For about six years, I’ve dealt with tingling and electric sensations in my soles, which has now spread to my ankles. Every test—MRI, nerve conduction, X-rays—came back clear. My blood sugar is fine, and I’m not a heavy drinker. A podiatrist suggested plantar fasciitis, but that doesn’t match my symptoms at all. Physical therapy and various insoles haven’t done a thing. Only OTC meds like Tylenol or Aleve provide minor relief. I’ve basically labeled it “idiopathic neuropathy,” which feels like a fancy way of saying nobody knows. I’m starting to wonder if a real diagnosis would even change anything.
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My primary doctor, whom I really trust, told me a neurologist wouldn’t have much to offer besides Gabapentin. He wrote me a script for it himself. I eventually insisted on a referral, which took six months. After a year and three visits, it turns out my doctor was right. The tests just confirmed it was idiopathic neuropathy. Since Gabapentin is the only real option they provide, I’ve stopped going to the neurologist for the time being.
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Gabapentin seems to provide some relief. It’s basically the standard response and worth trying. Just start it and see if it helps; that’s the only solution my doctors had. I haven’t had many side effects, though it’s more noticeable at higher doses. You might feel a bit out of it for a day or two while adjusting.
I spent eight years in that boat. Doctors ran every test imaginable—blood work, MRIs—but couldn’t pin it down. Since I had muscle wasting and leg weakness, a neurologist finally suggested a nerve and muscle biopsy, which confirmed CIDP. In those eight years, I lost a lot of strength and now use a wheelchair. Wishing you the best.
I can’t take Gabapentin because it makes me feel suicidal (it actually has a black box warning for that). I have similar reactions to most psych meds, so the standard symptom treatments are off the table for me. We eventually discovered my neuropathy stems from neurological Sjogrens Disease. Treating the underlying condition, along with diet changes, has lowered my inflammation so much that the neuropathy is almost gone. I only get tingling if I overexert myself or have a flare-up. Finding the root cause definitely matters.
Do your symptoms change based on how you’re sitting or standing? I had similar issues—electric tingling and numbness starting in my feet and moving up to my knees, plus balance problems. A spine specialist initially doubted it was my back despite MRI evidence of stenosis, but physical therapy showed my symptoms were very posture-dependent. Certain movements would stop the tingling, while others triggered it. I ended up getting targeted epidural steroid injections, and they’ve been life-changing. My balance is back, and most of the electrical sensations are gone. I’m likely looking at surgery next, but just knowing the cause is a massive relief.
I’ve had chemo-induced neuropathy for nearly two decades. I tried everything early on with no luck and ended up on heavy opioids for years. Quitting those was brutal. Someone mentioned Kratom, and it turned out to be the most effective thing for that burning, stinging pain. I’ve used it since 2018. Don’t listen to the negative press; it’s related to the coffee plant and has great medicinal properties. Pharmaceutical companies just can’t patent it, so they try to scare people away.
Yes, it helps. Once I had a diagnosis, I was finally taken seriously, and we were able to identify the actual cause.
Have you looked into your spine? It could be a pinched nerve in your back causing the foot issues.