The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Electromyography for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Joanne (Tampa, Fl.) on 06/20/2013
I have peripheral neuropathy and my neurologist wants me to take an EMG test which is a nerve conduction study... Of course I am hesitant because I have had problems with most tests I have taken... Does anyone out there have any experience with this test?... He says he would stick a needle in the nerve and shoot electrical shots thorugh the nerve to see how far it transmits. It doesn't sound pleasant... Call me very cautious... I had a liver biopsy and walked bent over for 6 months and my enzymes went from normal to close to 300 each. He says this test will tell him if the problem is in the myelin sheath or the axion(sp?) Thank much.
Gingko Biloba
Posted by Diane (Framingham, Ma) on 06/13/2013
Hi Bill, Do you know if either cayenne or ginkgo will open arteries and help with peripheral neuropathy? I have burning, stabbing pains, cramps etc. etc. and don't want to make the situation worse with the wrong remedy. Thank you much.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 06/10/2013
Hi Art, while I agree with you that you should check your sources of information, no where on either of those links that you posted does it say that you shouldn't take Serrapeptase for longer than 4 weeks. All it says it that long term effects are not known. That just means that the only clinical trials done so far have been short term (<4 weeks) and long term efficacy studies have not been conducted. Absence of study does not mean that it doesn't work or shouldn't be taken. It just means that we don't have information currently to assess the risks or side effects, so caution is warranted. However, on the webmd link you posted, there are about 20 anecdotal reviews from people taking it, some for much longer, with mostly good effects. This is Earth Clinic, after all, which is based almost entirely on anecdotes!
Physical Therapy
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/09/2013
Paula, search google for "Katy Bowman" and ask her. She seems to be an expert in body alignment, which might help.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Art. (Vancouver Bc., Canada) on 06/09/2013
Physical Therapy
Posted by Paula (Salt Lake City, Ut) on 06/09/2013
Does anyone know if physical therapy will help with my peripheral neuropathy. I have tried everything to no avail. Thank you and God bless this site.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Carly (Seattle, USA) on 06/08/2013
Dear Art, your information is incorrect. I have been taking Serrapeptase daily for about a year now. Not only is it fine to take long term... It thins the blood. In fact, it is recommended that a person discontinue it a week before elective surgery for that reason.... I researched the daylights out of it before I started taking it. It is totally safe, and has been used in Europe for the past twenty five years. It is amazing stuff. I plan on taking it every day for the rest of my life.
Please do not spread misinformation. Read more, from websites that are credible... Not just blogs some people put their opinion on. Facts and reliable sources are needed when saying things such as you did. Thanks.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc., Canada.) on 06/07/2013
Dear Trudyg. From what I know, the Serrapeptase you are taking is only recommended for 4 weeks use and has drug interactions with blood clotting.
How long have you been taking it?
Art.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va, Usa) on 06/07/2013
For arthritis pain, I take serrapeptase several times during the day away from food--it really helps with pain.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc, Canada.) on 06/07/2013
Dear Lynn. I have had good results with R-ALA 200mg with each meal 3x times daily and Vitamin B12 sublingual 1, 000mcg once daily. At the start I was taking anywhere up to 3, 000 to 6, 000mcg daily until I found my balance. You cannot overdose with the B12 as your body will just pee out what you don't need, but it did make me dissy upon laying down. You For now I have it under control. I do know the GabaPentin will make you very drowsy but I was unable to sleep because of the pain and it didn't help, and had to use ice packs for the burning. I tried the Gabba before with the same results.
Art.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc., Canada) on 06/07/2013
Dear Denise. I take Oxycodone for a problem related to Rhumatoid Arthritis in the knees. 10mg 3 times at night. My liver enzymes have returned to the normal range below 40 since taking Chanca Piedra 500mg once daily at different times with food. I have been taking BHT for over a year now at 350mg once in the night. My Liver Enzymes were over 300 previous to that. This Peripheral Neuropathy is new to me with a burning sensation above the knees with very sensitive toes making cutting toe nails painful. There is also a pressure sensation in the back of my hands. I use R-ALA at 200mg 3t times a day with food and B12 1, 000mcg near 9pm on an empty stomach. This seems to have it under control but not healed, if I miss a dose I will have the symptoms return, being very unpleasant.
The Oxycodone does not help with Peripheral Neuropathy, at least not my kind but it may help you. The thing is you will have to try it to find out but I would not recomend it. In the event you do, there is a generic supeudol very cheap and fast acting. The patent OxeNeo is 4 times the cost and very slow to act. As for the constipation, I have had it for over 30 years and can go for 4 days without a bowel movement, at which point I need a laxative to help. Eating bran in the morning helps but I am not regular. Good luck with your situation.
Art.
Painkillers for Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by Denise (Seattle, Wa) on 06/06/2013
To Art from Vancouver: Art, I also have hep-c and peripheral neuropathy. I see where you take oxycodone or oxycontin?. I am considering taking it as I have tried everything and have much much pain 24/7 and stabbing things all day and night.. It's horrendous.. How much oxycodone or whatever are you taking and how do you deal with constipation? How are your liver enzymes doing taking that? And what are they now if you don't mind sharing. Thank you much...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, USA) on 05/11/2013 2048 posts
Lynn: Given the severity of your condition I would go ahead and take both the Carnitine and ALA but at separate times and as recommended on labels. If in a few weeks you don't experience any positive changes up the dose.
Also, I read an article that proved Growth Hormone can actually re-grow nerve endings. Nothing significant like to heal a spinal cord injury, but enough to relieve neuropathy. To boost Growth Hormone and prevent the "over-firing" of nerves, take 1 grm Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) before retiring.
Also, Lipid Replacement Therapy is currently showing very good results in chronic illnesses and general damaging conditions where the body isn't capable of proper regeneration.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are found in Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Chia Seeds/Oil, and Walnuts/Oil are critical for healing to occur anywhere in the human body. Omega 3's stimulate many different "healing pathways" in the body. Vit-E (full spectrum) is recommended to help protect the delicate Omega 3's.
Zinc, a mineral commonly deficient in the western diet, is also critical for healing to occur in the body. Burn victims, for example, have many times greater survival rates if given therapeutic doses of Zinc. Pumpkin Seeds and cooked or raw liver is the only significant dietary source of Zinc.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lynn (Southwest, Michigan) on 05/10/2013
I have went through 2-6 weeks of chemo and then had a bone marrow transplant. The neuropathy in my feet and legs is horrible and has spread to the rest of my body. The doctors have tried almost all meds known to them, with no relief. At first they thought it may improve, then later they tell me the chemo damages the protective shaft around the nerves and their is not anything they can do, just keep me medicated. The transplant was 7 years ago and it just keeps getting worse. After reading the input about Acetyl-L- Carnetine and Alpha Lypoic Acid, I am going to give them a try. Any suggestions on starting with just one or doing both right from the start. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Mary (Europe) on 02/27/2013
Hi Danielle, Ocean Shores: You say you use ALA -- can you tell me if you have mercury fillings in place and if so have you had any adverse reactions while using ALA? Thanks
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Danielle Renee (Ocean Shores, Wa Usa) on 02/27/2013
★★★★★
Have you tried Alpha Lipoic acid? It really works for me and not too expensive. I think the directions say two a day. I take three a day and NO PAIN!
Evening Primrose Oil
Posted by Diane (Framingham, Ma) on 02/26/2013
I also would like whatever info on evening primrose oil as I have tried everything on this site and every other site for peripheral neuropathy... I have spent close to $10,000.00 on accupuncture, micro current therapy, IV alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C , etc. etc. and am worse! I have trouble walking up stairs and have terrible pain, hot needles, electric shocks, everywhere all day and night long...
Borax
Posted by Teri (Fredericksburg, Virginia) on 01/18/2013
Paula, the burning sounds like b12 deficiency.... and your numbers could be low and your dr just not being proactive.
Borax
Posted by Paula (Bucyrus, Mo) on 03/19/2012
Day 7 of the Borax and water: Drinking the 1 liter a day faithfully but DR. changed my meds from neurontin to Lyrica 2x daily, so can't really say if this drug is actually helping the neuropathy in my feet or it's the Borax or combo of both. Open to any comments, other remedies as feet are numb, burning etc. But at least I have not had the shooting pains through feet and toes in the last few days. Question: How long should I continue the Borax? Taking 1/8th tsp. In 1 liter water per day. Woman, weigh 125. Thank you.
Borax
Posted by Paula (Bucyrus, Mo) on 03/12/2012
Hello Rosemary, I started the Borax today... Noticed no taste while drinking mixed in 1/8th teaspoon in 1 liter of water. No aftertaste. Toughest part was getting a liter of water down over the course of the morning/early afternoon. I know I should drink more water, so if nothing else happens, at least I know it's good for me.
I have been tested for B-12 deficiency, it was negative.. I do take a B-complex. I was low in D-3 but that has been taken care of.
I just hate this neurontin I am on... It just covers up the pain somewhat, does nothing to heal. I feel it has grown worse over time and now that I have cut down to just 1 tablet (300mg) the pain is not only in feet but calves are numb & it is getting harder to walk.
Thank you for your reply. Will be following this thread. Welcome anyone's sugesstions.. it not only hurts, it makes me extremely nervous...
Borax
Posted by Rosemary (White Rock, Bc, Canada) on 03/08/2012
★★★★★
Hello Paula, I've used the Borax remedy as a last ditch attempt to cure my aching hands, arches and metatarsalalgia.. It made a noticeable difference within 10 days and I am pain free after 2 months. Your neuropathy and foot problem sounds like a vitamin 12 deficiency I had. I had numb hands as well.. The B12 twice a day helped in literally days to relieve symproms. I had 6 of the 7 symproms listed.
http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/nutrition/food6.htm
Borax
Posted by Paula (Bucyrus, Mo) on 03/04/2012
I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis & Dr. tells me I also have peripheral neuropathy which has gotten progressively worse over last 2 yrs. Started as just a numb/tingling like feeling and increased to burning to finally shooting pains particularly in my left foot across top of foot. One can actually see the veins in my feet puff up... Only way I can describe. Doc has me on gabapentin 300 mg 3 times daily. He said I was "pretty much maxed out on this med" but has advised no changes.
I have 20 mule team Borax setting in my laundry room & have been reading for hours the pros and cons of this. Does anyone have any idea if this would help my feet. I want to take back control of my health as I don't feel the Dr. Is doing anything other than giving me a drug that treats the symptoms but does not heal. Thank you.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 01/16/2012 2048 posts
Brad, Acetyl-l-Carnitine is very similar molecule to Choline and has remarkably similar action on the body; so you might get the same results by supplementing some kind of Choline product (Soy or Sun Lecithin is a favorite). Either will work, but do not use both as they will only compete against each other.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Courtney (Granite Bay, Ca) on 01/14/2012
★★★★★
Neuropathy - have you tried Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements? It completely cured the neuropathy in my feet. I remain amazed at how well it worked.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Posted by Brad (Owensboro, Ky) on 01/14/2012
★★★★☆
I am not saying anything conclusive yet, but I have been taking Acetyl-l-carnitine for three days. I had numbness, tingling and sometimes burning in my feet. I have been taking 800mg daily. After three day they feel remarkably better. I will post further as time goes on.
Magnesium
Posted by Monique (Ellington, Ct) on 10/26/2011
Hi, I suffer from extreme neropathy pain in both feet. I'm constanly trying new "cures' but haven't tried the transdermal magnesium therapy. Thanks for the tip, it will be the next thing I try ASAP. I always wish some brillant doctor or person could create some type of "cooling gel" that could be injected into my feet and have the substance cover my nerve endings so that the pain message wouldn't go to my brain. Isn't there any way someone can do research andcome up with a cure. I'd be willing to invest my time with anyone respectable to research cures. I even went and had surgery and had a Spinal Cord Stimulator trial implanted in my spine at the Lehey Clinic but it didn't work for me. Supposedly, it can help a lot of people but it didn't reach my feet (the toughest location to get at) and added a tingling in my back and legs I couldn't stand. Other patients with success swear by the SCS so it may be something others out there can look into, there is also a nerve root stimulator I'm investigating. Best wishes to anyone with this disease. I know first hand how difficult it is to live in constant pain 24/7.
Monique
Magnesium
Posted by Michelle (Austin, Tx) on 04/08/2011
★★★★★
I have had peripheral neuropathy for years. I have discovered several things along my journey. The absolute best supplement (but not a cure) for me has been transdermal magnesium oil or gel. One of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is numbness/tingling. The reason to use the magnesium transdermally is that you can get more absorbed directly into your system without the possible side effect of diarrhea which can occur with oral dosages. I have tried many brands, but Ancient Minerals is hands-down, the best. It is made from condensed sea water. Since it can sting a little if you have sensitive skin, I just rub it on my feet twice a day and then put on socks. You should not use the magnesium if you have kidney problems or low blood pressure. If you do end up trying this, you may want to give it several weeks to a month before determining if it is helping you. Supposedly once magnesium is depleted, it is notoriously difficult to replete.
I have also discovered, that the main reason that I am so magnesium deficient is because my body is too acidic. Most people (myself included) consume a Western diet that consists of a of processed foods, meat, dairy, etc. , all of which are acidic. In the body's attempt to neutralize the acidity of the blood, it takes copius amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium from different places in the body (bones, etc) and uses them to buffer the blood (make it more alkaline). If your problems persist, you may want to try an alkaline diet. You can also drink water with 1/2 tsp of baking soda dissolved in it (on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to eating), as this greatly helps to alkalinize your body. Hope some of these suggestions help. I know how miserable it can be to experience these symptoms!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by T (Brooklyn, Ny) on 05/19/2010
Hi there. I was reading your post and I wondered to myself: have you ever been tested for heavy metals? I have read plus spoken w/ several holistic practitioners that say heavy metal toxicity may, or even perhaps, be linked to many neuro-degenerative diseases. I raise the issue because about two years ago, I mysteriously "came down" with a neurological disorder that not only affected the quality of my life (I was fairly healthy and happy-go-lucky) but also my ability to walk w/ both a straight or defined gait. That is, my vestibular system suddenly became out of whack and I felt (and still feel) like I am walking on foam all day long. Initially, I was told it was labyrinthitis, then just simply vertigo, then Meniere's, then it was incurable, then specialists didn't know....and so, you get the picture. :0(
After much research (of my own - traditional docs became useless) - I learned I am indeed suffering from heavy metal poisoning (I have six old amalgams one fairly recent - yr old - root canal that may have stirred up some dormant issues or introduced more metals into my system to which my immune system could no longer handle things efficiently).....and so as my body hit a "tipping point" - I was left w/ a laundry list of symptoms that had me suffering from incredible fatigue and pain. One of these symptoms - like u - was nerve pain in my hands, legs and feet. I thought I was developing peripheral neuropathy (but since I didn't want to go to the doctor anymore) I researched some remedies and found improving my diet helped a great deal, alongside doing TRANSDERMAL MAGNESIUM THERAPY.
When I learned that magnesium (a salt) is such an important macro-mineral in the body - and is especially important for the nervous system (both for conduction and relaxation)....I tried the remedy and have never had any more nerve pain symptoms (in my extremities) to date. I still have the gait issue but that I am working on as I still have the metals in my mouth (saving for the dental procedure to remove them by a holistic dentist). [As a sidenote: heavy metals are known for depleting the body of vital minerals.] When dealing w/ prolonged heavy metal exposure (or overall toxicity) our biochemical/electrolyte make-up becomes seriously compromised. Magnesium is one of those minerals that needs to be replenished in the body almost everyday. The remedy I use is in the form of a foot bath. Magnesium oil or magnesium bath flakes are the ideal choice. Allow your feet to soak in warm water (w/ the oil or flakes) for 20-30 mins. The Mgn works almost immediately as it is quickly absorbed through the pores on your soles of your feet. Its a pretty simple treatment but IT WORKS. I did this for a duration of 5-7 days straight....took a break for a wk or two (symptoms were gone at this point)....but if I felt like I was experiencing any other heavy metal related symptom (ie. joint/muscle pain, chest pain, teeth grinding)....I did it again....and the symptoms subsided. In essence, its a staple treatment I use (in conjunction w/ cleaning up my diet) to both manage and sustain my day-to-day functioning.
God Bless You!
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by R. (Dallas, Texas, Usa) on 05/16/2010
★★★★★
Peripheral Neuropathy: Better But Not Cured: If there is a cure? Just wanted to update with the latest from previous post. 3 months ago Rob and some others suggested Alpha Lipoic Acid. I have taken this for the last 3 months, and it has gotten much better! I started out with 1 100mg tablet, three times a day, and have had to add a 100mg tablet twice in 3 months, because the discomfort returns. But as soon as I up my dose, it goes away. I am currently taking 500mg a day. I guess I keep upping my dosage until I reach the maximum, then what? lol..
Multiple Remedies
Posted by R. (Dallas, Texas, Usa) on 02/17/2010
Thanks to Rob, Selena, and Saba for your responses!
Yes I have an underlying disease that causes this, as well as the meds I take for this disease can also cause neuropathy. And yes I have had all the relevant tests. Will go by some B-100 B complex, and some Alpha-lipoic acid. I have taken the Cayenne in capsule form for other problems as well, and it worked for that. So will mix it with oil as well. The neuropathy is mostly from my knees down to my toes. This Neuropathy is very frustrating mentally more that anything else, and after 19 years with this disease, this has been my biggest challenge yet. Will let you know how these new ideas work. And thank you all again!
Cayenne
Posted by Selena (Chula, Ga) on 02/16/2010
★★★★★
I have raynaud's syndrome where circulation is lost in my fingers and toes sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes for longer. the other day I had an episode with my pointer finger where it was white and cold from half my finger to the tip and I decided to try cayenne pepper. i mixed the cayenne pepper from my spice rack with some vco (any oil would probably have worked). my circulation started back quickly. This is the first time I have tried this. maybe it would help you as well....Be sure not to get it in your eyes and wash your hands good afterwards...because it will burn any cuts or sensitive areas you might have. I have also read that taking any type of blood pressure pills and/or mineral deficiencies cause neurapathies...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 02/16/2010
This from Dr. Weil...Your first step should be a general medical checkup to determine if an underlying disease or injury is the cause of your symptoms, and if so, to determine its nature. Your doctor should do complete blood work and may refer you to a neurologist who will probably do an EMG (electromyelogram) to assess muscles and nerve conduction. If you have no underlying disease, you can try one or all of the following strategies:
Take one B-100 B-complex vitamin daily. The B vitamins are necessary for normal nerve function, and supplementing is a good preventive measure. Do not take more than 200 mg of B-6, as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy.
Take 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily. This antioxidant protects microcirculation to the nerves. You can gradually increase the dose to 300 mg twice a day over the next month.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by R. (Dallas, Texas, Usa) on 02/16/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Does anyone have any suggestions to ease the discomfort or to cure Peripheral Neuropathy? I have been using ACV(twice a day), Baking Soda(once a day), Vitamins B6, E, Selenium, NAC(N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) and these are not helping yet. I am taking some prescription meds that are suppose to help, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline and these are not helping either. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Posted by Robert (Manhattan, New York) on 02/10/2009
Hi Mike you may try seeking the help of Qingcai Zhang, M.D. He has a long history in treating chronic viral diseases with modern Chinese herbal medicine and is based (I believe) in NYC.
http://www.sinomedresearch.org/drz.htm
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Posted by Mike (New York City, New York) on 02/09/2009
★★★★☆
I have been taking Acetyl-L-Carnetine for a couple years to combat my peripheral neuropathy. It has been recommended by a neurologist in New York. My feet are progressively doing worse but I don't know how much worse they would be without it. I also take Alpha Lypoic Acid. I take about 3000mg of Acetyl-L-Carnetine a day. I am looking for whatever works. I have the neuropathy through anti-hiv meds and possible from the virus itself.
