Neuropathy in hands?

jinty said:

Was at specialist a few weeks ago. Been having pins, needles & numbness in hands. Think it's down to side effect of neutrafuratoin(antibiotic ) but asked would it be neuropathy. He said it started in feet and it couldn't be that???? Is this true?

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Hi jinty.

I have neuropathy in both hands. I have been Type 1 since 1981. I used to suffer with awful neuropathy in my feet, especially first thing in the morning when putting my feet on to the ground was like stepping on shards of red hot glass.

I started taking amitriptyline (25mg) and the neuropathy in my feet improved dramatically. Unfortunately though It didn't help the neuropathy in both my hands. I have constant tingling in my finger tips and sometimes I can not feel the little finger on my right hand at all.

You did not sate in your post how long you've been diabetic !. If your sugar levels are not being managed and haven't for some time it could well be neuropathy, it's hard to say. It could well be a side effect from the medication your taking as you have stated. If you've had these pins and needles since starting these tablets it could well be !

From my own personal experience I've had the neuropathy in my hands as long as I have my feet so I can't agree that it starts with the feet first ! I sometimes get burning and stabbing sensations in my skin also (normally the upper thighs) and this is extremely painful though I only seem to get this once in a while !

I would ask a few more questions down your clinic. It may not even be diabetes related !

Kev

I don't think neuropathy always starts in the hands.
Check out old threads on the subject.

I distinctly recall people talking about numb areas on their thighs, but unfortunately cannot remember the names of those posting. Apologies to the people concerned.

It couldn't be carpal tunnel syndrome could it? Those were my main symptoms when it started with me, admittedly the numbness was relieved when I shook my hands/lowered them.

What kind of specialist was it @jinty?. Was it the endo/diabetes one? Only a neurologist could actually test and diagnose you as there are several types of neuropathy. Sue x

I have minor radial neuropathy in my left hand. Was actually one of the symptoms at diagnoses.

That said since I nailed down my control the pins and needles have more or less gone.

Carpal tunnle syndrome is what i have and have the same symptoms