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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How about acupuncture for neuropathy? Anyone tried that? Basically mine is numbness in my toes.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
NC
July 15
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with acupuncture and other remedies for neuropathy, particularly toe numbness. Several members described... Read more

Members shared their experiences with acupuncture and other remedies for neuropathy, particularly toe numbness. Several members described acupuncture as helpful for pain and overall wellbeing, with one member noting weekly sessions including ear needles that pushed pain to the background, while another mentioned Vicks VapoRub as a helpful daily remedy. A recurring theme was weighing how much to treat a non-painful but uncomfortable symptom, with many members expressing empathy for the frustration of managing multiple health issues at once.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you Niranjana. It’s very uncomfortable particularly walking without shoes or socks or slippers. Just bare feet is really bad. I sleep with socks often because the sheets seem to make it more noticeable. It’s like the right foot is worse. Numb feeling. I wish there was something to do. I think having so many painful things is starting to get on my nerves. I know many of you deal with multiple issues. I’m trying so hard to get resolution for at least one thing. I’m praying for peace so I can better deal with it and perhaps if I am calmer it won’t grate on my nerves so much.

July 18
A MyLupusTeam Member

Accupuncture is amazing!! It helps with pain all over from my experience, but I'd ask your doctor just in case

July 15
MyLupusTeam

Toe numbness is a really common experience for people with lupus! It can be linked to peripheral neuropathy, where lupus-related inflammation damages the nerves, or Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood flow to the toes becomes temporarily restricted.

As for acupuncture — it's not specifically covered in lupus clinical Show Full Answer

Toe numbness is a really common experience for people with lupus! It can be linked to peripheral neuropathy, where lupus-related inflammation damages the nerves, or Raynaud's phenomenon, where blood flow to the toes becomes temporarily restricted.

As for acupuncture — it's not specifically covered in lupus clinical guidelines, but some people with lupus do explore it as a complementary option for nerve-related symptoms. It's worth having a conversation with your rheumatologist before trying it, especially since lupus can affect how your body responds to certain therapies. There are more established treatment options your doctor might consider for neuropathy-related numbness, including:

- Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen
- Anti-seizure medications like gabapentin or pregabalin
- Antidepressants that help with nerve pain
- Topical treatments like capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
- Vitamin B supplements

Many MyLupusTeam members have had positive experiences with gabapentin specifically for neuropathy in their feet, including better sleep as a bonus!

Keeping your lupus well-managed and avoiding flare triggers can also help reduce neuropathy symptoms over time.

July 15
A MyLupusTeam Member

Personally, as a doctor, I wouldn't take or prescribe anything for a non-painful nuisance symptom, as I'd want to avoid possible side effects, but everyone is different.

July 18
A MyLupusTeam Member

Good question

July 15

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