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Would Acupuncture Or Asian Treatments Help Cure Neuropathy In The Feet When Gabapentin And Lyrica Didn't Provide Relief?
Question: i have neuropathy in my feet. Have seen family dr & podiatrist & neurologist. Have been prescribed gabapentin & lyrica with no relief. Took gabapentin in high dosage & now lyrica 25 mg 2 pills 2X day. No relief. Now I am thinking of looking into alternative treatments. Any hope acupuncture or other Asian treatments will help?
Brief Answer:
Further necessary information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
After reviewing your case history, I am of the following opinion:
1. Since you have been examined by a Podiatrist/Neurologist and then put on medication, probably they must have given due importance in excluding concerned with neuropathy.
2. Initially rule out diabetes, calcium/salt deficiency and treat accordingly, i.e. consult with:
i. A medical specialist [for blood sugar] since it is a rule that in all peripheral neuropathies, rule out diabetes and
ii. An orthopedic surgeon for [X-ray LS- spine for sciatica, disc prolapse [lumbar degenerative disc disease], TB spine, osteoporosis].
Most of the times, it could be due to calcium deficiency, in chronic or resistant cases, give Vitamin-E - long-term therapy, moreover in your age [70], exclude vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. If getting time and again make sure to exclude causes like vigorous exercise, trauma to the muscle, keeping the leg in an awkward position for too long and make sure to consult a vascular surgeon for Doppler study to exclude the possibility of DVT [deep vein thrombosis]
Make sure to take dark, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, fortified tofu, yogurt with banana [good combination of calcium, potassium] to help with muscle cramps.
Make an appointment with your doctor, since there is lack of sensation in the foot can increase your risk of foot wounds, trips, and falls and your wound may not heal properly if decreased circulation is the problem, so make sure to
- Wash the feet daily, dry them, inspect them & then sprinkle a lot of talcum powder.
- Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
- Wear soft cotton socks and canvas shoes, avoid tight fitting shoes and slippers.
- Cut nails carefully and always after a bath, when they are soft.
PS. One can try injection calcium with Vitamin C 10 cc I/V slow for 5 days daily.
4. Since you are from the United States, you may contact the XXXX XXXX Acupuncture for a licensed acupuncturist regarding treatment regime and cost. Since the efficacy of any system of Medicine will depend on a critical number of surviving neurons, one has to go for a periodic/regular checkup.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood
Consultant Physician
Further necessary information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
After reviewing your case history, I am of the following opinion:
1. Since you have been examined by a Podiatrist/Neurologist and then put on medication, probably they must have given due importance in excluding concerned with neuropathy.
2. Initially rule out diabetes, calcium/salt deficiency and treat accordingly, i.e. consult with:
i. A medical specialist [for blood sugar] since it is a rule that in all peripheral neuropathies, rule out diabetes and
ii. An orthopedic surgeon for [X-ray LS- spine for sciatica, disc prolapse [lumbar degenerative disc disease], TB spine, osteoporosis].
Most of the times, it could be due to calcium deficiency, in chronic or resistant cases, give Vitamin-E - long-term therapy, moreover in your age [70], exclude vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. If getting time and again make sure to exclude causes like vigorous exercise, trauma to the muscle, keeping the leg in an awkward position for too long and make sure to consult a vascular surgeon for Doppler study to exclude the possibility of DVT [deep vein thrombosis]
Make sure to take dark, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, fortified tofu, yogurt with banana [good combination of calcium, potassium] to help with muscle cramps.
Make an appointment with your doctor, since there is lack of sensation in the foot can increase your risk of foot wounds, trips, and falls and your wound may not heal properly if decreased circulation is the problem, so make sure to
- Wash the feet daily, dry them, inspect them & then sprinkle a lot of talcum powder.
- Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
- Wear soft cotton socks and canvas shoes, avoid tight fitting shoes and slippers.
- Cut nails carefully and always after a bath, when they are soft.
PS. One can try injection calcium with Vitamin C 10 cc I/V slow for 5 days daily.
4. Since you are from the United States, you may contact the XXXX XXXX Acupuncture for a licensed acupuncturist regarding treatment regime and cost. Since the efficacy of any system of Medicine will depend on a critical number of surviving neurons, one has to go for a periodic/regular checkup.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood
Consultant Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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