Alternative ideas for nerve injury

[JayGee]

I've pretty much come to the end of the line for western medicine with regard to a peroneal nerve injury I sustained in May of '09. Four different doctors, multiple MRIs, compartment testing, nerve velocity testing, EMG. No one seems to be able to figure out WHY my lower left leg is numb, tingly, and having hot shooting pain from the knee to the ankle. I've done 4 months of ART as well, with no improvement. The only test that showed an abnormality was the EMG which showed abnormal activity in my calf muscle. Back involvement has been ruled out. Now I'm stuck with the diagnosis of idiopathic peroneal nerve disfunction and no treatment other than "wait and see if it gets better". I've been "waiting and seeing" for 14 months and I'm tired of it.

Any ideas the might help repair an injury to a nerve? Diet? Accupuncture? Anything???

[CarrieMF]

B12 can help restore the nerves & stop the pain.

[sbgrace]

They saw no compression? That you had an abnormal EMG with those symptoms is concerning re: compression of nerve type things and I'm sorry you didn't get answers. I wonder if an osteopath might help (thinking, given the EMG, this is likely structural). Accupuncture might help at least with pain.

Vitamin D3, coq10 (epic4health brand only), and treating my sleep apnea and day disordered breathing helped my pretty severe nerve issues. But my EMG's and MRI's were normal. I would still supplement D3 aggressively (9000 IU per day is safe) unless you know your levels are good. Ideally, you get them tested. B12 is safe to supplement as well particularly in the hydroxy form.

Do you feel fatigued or have any other symptoms.

[JayGee]

Originally Posted by sbgrace

They saw no compression? That you had an abnormal EMG with those symptoms is concerning re: compression of nerve type things and I'm sorry you didn't get answers. I wonder if an osteopath might help (thinking, given the EMG, this is likely structural). Accupuncture might help at least with pain.

Vitamin D3, coq10 (epic4health brand only), and treating my sleep apnea and day disordered breathing helped my pretty severe nerve issues. But my EMG's and MRI's were normal. I would still supplement D3 aggressively (9000 IU per day is safe) unless you know your levels are good. Ideally, you get them tested. B12 is safe to supplement as well particularly in the hydroxy form.

Do you feel fatigued or have any other symptoms.

Thanks sbgrace! Actually, I feel great. Just pissed off that it's taking so long to figure this out ! I will try B12 supplementation. I've had my D levels tested and they are fine. My current doctor has pretty much given up and labeled it idiopathic. That's not workin' for me.... .

[mbravebird]

Craniosacral therapy and acupuncture are two things that have helped me with nerve issues. I would recommend either one.

[mellowjello]

I agree with trying B12. Try to find a practitioner who is willing to give you an injection of METHYL B12 and see how this feels. Alternative practitioners like NDs will be a good bet to do this for you.

[Panserbjorne]

you could try homeopathic hypericum in the meantime. Just a low dose (30C) fairly consistently for a week or so and see how you feel.

I'd highly recommend structural work by a DO, DC or CST. That can at the very least help to align things properly even if there is no compression.

You consider mag phos/kali phos for tissue salts, magnesium in general for a supplement along with B12. Out of curiosity, what were your D levels?

Castor oil packs can still be helpful for nerve issues as well. Cheap and easy.

[JayGee]

pb ~ I can't recall what my D levels were, just that they were normal . How would I do a castor oil pack? I've had very good results with homeopathics before, so I'll give the hypericum a shot too.

Thanks!

[Panserbjorne]

you may want to check on the D. There is a wide range of "normal." If you are at the low end you are still within range, ya know?

Castor oil pack is just what it sounds like....drench a flannel or washcloth with castor oil, you can heat it if you like, and then apply to the affected area. It's great for inflammation, nerve injury, tissue damage etc. If the nerve is inflamed it can be great help.

I would leave it for about an hour and do one a day to begin with.

Hypericum is a specific for nerves. It's a decent place to start. Best of luck!

[lynsage]

I recommend seeing a clinical massage therapist who can do craniosacral and trigger point release, and a chiropractor.

[zmom2010]

Sounds like lateral compartment syndrome. Also, a posterior fibular head can cause nerve entrapment on the common peroneal nerve. (it's the skinny bone on the outside of your lower leg). Massage therapy combined with going to a chiropractor who does A LOT of extremity adjusting may help you.