Suggest Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted on Mon, 9 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy by my acupuncturist caused by nerve trauma from over work. My legs burn from my knees down, usually at night. I cannot use soap or any kind of lotion on them. I am almost 80 and I do all my own yard work, shoveling snow, raking leaves, etc. I try to eat healthy and take a lot of vitamins and walk a lot during good weather. A physical therapist told me if I did not quit doing yard work, I would have to have a hip replacement, but it is not my hip, its my knee. I do not take any meds or consult any medical personal, except my chiropractor and acupuncturist..

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Why did your physical therapist say so?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Do you have hip pain? Peripheral neuropathy has never been a reason for hip or knee replacement. Are there any other symptoms that you have like hip or knee pains? Have you had any X-rays of the knee/hip region done?

It is difficult to think that doing yard work would make you to have a hip replacement. Honestly, I feel like there is some information am missing out on.

Help provide some more clarifications about this to me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (55 minutes later)

I have not had x-rays, and no my hip and knee do not hurt just the burning from my knee down. I have had itching around my ankles, but that is better

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please, ask your doctor the reasons why!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I will say, ask your doctor upfront what the exact reasons for suggesting a possible hip replacement were. This way, we will understand where he's coming from and we will be able to address this from that angle.

Keep me updated about this.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar