Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a great natural choice.

Physicians in Germany have been treating neuropathy with Alpha Lipoic Acid since 1959 with very positive results.

Mayo Clinic was involved in a Russian study using this supplement with 120 people, ages 17 to 74, who suffered with peripheral neuropathy. The study was double blind and the results were very positive. The treatment used by the Mayo clinic was done by intravenous dose but Alpha Lipoic Acid capsules are available at most health food stores.

Suggested dose is 1,200 to 1,800 mgs per day, divided.

Other homeopathic choices are:

Aconite is for shooting pains, tingling, numbness, burning, and swelling in the hands and feet.

Belladonna is best for pain that comes on suddenly, especially with redness. Pains shoot along hips, back, and thighs.

Cantharsis is indicated if the soles of the feet tingle and burn.

Fer Phos will be best to treat burning and pain in the shoulder with swelling in the hands.

Mag Phos will often stop muscle spasms and cramping.

Hypericum will soothe neuralgia and pains in the toes, fingers, and limbs.

Harmonize Naturelle is a combination of essential oils, herbs, and vitamin E that is massaged into the skin.

Cayenne has been used with some success as an external treatment for neuropathic pain.

St. John's Wort is being used with promising results to relieve nerve pain.

Skullcap is soothing to the entire nervous system. Take fifteen drops of skullcap tincture in glass of water three to six times a day, or as needed for pain relief.

Vitamin B-6 deficiency can worsen or even cause neuropathic pain. Take 100 mgs of B-6 per day but do not go over that dose. This vitamin is most effective when taken in conjunction with a B vitamin complex.

Evening Primrose oil can help stop nerve damage and keep neuropathy from getting worse.

Magnesium can be taken in two doses of 800 mgs each. It helps to soothe the nerves and calm the system.

Acupuncture has relieved the pain of some people.

Since western medical doctors don't readily accept naturopathic or homeopathic treatments, it is usually best to find a specialist in this area to guide you.

Thank you Socksfuzz. I didnt think anyone was going to respond. I am at my wits end. I will try some of these, as more than one appylies to me. I think the Lipoic Acid will be my first to try. Thanks again. Joanne

Hi Goldilox, I have taken both medicines, and yes the lyrica is better than the gabipentin, but with my insurance the lyrica has a $50.00 copay and ghe gabipentin has a $10.00 so I use the gabipentin. Lyrica causes weight gain. A friend of mine gained 40 pounds. I asked my doc about it, and all he said was calories in, fat on. I have found it does make me crave food, so you will hav eto learn to control it if that happens to you. I do feel better on either drug tho, my hip pain goes away. Good luck Sandy

Another thing they prescribe specifically for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is cymbalta but it can sometimes have horrendous side effects. It helped my neuropathy but threw the rest of my body for a loop -- just awful -- and yet a good friend of mind had no side effects at all.

SockFuzz, thanks for mentioning the alpha lipoic acid, as I think I will look into it also.

Goldi dear, I don't know much about the neuropathy, but have a couple of questions for you about it. Are your feet painful to have touched? Or is it an ongoing pain that touch has no effect on?
I haven't had neuropathy diagnosed, but did recently have a bad episode of tendonitis in one of my feet. When they hurt it really makes it tough to do the things we need to do stay as healthy as possible. My foot guy ended up shooting the foot with cortisone and put me on rest with gentle stretching exercises and warm compresses. I don't know if the warm compresses would help you any or not, but it could be worth a shot. Also, I do believe that accupuncture can help. When cortisone did absolutely nothing for a shoulder problem my mom had I took her to an accupuncturist I know and got her taking D-ribose supplements along with Omega 3 and condrotin supplements. But, since D-ribose is a type of sugar, I don't think it'd be very good for us diabetics. But, between the accupunture and supplements, the shoulder cleared up a lot. Personally, I enjoy reflexology which is done on the feet and is said to help balance the body's systems. It's quite a bit stronger than a simple massage, but it helps keep the flowing to the foot tissues.
I don't know if I've given you anything to consider, but sweetie, you're certainly in my thoughts and prayers. Chronic pain is a b#$^h to live with it and nobody should have to endure that.

oops, meant to say the reflexology helps keep the blood flowing to the tissues. Duh. It's definitely late and I can't type tonight.

Thank you so much Tuxedomom....The pain is ongoing and touch does not make it feel any different. It is a searing pain, like tiny hot pockers being put all over your feet. Also pins and needles like they are falling asleep and you cant shake it out. They also are totally numb in spots and feel sore, like you have been mall walking for hours and hours.My husband rubs them with cream for an hour every night and it does feel better , for me LOL I think it helps the circulation, but it doesnt last for long. I am on lots of omega 3, vitamim B,D and calcium.

bump in consideration of the other neuropathy thread

I like alpha Lipoic but be careful, if the capsule gets lodged in your throat and melts open you will be in for a very unpleasant surprise!!! They don't call it an acid for no reason!!! Drink lots of water and take the alpha lipoic with food and lots of water! You don't want that puppy opening up in your throat\esophagus. I also use a TENS unit on my fingers, usually right before I play a show (Guitar player) and that gives my fingers some relief. It works on feet too!

As always, check with your doc before you make any changes. They are there to guide you!
Good health to all!
Mark!

Hi, Sockfuzz has a good list of supplements. I take magnesium, evening primrose oil and a B-supplement, among others, for my Lyme. I take St. John's wort for mood.

The "Lymies" are all over neuropathy. It's a really common problem there. I'm going to cross post your symptoms and see what they have to say. I know Lyrica is popular!

Are steroids allowed for diabetics? I got a shot once when my shoulders were killing me and it helped. But they weaken the immune system and of course are not for long term use.

(If I can make a tiny request, Socks, please don't call these "homeopathic". To me and in other places in the world homepathic medicine is when they sell you a bottle of water for $35. I like the term "nutritional supplement" better. Or even "alternative medicines". It's just a pet peeve, a doctor actually sold me some of the water stiff once!)

-FM