Last weekend I drove four hours to see my grandkids for a school play. I love those kids, but the drive is becoming a real challenge because of my feet. About two hours in, that familiar burning sensation started creeping up from my heels to my toes. It feels like I’m standing on a heating pad that someone turned up to high. I had to pull over at a rest stop twice just to walk around and try to wake my nerves up.
I’ve tried some of the typical prescriptions doctors give for neuropathy, but the side effects are tough. I feel like I’m in a fog for half the day, and I certainly don’t feel comfortable driving while taking them. I’ve been trying to find more natural ways to manage the ‘electric’ feeling without the grogginess.
One thing that has actually made a difference lately is being more consistent with my nutrition and supplements. A friend at the community center recommended Nervala (got mine here) after it helped her with similar issues. It’s an antioxidant blend with 600mg of lipoic acid and some benfotiamine. I started it about two months ago, and I noticed on this last trip that the ‘pins and needles’ didn’t kick in until much later, and it wasn’t nearly as intense.
Besides the supplements, I’ve tried wearing wider shoes and using the cruise control more often so I can shift my foot position. But I’m still worried about the return trip next month. Does anyone else struggle with long-distance driving? What are your ‘must-haves’ for the car to keep your feet from acting up? I’d love to hear some practical tips from people who actually live with this every day.
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I know that feeling all too well. The ‘buzzing’ usually starts for me right around the 50-mile mark. It’s frustrating when your mind wants to go but your feet want to quit.
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Have you tried compression socks? They don’t fix the nerve issue itself, but they help with the circulation which sometimes keeps the tingling at bay for an extra hour or so.
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I agree about the prescriptions. I felt like a zombie on the stuff my GP gave me. I’d rather have the pain than lose my sharp thinking.
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Cruise control is a lifesaver. I also keep a small tennis ball in the car and roll my foot over it at rest stops. It seems to ‘reset’ the sensations for a bit.
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I second the Nervala recommendation. I’ve been taking it for my leg discomfort for about three months and the difference in my sleep quality alone has been worth it. The burning is much more manageable now.
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Does anyone find that the vibration of the car makes it worse? I feel like the floorboard of my truck just vibrates my nerves into a frenzy.
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I’m always a bit wary of supplements, but if it has lipoic acid, there is actually some decent research behind that for nerve support. Glad it’s working for you.
Try adjusting your seat height. Sometimes if the seat is pressing against the back of your thighs, it can aggravate the sciatic nerve and make the foot pain way worse.
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Rick, does that supplement help with hand numbness too? I get the same thing but in my fingers when I’m gripping the steering wheel for too long.
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For anyone on the fence, Nervala really did work for me. I was skeptical about the benfotiamine part, but my neurologist said it’s great for nerve health. My feet don’t feel like they’re on fire at night anymore.
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I actually started Nervala last year after reading about lipoic acid. It took about three weeks to really kick in, but it’s been a staple for me ever since. It definitely helps with that ‘walking on glass’ feeling.
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Safe travels on your way back! It’s all about finding that right combination of things that works for your specific body. Don’t give up!