Peripheral Neuropathy and Compression Socks

[testing765]

Hello. I had 6 months of folfox chemotherapy in 2014. Now in 2023 I am still dealing with peripheral neuropathy from that chemotherapy. I am not diabetic. I used gabapentin in the past without much success. I have pregabalin, it helps some I think, but I still experience the neuropathy. I have the neuropathy when weight bearing, if I am sitting or lying down I do not feel the neuropathy. I have tried laser therapy, I am not really sure if that helped at all.

I am wondering if anyone has used compression socks with success in treating the neuropathy? If so, is there a type of compression sock that you recommend? I will be starting a new job that will involve a lot of walking and standing, so I am trying to see if compression socks may help with the neuropathy.

Also, would it help if I saw a neurologist? Thus far, only my oncologist and primary care doctor have dealt with the neuropathy that I have. Maybe a neurologist would have different/better treatment methods?

Thanks.

[testing765]

Thank you the advice prayingforccr. I am not sure where I will find a hyperbaric oxygen tank, but I would try one if I found one.

[Nor Cal]

I went to a specialist for compression socks, and they cost something like $200. Then I bought several pairs at Sockwell and they worked just as well. My neuropathy certainly hasn't resolved, but the socks do seem to offer some benefit.

[zephyr]

Can't answer the compression sock questions but there are PT exercises you can do to help stimulate the nerves, and you can make your own props. The idea is to introduce different textures. For example, get something large enough to hold your entire foot and deep enough to fill with enough rice to cover your foot (try Asian markets for the rice). I used one of those plastic (pink) rectangular hospital buckets/tubs they give you. Now toss into the rice a few coins - quarters, nickels, dimes - maybe some different size marbles and other small stuff. Mix well. Put your foot in the rice and try to pick up the little things with your toes. Do this a few times a day while watching TV or whatever. Here's another: get an Ace bandage and roll it into a roll. Cover with velcro. Roll your feet/toes over it. One more: find a very, very soft brush and brush your toes/feet. That kind of thing. Be creative. The trick is different textures. Hope this helps.

[testing765]

Those are some really good ideas Zephyr. I appreciate you sharing them with me. I will try them out.

[testing765]

Walking on the beach sounds like fun. And I'm on vacation in Fort Lauderdale now. So I have a great beach to use.