Lidocane doesn't work
 

The past week I've been in a ton of pain on the bottom of my feet. Last night I finally put lidocane cream on them. It's not always easy to stick my feet up for a while so I can put something on them. I realized that while my skin was numb, the nerves were not numb in the slightest. I had squishy feet that still hurt.

I've read quite a few of you used lidocane patches, so I'm not going to ask for them now. I've tried capcasin, and doesn't seem to help anything either. I don't feel it until the next day, and then when I do I just feel burning in the areas my skin isn't so thick (because I can't do a pedicure).

What other creams or the such should I try next for the bottom of my feet? It's where the CRPS is the worst.

Hi Chaos. My pm dr prescribed voltaren gel for my wrist pain. I don't know if it helps with feet and it isn't sold over the counter either, so you may want to ask your dr what he thinks. It helps me on those really bad pain days especially during the cold winters. I hope it may help you too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I would suggest either the voltaren gel that Renee suggested or ask your dr for a compounded pain cream. There are many different mixtures your dr could prescribe for you.

One does not get much relief when putting lidocaine cream or patches on the bottoms of the feet. The skin is very thick there.

It is best to apply it to the instep, which then numbs the nerves that go to the rest of the foot.

Don't discard this treatment without experimenting with placement.
I only use the Lidoderm patches on the instep (top of foot), when I need them.

So apply your cream to the instep and do that for 3 days in a row. Sometimes lidocaine takes a while to get going. It will block the sodium channels carrying the impulses of the nerves better that way.

Thanks Mrs D. I'll do the instep for 3 days.

Doc did suggest that we might need to do some compounds. What is a good combo?

Do the lidocaine first. It is the most useful of most the ingredients in the mixtures.

They also put Diclofenac or ketorlac in them (an NSAID), clonidine, a tricyclic like amitriptyline,
gabapentin, ketamine, sometimes magnesium, one of the --caine numbing agents. There are many mixtures and doctors usually have their own.

If you think an NSAID would be useful, Salonpas patches are OTC and very inexpensive to try (original formula). Diclofenac sometimes leads to liver damage over time.

The compound I have is: Diclofenac, Gabapentin, Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine and Tetracaine.

I hope the lidocaine on the instep (that mrsD suggested) helps you!

I have a similar cream that my P.M. prescribed from a compounding pharmacy and it includes Ketamine. It helps a lot especially for the burning pain but not as well on the stabbing type pain.

I use Arnica Salve. This may sound "hokey " to some of you, but I swear by this and have many in my Support Group that use it also.

I have posted this before so here goes : Arnica is a flower that grows in the mountains out West. It blooms only twice a year so may not always be available. It is a NATURAL anastetic. I have tried many , many brands, but the one that I like the best is De La cruz that I can only get from Walgreens on line.
This only gives temporary relief ( I'll take it ) and I use a ton of it. The good news is that it is so inexpensive. I order 6-8 jars at a time then shipping is free. It is less than $5.00 a jar and also is good for bites , bumps etc. If you find it a bit thick just pop in microwave and warm up a bit. I coat my feet good at bedtime and put socks on.Give it a try. Carol

We have some arnica gel at home (not so strong, the only thing the store had when I was buying it). I'll for sure try that. Who knows what will happen, something good or nothing. Either way that one is worth a try!

Why not? I did not find the gel to be as effective as the salve for some reason. as stated above , I have tried many brands and find the salve to give me the best temporary relief. just did my morning treatment after my epsom salt soak and feeling pretty good (for a RSDer that is ) Carol

Lidocaine cream is fast acting and stronger, but the results don't last very long.

Lidoderm patches should be left on for only 12 hours a day and have longer lasting results than the cream, IMO. I feel that they work best when used for flares or spread or injury, as needed. When I tried to use them every day, they seemed to lose effectiveness long term.

Hi Chaos
 

Have you tried any compounded creams that include Ketamine? You might want to give that a try. It does work for PN. I know what you have is worse, but I get some very good results for the symptoms. ginnie:grouphug:

No, I haven't tried anything with Ketamine. I have seen it mentioned quite a few times and was going to ask my doc about it.

Hi Chaos
 

Do ask your doctor about Ketamine. The script I have has 5 different meds. in it including Ketamine. It really does take the edge off. Let me know how it does for you. All of the folks that have CRPS or RSD will sure want to know too. Take care....ginnie:grouphug: