I have a relative with Neuropathy in the foot, he has tried Alpha Lipoic Acid for several weeks, and supposedly that did not help.
I found Capsaicin (topical) Cream, Gotu Kola, and Evening Primrose Oil as possible solutions from the University of Maryland, Mayo Clinic, and University of Michigan Medical Databases.
So,which is more effective? Anyone with any experiences of these complementary alternative treatments? (Any treatment that I have overlooked?)
If Diabetic, try mega dose of Vitamins B complex.
If not, you need to know the cause, yet some antidepressants may help.
You might have your relative try another brand and a higher strength of Alpha Lipoic Acid. The reason I say this is because of my own experience. I used 600 mg. once a day for my neuropathy problem in my feet and it greatly helped it. Since then, I buy it as soon as I run out and I’ve stayed with the strength (600 mg. ) that made the difference. Buy a reputable brand. If that doesn’t work, keep trying other things. My doctor also prescribed me B-6 and B-12 for nerve problems which I am just now starting to use for restless leg syndrome.
First try to find the source of the neuropathy. I am assuming that your relative has undergone diagnostic tests to rule out compression of the nerve or diabetes mellitus or poor circulation in the feet. If not, I would recommend ruling those out first.
Second, I am an acupuncturist and an MD and I have been very successful in using acupuncture to treat neuropathy, particularly if the neuropathy is isolated to an area (if it’s as if the patient is wearing a sock, I’d really suspect diabetes)
I would suggest castor oil on the socks. You take one pair of socks and soak them in castor oils. Place them on the feet then cover with a dry pair(to keep the mess down). Do this overnight. Please feel free to email me if you have anymore questions. . . I also agree with the Evening primrose oil.
A good Chiropractor with experience in extremity adjusting.
I agree with another answerer. I took alpha lipoic acid 600 mg per day and within weeks the burning and tingling went away. It happened to other people that I know. Try this dose 600 mg or try a different brand with a good reputation like Natural Factors,NSI,Source Naturals,Jarrow, Life Extension and NOW. other supplements that heal nerves, not mask the pain are L-Carnosine,Benfotiamine and pyridoxamine. The last 2 are chemically modified versions of B vitamins that research has shown to greatly heal diabetic neuropathy.