I have had lower extremity neuropathy for a while but didn't know what it was. One of the symptoms among many is apparently itchy skin, for me in the lower shins. I had this for a few year, but just thought it was dry skin since I live in Colorado. I haven't experienced itching there for at least a year. During the diagnosis my doctor told me that is a symptom of nerve damage along with loss of hair in that area. So far it is called idiopathic. However he told me to abstain from drinking all alcohol and it's been 3 months no problem. I wasn't a big drinker to begin with. I noticed today my skin was itching again.

My question is, yes it could be getting worse, but if it was getting better would I have the symptoms in reverse? I can't find anything like that on the internet. Thought I would reach out to see if anyone who has had improvement has experienced the same.

I do have pain when I walk. I have the numbness the toes, ball of foot through the arch but no pain. No typical pins and needles except occasionally cramping especially if I try and curl my toes, ouch!! and itchy skin. My pain only presents when I get out of bed in the morning and walk. It feels like I am walking on my foot bones sort of. Comparing the fat pads under my feet to my wifes, they are very much thinner. I'm just wondering if I lose weight (currently 30 BMI) will it feel better? Guessing it will help (I am non diabetic)
Is the nerve damage killing my muscles that protect the bones?. And maybe get some real cushy shoes to protect the bones? Right now if I put 5 miles on my feet, they feel inflamed or puffy on the bottom soles. Do you think I am on the right track?

although this does not apply for me since i have never gotten better, just slowly steadily worse over 17 years, it has been reported by other people who have posted here that indeed the symptoms did go in reverse as they got better. in other words they started to get again some of their original symptoms as their nerves were regrowing and reconnecting to muscles and skin.

i think you are on the right track to getting shoes for yourself that are confortable and well cushioned. muscles definitely can atrophy over time due to nerve damage. losing weight will of course help with the pressure on your feet when you walk.

This is how mine started and has just gotten worse and spread to other areas every month since May. Exercising more and losing 30 lbs has not helped at all. Good luck. Hopefully you have better results.

Have you consulted with a Podiatrist about these concerns as this could be a variety of foot issues? If you do have a Podiatrist appointment, please report back to the group your findings. Good Luck