Can you please recommend over the counter cream for neuropathy? I am getting a lot of electrical shocks, burning and pins and needles. I have small fiber neuropathy. Thanks,

There are two that work well for me:

1) Morton Epsom lotion... this alone may take care of most of your probems. Apply to the tops of the feet, only and ankles ... 1/2 of a quarter's sized dollop nightly. Just a little goes a long way.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Morton-Epsom-L...n+epsom+lotion
Apply only to the tops of the feet and legs.
Available locally at Walgreen's and WalMarts. Not all stores carry it yet.

2) Biofreeze gel... this cooling gel penetrates and stops pain and itching very well. For many years it was sold only by PTs and chiros, but now you can buy it yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Biofreeze-BUSA...=biofreeze+gel
This is especially handy for hot/burning feet.

3) RX only are Lidoderm patches. 1/2 patch on the top of each foot. Sometimes 1/2 patch behind the lower part of the knee also works. Expensive and some insurances won't pay for it unless you have a previous shingles diagnosis on file.

Mrs D, I have been using the Epsom lotion and love it, but I also apply to the bottom of my feet (and more then you indicated because I didn't know better.) Does it have an adverse reaction if applied to this area? I apologize "shortwoman" for hijacking your post.

No I don't think any adverse effects on the bottoms of the feet. But it is mostly wasted there. The skin is too thick to get penetration.

Most of the nerves are on in the top of the foot besides, so putting either Lidoderms there or the other topicals works better.

I'm glad you like the lotion, too, Pinky. I think it is fabulous also.

The lotion is great. I have a hijack too, Mrs D. Do you think my primary would refill my Lidoderm even without a shingles reoutbreak? I have a stash still, but I am stingy in case he balks. I guess I better just ask next appointment. They were big yesterday. Big.

Explain to him you will use them carefully... and you do have that foot pain. My doctor gave them to me for my arthritis and back issues. They work really well when my knee flares up.

They are safer than oral meds for pain (including NSAIDs). Non-addictive, etc.
And you do have the shingles diagnosis on record so you should be able to use them with an Rx.

Be reasonable and he should let you have them.

Hi shortwoman,

I like mrsD's list!

In my area, stores have taken Biofreeze off the shelves and it is available via Amazon or through chiropractors, sports medicine offices, massage therapists, etc.

I will add a topical which I have found works fast for pain. It has a very strong odor of essential oils and more. It is also expensive. Unfortunately, I am allergic to it.
(Please note: Not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.)

"Neurogen PN" - Available in many drug store chains

Warmly,
DejaVu

Biofreeze is also sold on eBay.

Oh yes, this one does have a strong smell. Just putting a little on smells up the whole house. And, the smell never comes out of your shoes.....

Still have a tube of it in the drawer, I might use again if the pain gets bad enough (hopefully it never does).

I have never seen Biofreeze at a drugstore.

I got my first tube of gel at the physical therapy clinic I went to.
It is also sold at the gym I attended (for alot more $$).

So I have been buying mine at Amazon.com
I find the gel stronger than the roll on.
Biofreeze was recently reformulated. More herbs have been added and the menthol slightly reduced.

The same company makes a similar product called Perform gel.
It has about 1% less menthol in it. It tends to be around $15 a tube and is at most pharmacies.