numb legs from knees to feet

[Tierralinda]

For many years neuropathy has existed in my feet, toes and ankles.  I would describe my stiff ankles as "wooden".  The  toes tingle the worse late afternoon and night.  Six months ago I began to feel numbness extending up my leg to my knees.  Most days I feel as if I'm walking on too sticks keeping me slightly off balance.  Not tingling in the legs just a sense of heaviness and fluid building up.  I take neurontin and diuretics for hypertension.  I feel like it won't be too long before I require a cane to steady myself.  What can I expect next?  Is a second consult with a neurologist of any value?  I was diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.  No diabetes or HIV.  Is there any light on the research horizon?

[MMahon]

Has your neurologist ruled out CIDP?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIDP

A nerve biopsy can make the diagnosis,
There are treatments if CIDP is the real cause of your neuropathy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IVIG

[FurballsMom]

You can try chiropractic.  I know it sounds strange, but I get sporadic Parasthesia, and my muscles will pull my spine out of alignment enough to slightly pinch my nerves and make the tingling worse.  But, when I get adjustments, the Parasthesia is a lot better and hurts a lot less.

[Tierralinda]

I just had a complete blood work up and my potassium level was within normal range.  But I appreciate your response.

[Red_Star]

Patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics should know the signs of too much potassium and should check with a physician if any of these symptoms occur:

Irregular heartbeat
Breathing problems
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or lips
Confusion or nervousness
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Weak or heavy feeling in the legs.