[Closed] peripheral neuropathy?

*waves*

Good news and bad news.

The actual neuropathy won’t stop you from riding bikes (if its just in your feet). You do, however, need to keep a very close eye on the condition of your feet, as any cuts, nicks, blisters etc have a very high risk of infection, which if left unchecked will lead to bits having to be cut off. Even if it doesn’t get that far, you’ll be off the bike until anything heals, after a healthy dose of antibiotics. Watch out for excessive dry skin build up too, as blisters can form underneath, and go deep into your foot without you feeling it, that’s what ruined me a couple of years ago, still recovering...

Ive had it for about 13 years now. It won’t stop you riding at all. I’m my case it did take a long time to get to get used to it. I was only able to walk comfortably with gabapentine for about 5 years. I also fall over if I close my eyes!!

Also, steer clear of South African national parks, and/or Rats.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45323426

I had it ('it' - peripheral neuropathy - being a symptom rather than a specific condition) from knees down to toes in both legs.

Came on very suddenly and wasn't only numb but all the related muscles were paralysed - it meant I could stand on tiptoes but couldn't lift my foot (for instance to work the pedals in a car) and couldn't walk properly as I couldn't lift the front of my foot to land on my heal

The symmetry and suddenness worried my doc as it can be a sign of impending Guillain-Barré syndrome so was rushed into hospital partly for days of brain and spine scans in case it was something like MS and partly to be closer to a life support machine is it was GBS.

Turned out to be neither but there isn't really a neurologist in my region - theres is one somewhere but in over 6 months living with the condition I never got to see them. Gradually the symptoms resolved themselves and I was signed off without ever finding out what caused it.

One thing I could do easier than anything was ride a bike. I had to have orthotics made to be able to walk properly and had to undergo an NHS driving assessment to keep my license.

If your symptoms include any movement / muscle issues - not being able to move your toes for instance ( I could curl mine down but couldn't lift them up) rather than just numbness then it might be worth seeking physio and / or an orthotocist as you can get issue were the still-active muscles shrink / shorten because they're not being opposed by the numb/paralysed ones

In and of itself it doesn't affect riding much being mainly fingers and lower legs.
A more important question is what is causing it as its a symptom of many different things more than anything. (which in my case I know) Probably its more important to find out WHY

I have to watch for cuts on my hands and shins etc. and quite often someone tells me I'm gushing blood from something I can't feel. As a positive I clean stuff out with a toothbrush or something and stick on antiseptic so it balances out a bit.

In my case B12 has halted and possibly improved the neuropathy

Cheers all!

I've now had mild symptoms for 20 years.

Got it initially in 2001 after a bike crash and a damaged nerve in my neck ( water on the nerve was the diagnosis) - after a course of steroids it subsided to a slight difference between hands. I liken it to wearing a latex glove on my right hand. When it first happened i had FULL pins and needles from my neck all the way down on just my right hand side. I was a wreck and could not button a shirt, hold things.
After 6 months a shed load of tests and drugs it got better. Still have it - but i on;y notice in my hand

A few years ago after a disc decided to relocate its self in my neck ( which resulted in a new one ) and more MRI's than you can shake a stick at the consultant reckoned the previous issue was from a herniated disc! Glad i paid for BUPA at the time - no waiting 🙂

Well, my GP and physio are adamant that the numbness in my foot and loss of use of my right calf muscle are sciatica related, but Googling peripheral neuropathy has not cheered me up!

I have this on and off as one of the many, many significant side effects of Fluoroquinolone Toxicity. If anyone with PN has been given a flouroquinolone (Cipro, Ofloxacin etc) in the past and hasn't been given a reason for the PN, this may well be the cause. The medical profession are somewhat reluctant to make the link, despite FQs recently being banned in Europe.

Count me in too! Mine developed as a side effect to my lymphoma diagnosis and subsequent treatment of. Mine is limited to my toes/soles of feet and sometimes my calfs but toes are definitely worst. Buying shoes is now a bit of a nightmare so now go up 1/2 a sizeish which has certainly helped.
If/when my feet/calfs are especially sore then I use Homedics Circulation machine which uses electro stimulation to improve blood flow ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/HoMedics-CB-200-GB-Homedics-Circulation-Device/dp/B00CV3XDKS)

Well, my GP and physio are adamant that the numbness in my foot and loss of use of my right calf muscle are sciatica related, but Googling peripheral neuropathy has not cheered me up!

He might not be wrong - PN is a symptom - can be a symptom of lots of things including sciantica. Sciatica is typically one-sided.

Just to clarify,I've not been to the doctor yet! It could be anything but googling has shit me up.

Ah, well "shitmeupitis" is quite a common side effect of Googling your symptoms before you see the GP 😉

googling has shit me up.

try 5 days in hospital googling GBS and finding Paulosoxo’s threads on here while waiting for a brain scan 🙂

btw ‘periferal neuropathy’ is a bit of a long word for someone who’s not seen a doctor!

I’ve had similar symptoms for around a year now. On the plus side it probably won’t stop you riding any time soon. I’m still biking and generally miss behaving.

Stop googling though, that way madness lies. Get to the doctor and take it from there. You’re unlikely to get a quick diagnosis though.