Pain Bottom of Feet - Rapid Increase

I'm a very healthy, active man weighing about 198 lbs.  For the last 3 years, I was managing my idiopathic peripheral neuropathy ( burning and tingling sensation in my feet) with fairly low doses of  Lyrica.  Not really a problem with exercise and walking.  My pain level was at about a 3 on a scale of 10. About 4 weeks ago, I started exercising 6 days per week using elyptical, treadmill and weight machines to lose weight.  I lost about 15 pounds but the pain in the soles of my feet increased to about an 8 on a scale of 10. (feels like walking on stones- stone bruises).  My neurologist and websites encouraged exercise for neuropathy.  Could it be that the agressive exercise caused a more rapid progression of the peripheral neuropathy pain.  Note:  I have had MRIs that indicate "normal" for lower back problems like sciatica and spinal stenosis.  Any ideas of what may be going on with me?

[Red_Star]

All neuropathies involve the following conditions:

Poor circulation to nerves
Oxygen deprivation
Nutritional deficiencies

Most Common Daily Causes:

1) Dramatic changes in glucose and insulin in the blood (diabetes) that displace oxygen.

2) Side effects from drugs, such as those for cholesterol, blood pressure and arthritis that change the metabolism of the nerves thus altering the way they use oxygen. (ex: Pravachol Amytriptyline)

3) Exposure to toxic compoundss that makes oxygen unusable. Especially solvents (ex: benzene, 1 1 1-Trichloroethane, M.T.B.E, chlorine, etc.) and metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadnium, etc.)  other toxic compounds include, Nitrous oxide, glue, ammonia, etc..)

4) Inflammation in the lower back which reduces blood flow to the nerves in the spinal column.

5) Sciatic nerve entrapment (piriformis entrapment) caused from standing on concrete too much, sitting too long in one position putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or its blood supply, and aging, where muscles lose tone.

6) Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B12.

7) Excessive alcohol use.

8) Food Allergies. Specifically, the sweetener Aspartame.  This is very toxic to the body, including nerves and brain. As it metabolizes in the body, it transforms into Wood alcohol.


Other Causes Include

1) Chemotherapy that affects cancer and other fast growing or functioning cells like hair and nerves.

2) Infectious or inflammatory conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, hepatitis, colorado tick fever, diphtheria Guillain-Barre syndrome, HIV, lyme disease, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, syphilis, lupus, amyloidosis.

3) Repeated trauma such as frostbite, or accidents that change blood supply to the nerves.

4) Surgery complications which can lead to severe inflammatory conditions, excessive drug use.


Alternative treatments for peripheral neuropathy...

Vitamin B12, benfotiamine (a lipid-soluble form of thiamine - vitamin B1), folate, vitamin E, CoQenzyme10, magnesium and calcium - ratio 2:1, vitamin B6 (caution: exceeding the daily recommended intake may cause nerve damage), ALA (alpha lipoic acid), GLA (gamma linolenic acid - evening primrose oil, boron oil), omega 3 fatty acids, acetyl l carnitine, st john's wort, oat seed, nettle (very good for a stinging sensation), ginkgo biloba, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Anodyne Therapy, oxygen therapy, foods high in antioxidants, exercise, massage, drinking more water, deep breathing, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga.

[Vince2424]

Do you have any experience with Metanx, a prescription level vitamin supplement for neuropathy? My neurologist has suggested that I might try Metanx or its generic.

[Red_Star]

I forgot to mention that methylcobalamin is the preferred form of vitamin B12.  The bioefficacy of one Metanx® tablet can be compared to taking 19 folic acid tablets (1mg each), 2 B12 tablets (1mg each), and 2 B6 tablets (25mg each). Looks good. :)