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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Ginger A Natural Alternative For Treating Foot Pain Caused Post Chemotherapy?

Would you recommend ginger as a natural alternative for a male experiencing foot pain from the side effects of chemotherapy. Diagnoses is colon rectal cancer? My name is Cheryl, I am concerned for my boyfriend. He hasn t had any chemo meds in 1 1/2 years and is in constant pain, and does not sleep well at all.
Mon, 15 May 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi Cheryl

Ginger has many health benefits including being anti-inflammatory.

The pain your boyfriend describes is most likely neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by nerve injury which is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. There is limited scientific studies on the treatment of neuropathic pain with ginger, however it has been used and is generally safe to try in safe amounts ( ie eating ginger, added to food, water). Certain foods as a rule are avoided when taking chemotherapy but your boyfriend has stopped chemotherapy.

I will also advise the medical management of his problem so you may try these options if the ginger does not provide enough pain relief:
A healthy nutritious diet.
Vitamin C supplementation.
Pyridoxine 25mg daily may be of benefit.
Antidepressant medication such as amitriptyline can be taken at night to help with the pain as well as with his sleep.
Anti seizure medication such as carbamazepine can also be used up to twice a day for nerve pain.
Pregabalin twice a day is also an effective option. Your doctor will need to prescribe these.

Although the above medication is not natural, they are effective in treating nerve pain.
Vitamin C and pyridoxine are natural.

I certainly hope your boyfriend feels better.
Take care.
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Is Ginger A Natural Alternative For Treating Foot Pain Caused Post Chemotherapy?

Hi Cheryl Ginger has many health benefits including being anti-inflammatory. The pain your boyfriend describes is most likely neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by nerve injury which is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. There is limited scientific studies on the treatment of neuropathic pain with ginger, however it has been used and is generally safe to try in safe amounts ( ie eating ginger, added to food, water). Certain foods as a rule are avoided when taking chemotherapy but your boyfriend has stopped chemotherapy. I will also advise the medical management of his problem so you may try these options if the ginger does not provide enough pain relief: A healthy nutritious diet. Vitamin C supplementation. Pyridoxine 25mg daily may be of benefit. Antidepressant medication such as amitriptyline can be taken at night to help with the pain as well as with his sleep. Anti seizure medication such as carbamazepine can also be used up to twice a day for nerve pain. Pregabalin twice a day is also an effective option. Your doctor will need to prescribe these. Although the above medication is not natural, they are effective in treating nerve pain. Vitamin C and pyridoxine are natural. I certainly hope your boyfriend feels better. Take care.