Suggest Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy In The Ankles And Feet

Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017

Question: I have peripheral non diabetic neuropathy and my ankles and feet have started stinging quite badly. Can you help?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Target the cause of neuropathy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

While I am sorry to say this, there is no treatment for peripheral neuropathy current treatment guidelines only target the cause of neuropathy.
In your case nutritional deficiencies are very common at this age. While toxic cause like drugs and heavy minerals cannot be ruled out as well.
I suggest you to take Vitamin B12 and Folic acid supplements regularly talking to your physician.
Nerve conduction tests are regularly performed in middle age patients I am not sure of its efficacy in your case.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (40 hours later)

I accept that there is no cure for neuropathy. My nutrition is fine and I am not on regular drugs. It is the stinging I get in my feet and ankles that I need some help with. My ankles are also very stiff and swollen to some extent. Exercise does not help and indeed tends to make things worse. I am not diabetic and have sound heart, lungs liver etc. I do, however, get nausea most days. Can you help?
Sorry, two questions not one.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get checked for ankle swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The reason for tingling could be swollen and stiff ankles. So it means you have to get checked for the causes of ankle swelling now. That means it is edema which causes tingling. Poor circulation and damaged lymphatics cause this.
Osteoarthritis is also common. You should visit a Geriatrics specialist now.
I can accept any number of questions. Please feel free to ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar