increased and my ldl's will be decreased.

I have seen a bit of a reduction in cramping in my feet since I reduced my sugar consumption...makes me wonder. I also increased my fiber intake to 50+ grams a day....looks like a smart move according to the video.

While I do not like symptoms in my feet...I am lucky in that they are mild and have caused me to take a look at my diet, supplements and medications. All in all...I am thinking I will be better off then I was before.