I'm a 41-year-old with small fiber periperhal neuropathy, diagnosed about 6 months ago. Experiencing moderate pain, tingling, burning and numbness, mostly in my feet. Also deep aching in my arms and legs.

I've been taking Cymbalta 60mg/day for 4 months but, after running out of pills during Hurricane Sandy and being forced to go cold turkey, I've decided to stop taking it. The withdrawals were horrible (like a bad stomach flu + complete sleeplessness); my pain level increased only slightly.

Because my pain level is moderate for now, I'd like to try an ointment or topical solution before resorting to pills again.

My doctor suggests Zostrix, Traumeel or Sombra.

Any recommendations or feedback would be most appreciated!

Thanks and be well,
APJH

This is what is in Traumeel:
http://www.vitacost.com/heel-traumee...ntment-3-53-oz
This is homeopathic meaning the amounts of those ingredients are thousands to a a millionth of a gram in content.
You cannot apply it over large areas either, according to the manufacturer.

In fact I don't know of any topical you can apply over large areas.

For burning feet, Biofreeze is very good. It is available on Amazon now (less money) and iherb.com for a bit more $$.

Also for pain in the feet, Lidoderm patches placed on the instep may work. This is RX only.

There are also compounded creams from compounding pharmacies that doctors order...that contain various recipes.
They may have gabapentin, ketamine, clonidine, amitriptyline, lidocaine, etc combined or with other ingredients too.

Deep aching may respond to NSAIDs taken orally. Or aspirin if you can tolerate it or your doctor approves. Aspirin is very effective but must be used carefully, because of bleeding potential. Of all the NSAIDs naproxen has the least affect on the heart, so is often the most commonly prescribed. But all NSAIDs carry risks.

There is another cream called Zonalon--it is mostly for itching, but
some people here have used it successfully on the feet for tingling etc.
Can't use all over the body either...it comes in a small tube to discourage this.

Sombra looks similar to Biofreeze. But I don't have personal experience with it. Biofreeze has been out for so long and has a
huge success rate therefore. Sombra has a boatload of other ingredients, which may or may not be useful.

Hi mrsD. Thanks very much for your response. My doc prescribed Lidoderm patches and I tried them for 1 week. I was extremely disappointed that they did not work for the pain or burning at all. Also, they kept bunching up and would NOT stay in place. Extremely frustrating all around.

That said, I have about 45 of the 60 patches left, if anyone wants to try them!

Because BioFreeze is pricy, I'm trying to get my hands on a sample to try before I buy some. My acupuncturist may be able to get me a sample.

Thanks again for your reply and here's to less pain in 2013!

Best,
APJH

Amen! Less pain and more strength for each of us!

Biofreeze is not pricey on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/BIOFREEZE-Pain...ords=biofreeze

It lasts a long time because you don't gob it on... it penetrates quickly so you don't need much at each application.

I agree. You can also buy it on eBay or at a sports store, chiropractor (without having to see one), etc. You don't need much. Use it as directed.

Also.... where did you apply the Lidoderms? How you use them and where to best get the results, is the best kept secret there is about this product.

I use them for what I call my flare-ups. That is when the burning feels as though someone has placed a hot iron on my palms and the soles of my feet. I pay $40 for 180 patches through my insurance. I usually cut each patch into four pieces. I place 1 piece on each foot, directly below the toes. I do the same with my hands, directly below the fingers. Then I cover my hands with gloves that have the fingers removed, and cover my feet, if able, with a light pair of socks. If pain is really an issue, I only cut the patch in half to cover more surface area. I have worn the patches on my feet inside my work shoes and did not have trouble with them bunching up. It is whatever works on any given day. You just pull out your "bag of tricks" and keep digging till you find one that works. Good night, all!

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I do use a lotion, that works great. It is a compound recommended by my orthopedic doctor and a physiatrist. I have PN or RSD.
Here are the Ingrediants, it would be worth asking your doctor about. Takes away burning and pins and needle like sensations.

KETAMINE/CLONID./GABAP./IMIPR./MEFEN ACID/ TETRACAINE (5) 10/0.2/6/3/3/2%CREAM..
This is not 100% effective but it does help. ginnie

I was prescribed Neurocain by my pain doctor. Lists Keta, Gaba, Lido, Clon on the label. Doctor said it had pharmaceutical cocaine in it. I use it on my feet. If you have mainly topical pain, it will definitely help you. I would recommend it. Great numbing agent. It comes out of Eagle Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama.