Research
FPN Webinar: BioMedical Research 101
This webinar occurred on Nov. 3, 2021. It is sponsored by the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy and features guest speaker Kristy Townsend, PhD.
Cancer-Imposed Periperhal Neuropathy
As cancer treatments restore patients to health, a residual side effect of survival is cancer-imposed peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
This JAMA study discusses the issue among various age groups.
Results of 2017 Member Survey
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7F9ZBPaA_kRcl9ycVA0ZTA3azA/view
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) has an excellent collection of links to research going back to 2010. Most are digests or summaries written for laymen, not high science.
The Medical Literature page of the Western Neuropathy Association site website has lots of current research information. It is edited by a doctor who specializes in tracking PN research.
An often cited New York Times Magazine article on PN pain: My Pain, My Brain (This article is behind a pay wall)
From Jaymee Cruz, DPT, DPT, OCS and Colin Phillips, DP, DPT, OCS: “As promised, here are the two articles we made reference to in the presentation in your August 2021 meeting”
“Short-term strength and balance training does not improve quality of life but improves functional status in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31468106/
“Short-term structured strength and balance training…produced sustained improvements in functional status and balance confidence at 6 months…this intervention may be a useful treatment option for individuals with DPN to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.”
“Balance Interventions for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21937901/
“The six articles contained four physical therapy interventions including monochromatic infrared energy therapy, vibrating insoles, lower extremity strengthening exercises, and use of a cane. Upon thorough analysis of outcome measures, statistical significance, and clinical relevance, the intervention of lower extremity strengthening exercises was given a fair recommendation for clinical use in treating balance dysfunction in patients with DPN. All others had insufficient evidence to either support or refute their effect on balance in this population”
Additionally, I just did a quick search for any literature on creatine intake for peripheral neuropathy. I will place a firm asterisk that we are leaving my area of expertise, and that the following does not constitute the most comprehensive of literature reviews, nor does it serve as a recommendation.
Bottom line: Creatine supplementation doesn’t seem to impact serum CK levels (which appear to be present in peripheral neuropathy, and contribute to cramping in individuals with peripheral neuropathy), but a single animal study exists that may show some impact on peripheral (crush injury) nerve regeneration.
“Elevated Creatine Kinase in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy (P3.4-021)”
https://n.neurology.org/content/92/15_Supplement/P3.4-021
“Modest CK elevation can be found in a significant percentage of peripheral neuropathy patients without another identifiable etiology”
“Elevated Creatinine Kinase in Peripheral Neuropathy Is Associated With Muscle Cramping”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7902013/
“HyperCKemia can occur in patients with peripheral neuropathy and appears to associate with cramping.”
“Creatine supplementation does not alter the creatine kinase response to eccentric exercise in healthy adults on atorvastatin”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29945780/
“Cr monohydrate did not reduce CK increases after exercise in statin-treated subjects. We did observe that low vitamin D levels are associated with a greater CK response to eccentric exercise in statin-treated subjects.”
“Effect of Creatine on Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury: A Comparative Ultrastructural Study”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27858383/
“Our comparative analysis results suggest a possible positive effect of creatine supplement on peripheral nerve regeneration as statistical analysis revealed significant differences between group 2 and group 3. Though our finding does not represent a miracle of regenerative support, beneficial usage of creatine is documented”.