My walking

I have nuerapothy in my feet but mainly my right one. My doctor has yet to perscribe me something to help ease the pain and tingling in my feet. I'm only 22 and not allowed to wear heels because of the pain in my feet. I've tried stretching my feet but it didn't work. I hate not being able to run. What medicines or treatment are available?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The pain associated with nerve irritation is called "neuropathic pain". There are several possible treatments to neuropathic pain. As with other conditions, medications that were originally invented for other purposes are useful for pain. This is true of gabapentin and pregabalin which were originally invented for seizures. Pregabalin is similar to gabapentin but has less side effects and often people who can not tolerate gabapentin benefit from pregabalin. However it is more expensive. Another medication, amitryptiline, was originally used for depression but is now a mainstay of treatment for neuropathic pain. However, it has several side effects and may not be used in patients with heart problems. There are other less used medications which are typically discussed only after failing these. Other treatment includes physical therapy and swimming.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.