Wellness

[Ainhisg]

Several months ago, I had a slight stinging pain (best way to describe it--burning/stinging) develop on the inner side of my right ankle.  It is only when I get up from a seated/prone position and lasts several steps before disappearing.  It is not a pain that is on the outer layer of the skin; it is a pain from within.  My internist wrote the next paragraph in his notes.  (My insurance network has an online portal, so I can see test results, notes, etc.)

"She has suffered a bit of a stretching nerve injury and a tiny cutaneous nerve near the right ankle. Her examination is not consistent with heel spurs or Achilles tendinitis. It is minimal but annoying and she is going to
continue to monitor long-term."

At the time, he said he could write me a prescription for gabapentin, but I declined, as the stinging/burning was annoying more than anything else.  As an aside, I don't remember any kind of an injury that would have resulted in this issue, but I digress.  Well, fast forward 7 months, and the stinging/burning has increased in intensity, and it is taking several steps for it to stop.  (ETA:  The pain was about a 1 when it started and is now a 3.  It does not hurt when I sleep or am sitting--only upon the movement of getting up and starting to walk and then disappears within several steps.) My doctor prescribed the gabapentin, but after one capsule--NO WAY-NO HOW.  I took it at 8:15pm, but it took me until almost noon the next day to feel like I wasn't drugged up.  Did it help the stinging?  Yes.  But was it worth the side effects?  No--at least not yet.

So I would like to try some OTC supplements, creams, etc. instead of the gabapentin to see if I can get some relief.  For background, I am in pretty darn perfect health for someone who is 58.  Thin (5'6, 130 pounds), exercise (power walk/weights), not diabetic (have had it checked for another issue), keep up with all medical tests, see my doctor regularly, etc.

I bought a compression sock, and interestingly enough, that has helped some.  But I can't wear it all the time and really want to get this thing under control.

If you can recommend a supplement, cream, etc. that might help, I would really appreciate it.  It would be helpful if you could tell the brand, strength, dosage, etc. of whatever you take.  Thank you for reading this long post, and a special thank you if anyone has any recommendations.

[decaf]

Through experience, I am an expert at damaged nerves caused by injury.  You must see a specialist, please see an orthopedic doctor who specializes in feet/ ankles. Not a podiatrist.  See if they want to do neurological testing, MRI, etc.

Your doctor has basically stated in your records that he has no idea what is causing this.  Please don't wait, these injuries become chronic quickly.  Good luck.

[Teddie]

@Ainhisg  I have some thoughts on this subject and want to answer you but I’ll have to come back later this afternoon to give you a proper reply. 

I’m very sorry for the pain you’re going through. I know how much something like this can affect us. 

[hopi]

Ice packs

[sweetee2]

In order to release the nerve you have to use ice bags to get the swelling down. 

[on the bay]

@Ainhisg,

I felt the same about gabapentin!

I was prescribed the rx but thought oh I'll try the gabapentin capsules first. Even with those I felt drugged the next day-awful.

Plus I'd tried the rx or was it neurontin then and it didn't help at all with pain.

Someone here recommended Alpha Lipoic Acid for nerve pain. I tried it for my hands and thought it helped a lot. I take 200mg capsules, twice a day if I remember. No side effects that I've experienced.You can get it at Walmart, Target etc or most drug stores,  online vitamin, herb stores, amazon, etc. 

For the topical side I also think 100% aloe vera helps soothe stinging burning pain. You can buy that at any drug store or online.

I think it depends on the doctor. I've had lots of foot issues too like most of us and I had a wonderful podiatrist. They are experienced with all kinds of foot/ankle pain.  Especially since it is in that one place.

[nevergivesup]

@Ainhisg @I don’t have any advice but I just wanted to say I’m very sorry you are suffering with this. I hope you will find help soon.

[newagain888888]

I agree with @on the bay's suggestion of using alpha-lipoic acid for nerve pain. It's at the top of my list. I've also found L-arginine to help. L-arginine works by dialating the blood vessels, increasing oxygen supply.

B-12, Vit. E, Vit. C, Omega fatty acid, and Tumeric might help as well.

[wagirl]

Nerve pain/ injury takes a VERY long time to heal---I have it in my feet and fingers due to chemo I had in 2012--took gaba once--same reaction you had from it--and took many of the so called herbal remedies to no avail---took many types of b vitamins too--nothing---I think you need to see a specialist and maybe a neurologist----I do use a CBD cream that helps somewhat---but don't waste your time and $$ on supplements until you know what is going on. Mine has gotten worse and now I am going to have to see someone about it--probably a neurologist.

[on the bay]

@Ainhisg,

 Also just make sure to read about all side effects and interactions with any supplement or vitamin you try.

And if you experience any new symptoms, always look at what you are taking/doing differently.