Perpherial neuropathy
 

Hello,
I was diagnosed about two years ago with perpherial neuropathy. I was diagnosed by a neurologist who did an EMG. Right after the test I developed neuroma's in both feet. After almost a year of cortisone shots and then alcohol injections I had surgery on both feet to remove the neuroma's and a achilles tear repaired. My surgery was in Feb. and currently the pain from, I guess, the neuropathy is getting unbearable. It is currently 2:00 am and I cannot get to sleep. My question is my feet are burning and itching but the most painful symptom is this feeling that my toes are being strangled and it feels like there are huge lumps in the balls of my feet. The only medication I have been on is Lyrica which I had very unpleasant side effects from. Has anyone else had this problem or have any suggestions.
Thanks
Debbie

Welcome to NeuroTalk, Debbie.

I'd start with some topical pain interventions.

1) Biofreeze gel is an OTC product that stops burning for most people. You can buy it online if you search the name on Google.
Another OTC that is the same with another name, by the same company is Perform Gel. Then high % of menthol in these products stops burning pain quickly. (Perform is in some pharmacies locally or at least they can order it for you).

2) Another topical thing, which is RX only and expensive (I hope you have insurance) is Lidoderm patches. For your placement, I'd try first a 1/2 patch on the tops of your feet.

I really think topical interventions can work well for most people. They don't have the side effects that things like Lyrica have.

You might try soaking in epsom salts before bedtime. The magnesium in the salts often reduces pain. People who use epsom salts with success really should be using an oral supplement too, so if you try this and it helps, then moving on to oral would be a good idea. Magnesium is often low in most American diets, and when replaced can fix things and help with healing. Magnesium blocks a pain receptor called the NMDA receptor, and that is helpful too.

Edmund uk
 

. I have exactly the same problems as yourself. I use the hottest Chilli cream for my feet.Capacian, some relief, and Lyrica 100 tablets. I wouldn't say hat my life has been improved by this medication. At 84 + two to three years into the condition life can be miserable! But I'm willing to try anything. If you keep a healthy lifestyle things should stay a bit easier for you.

Debbie,
I am new to this forum so I hope im doing this right. I was diagnosed with HNPP in 2009. I wanted to address the symptoms in your feet. I too have the burning pain in my toes that wake me at night. I was concerned when I felt like there was constantly a rock in my shoe or something. I saw my neurologist and she said it is the swelling around the nerve that is literally strangling the nerve and causing the pain. Unfortunately it is something I have had to get used to. I tried Lyrical as well, with terrible side effects. Not to mention the expence.
gina4jesus

Edmunduk
 

I have exactly the same problem. I use Lyrica and have Capacian cream. If I wake up during the night I have great problems with the pain in the toes and pads.You sound young, I am very old so I suppose I'll have to put up with it! Good luck to you.

Edmunduk
 

I have PN and your words are covering the same symptoms as mine. The pain in my feet is unbearable at times and I'm at my wits end, not knowing what to do. I use Lyrica, 200 mg twice a day but it doesn't seem to do much good. I am getting on a bit 85, but I was hoping to spend my last few years living fairly happy. I've never had any effects from the Lyrica medication and I also use the special chilli extract cream. Still suffering though. Putting up with it Cheers.