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DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy of the feet. The nerves are dying and it is a permanent loss.
Then I was told that a chiropractor could help. He said the nerves can be revived to some extent, but not fully. Question. Who is right, the neurologist or the chiropractor? Your answer will be greatly appreciated.
DEAR READER: Let’s review things before I attempt to answer your question.
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DEAR DR. GOTT: Please tell me about non-diabetic neuropathy of the feet. What causes it? Is there any cure?
DEAR READER: The word neuropathy signifies nerve damage. People commonly associate it with diabetes; however, a number of other possible causes for the disorder include alcoholism, hypothyroidism, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, celiac disease, deficiency of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), kidney and/or liver disorders, Guillain-Barre syndrome, varicella-zoster infection (shingles), hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, exposure to toxins, traumatic injury and more.
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DEAR DR. GOTT: Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy due to numbness on the bottoms of both feet. My podiatrist made the diagnosis. Because I was not a diabetic or an alcoholic, he diagnosed idiopathic PN. I was 75 at the time. He wanted to do muscle tests, which I turned down in favor of a second opinion at the local Mayo Clinic. Their tests showed the neuropathy to be present, and they suggested I take 600 milligrams per day of alpha-lipoic acid from my health-food store and exercise.
My neurologist prescribed 10 milligrams of baclofen for the few leg cramps I was getting at night. I declined after hearing the side effects from my pharmacist. Because the weather was hot, I decided to try a high-carb sports drink, which took away the cramps until the weather changed.
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DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. I am a 73-year-old female in generally good health. I’ve had gall-bladder surgery, a hysterectomy, cataract repair, and knee and shoulder replacements.
I noticed a tingling feeling in my left middle finger, left foot and then my right foot. I went to a podiatrist, who prescribed gabapentin. I am now taking 300 milligrams three times a day, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. It is a disturbing feeling that keeps me awake at night until I finally fall asleep from exhaustion. During the night, the tingling seems to go away, but as soon as I start walking, it starts up again.
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DEAR DR. GOTT: Please comment on neuropathy. How does one get it, what medication treats it, and is it curable? Can it be caused by a broken toe?
DEAR READER: Neuropathy can be defined as a disorder or disease of the nervous system. Because you provide limited information, I cannot determine which form, if any, you might have. Unless your toe fracture was quite traumatic, it’s my guess it’s not likely to have resulted in neuropathy.
Autonomic neuropathy refers to damage to nerves over which we have no control, such as those of digestion, perspiration, blood pressure and heartbeat. Symptoms can include dizziness and fainting on standing (orthostatic hypotension), caused by a drop in blood pressure; gastroparesis (difficulty digesting food), causing diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite and bloating; exercise intolerance, during which the heart rate remains stable despite the level of activity; hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) [Read more...]
DEAR DR. GOTT: What are the possible reasons for my extremely cold feet and toes?
DEAR READER: There are a number of possible causes, including exposure to cold, hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral-artery disease and Raynaud’s. Many disorders share symptoms, so you might need some follow-up.
If you were exposed to extreme cold without adequate protection, exposure could be the answer. Perhaps you were outside for a long time in frigid temperatures without benefit of socks, footwear or warm boots.
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DEAR DR. GOTT: During the latter part of 2007, I was diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer. My doctors recommended chemotherapy treatments from November 2007 to May 2008.
I underwent surgery in June 2008 for removal of the bladder, prostate and two lymph nodes. In July, my kidneys failed, and that, too, was successfully treated. So far, so good. I’m doing fine and have regained my weight back to 216 pounds.
Unfortunately, the surgery has left me with numb feet — no pain, just numb. After several doctor visits, including trips to a neurologist, podiatrist and neurosurgeon, I have been told that this is a side effect from the chemotherapy. [Read more...]
DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 90-year-old veteran of World War II and have had peripheral neuropathy for several years. My feet burn all night. I have been taking Neurontin for many years, but it doesn’t seem to help any. Can you please help with my situation?
DEAR READER:
Peripheral neuropathy causes pain, numbness, tingling, or burning of the extremities. It can result from infection, exposure to heavy metals or other toxins, infection, metabolic disorders, and more. Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the types of nerves affected. Those with alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid, kidney, liver or specific autoimmune disorders are at high risk for the condition. I cannot determine from your letter what caused your problem; nevertheless, the point now is to improve your quality of life. [Read more...]
DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have written about peripheral neuropathy several times. I would like to share my experience with you and your readers.
I am a cancer survivor and have suffered with this condition for more than eight years. I have severe burning, tingling and pain in my feet due to chemotherapy. Then a few years ago my sister-in-law came across an article about neuropathy in a magazine. The article talked about a new treatment called Anodyne therapy.
After doing some research, I decided I had nothing to lose and gave it a try. I had a total of 16 treatments at a local outpatient therapy center. After only six treatments, the pain in my feet was much better. The throbbing and burning were totally gone. [Read more...]
DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 74-year-old female diabetic and take 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. My morning blood sugars are around 160 and they drop to the 129-140 range at night. A snack of graham crackers and peanut butter doesn’t help. I’ve started 1000 mg of cinnamon daily, but haven’t noticed any change yet.
My feet are now showing some nerve damage. Any help would be appreciated.
DEAR READER:
Metformin is an oral medication prescribed for people with type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. The normal dosing for oral medication is 500 mg taken twice daily, while the extended release form is taken once daily in a 500 mg tablet. Therefore, I am rather surprised you are on 2000 mg daily. This appears to be a hefty dose with less than perfect results. Normal blood sugars run in the [Read more...]
Disclaimer: All information contained herein is the opinion and view of the writer. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed and is not meant to malign any pharmaceutical company, organization, religion, ethnic group, or individual. Readers should consult their personal physicians or specialists before adopting any of the recommendations or drawing inference from information contained herein. The writer specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, risk -- personal or otherwise -- incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of any material provided.
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