Suggest Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted on Tue, 10 Jan 2017

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

Tue, 10 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.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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