Welcome moreorlesss.

I can understand how you feel. I don't like them either.

But getting an MRI of your neck and lower back, and xrays of the feet may help you understand how to approach your pain issues.
That part, of doctors, is most helpful I think.

My swelling ankle is full of spurs, which I did not know before the x-ray. I am finding that using Aspercreme on it, is helpful. I had a tumor removed from my instep when I was 12, and the foot continues to go downhill as I age. It was numb for many years because the nerves were severed. (this was a hemangioma that bled all the time and had to be removed. But it had roots going down in between the tendons, so the plastic surgeon dug around there severing the nerves). I started getting feeling again in my 40's.

You might try the magnesium lotion. I find it very helpful too.
Morton's Epsom lotion, used sparingly over painful areas, will improve the circulation of small blood vessels and often help with pain.
http://www.amazon.com/Morton-Epsom-L...n+epsom+lotion

Most WalMarts have this now, and Walgreen's. But not all stores yet. Try a quarter's dollop divided in half, for both feet. Only apply on the tops of the feet, as the bottoms are too thick for it to penetrate. I find this really helpful.

You know, I had a huge spur on my right thumb knuckle (called a Heberden's node)...it was hard and sticking out alot. Sometimes it would throb. So I was applying the Morton's regularly to my feet and lower legs and some would be left on my hand, and I'd rub that in at the end.
Well, after a few months, I noticed my thumb lump has receded. Something I never expected! So I do put it now more on my ankle where those spurs are hoping for a similar result. But this was a slow thing...so the result is not expected by me to be instant.

I've tried magnesium oil but have not noticed much effect but just started. I also am trying DMSO gel, aspercreme, biofreeze, burn jell, epsom salt lotion, Zum rub, etc. Sometimes I get a little benefit from them. Zum rub has been my go to often but these only seem to help when the pain is mild.

I do plan to do the MRI with my doc as he said he'd prescribe it but I'm getting pretty selective and frankly I'd rather have something left for my friends to inherit. I've wasted so much money on docs and specialists and received hardly any benefit. I've gotten more benefit here in three days.

oh man do i understand
me

Hi icelander,

If you haven't worked out how to check PMs, look at the top right of this, or any page, under your user name, there is a Link to your PM Page. All incoming messages are listed in a 'received' box, then all you send are saved in a 'sent' box you can change between at the top of the page.

Dave.

Hi moreorless,

Do you want to start a new Thread to introduce yourself properly? We would like to know more about what brings you to our Community.

I notice you have Anxiety issues, we have a Forum for that as well, you know.

Dave.

Be careful with your DMSO. Very powerful stuff.

What does that mean? I've used it for years and as long as it's 70% or less I'm good to go. At 90% it causes itching and pain.

DMSO is an industrial solvent that we used in the chemistry lab. I avoided it when I did method development because it has the ability to absorb polar and non-polar substances and could wreck your equipment; therefore it can easily absorb things in your surroundings and pull them into your skin.

As long as you are careful using it, there shouldn't be a problem. Make sure your skin is clean and that nothing gets into your DMSO container.