[EE03]

I've been experiencing an increase in foot pain and burning since early December, but the last couple of days, my toes have been burning constantly and they only let up for a matter of minutes sometimes and then escalate back to a higher level of discomfort. Is this normal for PN to act like this? Prior to this I seemed to stay at the same level of pain and numbness but I've also noticed an increase in the numbness. I probably shouldn't ask if its normal, but I'm hoping you understand what I mean by that, maybe it would be best to say is this a flare up, I don't know.

[malawigirl08]

Originally Posted by EE03

I've been experiencing an increase in foot pain and burning since early December, but the last couple of days, my toes have been burning constantly and they only let up for a matter of minutes sometimes and then escalate back to a higher level of discomfort. Is this normal for PN to act like this? Prior to this I seemed to stay at the same level of pain and numbness but I've also noticed an increase in the numbness. I probably shouldn't ask if its normal, but I'm hoping you understand what I mean by that, maybe it would be best to say is this a flare up, I don't know.

I have the exact same symptoms, I am at my wits end.

[EE03]

Originally Posted by malawigirl08

I have the exact same symptoms, I am at my wits end.

At least you're not alone. Have you found anything that gives you some relief? I have lidocaine patches but I can't put them on my toes

[mrsD]

Did you try putting 1/2 patch on each instep? The top of the foot?

That is where most of the nerves are that go to the toes.
That will stop some pain. I've put them there and it works.

Lidoderms typically need to hit the longer axons to work, and not the end spot where you feel the pain.

Give that a try. They may increase numbness tho..and make walking a bit tricky. So be careful. I use them at night when I need to. But I don't often put on my feet.

I also use Biofreeze on my feet when they burn. Lately the burning has gone way down. The R-lipoic seems to really help with that. Also the theanine must be working too (started that in Aug).

[malawigirl08]

I get Lidocaine Infusions, an Infusion lasts for 90mins and I get moderate pain relief for approx 3 weeks, but I only get them every 6-8 weeks! When this has worn off the pain is terrible, i have just called my doc and he has prescribed Tramadol, I have started weaning myself off gabapentin to switch to Lyrica - the pain is horrific. It is good to know we are not alone.
Have you tried alkaseltzer, they generally give me around 1hr relief, normally enough to get over to sleep. Epsom salt footbaths are good too.
Are you putting lidocaine patches on your back, I think this works for some but not me.

[RX Horatio]

It is unusual for PN Pain and Numbness to vary that much during a day but you may be either improving or getting worse. Have you tried meds. Lyrica sounds just right for you.
Good Luck

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by EE03

I probably shouldn't ask if its normal, but I'm hoping you understand what I mean by that, maybe it would be best to say is this a flare up, I don't know.

Seasonal? From Thanksgiving on, our diet, stress levels, activities... often change significantly from the rest of the year. I know that for me, things like dairy & carbohydrates can flare my PN noticeably, and with all the parties and holiday goodies... We try to be good, but we gotta live too. Then there's the stress of shopping, relatives, rush-rush-rush.... and the change of season/weather - cold/damp (or dry). It's been a struggle since New Years to settle back down to my pre-Turkey Day levels, but this week I finally feel better again.

Have you been through any changes in routine, whether by choice or life happening, that could be at least partly responsible?

Doc

[EE03]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Did you try putting 1/2 patch on each instep? The top of the foot?

That is where most of the nerves are that go to the toes.
That will stop some pain. I've put them there and it works.

Lidoderms typically need to hit the longer axons to work, and not the end spot where you feel the pain.

Give that a try. They may increase numbness tho..and make walking a bit tricky. So be careful. I use them at night when I need to. But I don't often put on my feet.

I also use Biofreeze on my feet when they burn. Lately the burning has gone way down. The R-lipoic seems to really help with that. Also the theanine must be working too (started that in Aug).

Mrs. D out of desperation last night I used biofreeze and it worked enough to let me get to sleep. I've not been instructed on how to use the lido patches for this so I'm off to put them on the instep. I already have a lot of numbness in my feet so I don't think it will give me any trouble walking but I'll watch for it. Thank you.

[mrsD]

I had an attack of burning over a year ago...and wore the patches cut in 1/2 applied the long way over the top of the foot.

I did this for 3-5 days... in a row. (I've found in the past that pulsing Lidoderms works best for me).... I would expect you will find some relief within a couple of days. It may not be immediate, so don't give up too quickly.

I didn't expect the walking problem, and only noticed it when we visited an IKEA store. That place is a huge walking stressor IMO.
So it was an extreme test I think. Just walking around the house I didn't notice anything.

[EE03]

Originally Posted by RX Horatio

It is unusual for PN Pain and Numbness to vary that much during a day but you may be either improving or getting worse. Have you tried meds. Lyrica sounds just right for you.
Good Luck

I've tried lyrica before and I can't tolerate it.