Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 75-year-old woman who had major problems with my hands several years ago, and I'm rapidly losing the use of them.

After going to an internist, three neurosurgeons and a rheumatologist, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.

Nothing the doctors prescribed, nor any of the treatments I had, made a difference. I then saw a doctor who practices acupuncture. After many sessions, my hands regained function. I am thankful I had the courage to try this alternative treatment, and I thank you for being open to hearing what works for patients and sharing that information with your readers.

Dear reader: Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes difficult to diagnose. It commonly results from a traumatic injury, infection, exposure to toxins or metabolic problems, such as diabetes.

It begins with a gradual numbness of the hands and/or feet that can spread upward into the legs and arms. Its signature is a burning, often sharp, electric-like pain.

Muscle weakness or paralysis, a lack of coordination and an extreme sensitivity to touch can be a part of the condition.

Common causes are vitamin B deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases, kidney and liver disease, HIV/AIDS, an under-active thyroid and exposure to poisons or heavy metals.

Treatment provided by your physician will depend on the extent of the neuropathy.

Mild forms might be treated with over-the-counter medications (OTC), while more severe cases might require prescription painkillers, anti-depressants, lidocaine patches and anti-seizure medications.

Home remedies include exercise, hand and foot massages, avoiding prolonged pressure, eating healthful meals and cessation of smoking.

Acupuncture is somewhat questionable, since scientific research cannot demonstrate if it is effective against any disease.

I can only say that if it worked for you when all else failed, you at least were able to find relief from the pain you experienced.

Perhaps this will help other readers; however, I would suggest they first travel the traditional route of primary care physician, rheumatologist and neurosurgeon.

There's a pretty sophisticated group of physicians out there who can help many people with health problems. Thank you for sharing your success story.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Managing Chronic Pain".

Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I have been using Miranel for toenail fungus. It leaves so much white powder on my nails that I can't tell whether they are healing.

It is interesting to note that in the directions it says "not effective on nails." Would you please reply?

Dear reader: The packaging information specifies "Do not apply Miranel Antifungal Treatment over the previous application ... remove with alcohol ... wash affected area (before new application)."

Are you applying the product twice daily without cleansing, causing the buildup? If so, the miconazole nitrate ingredient cannot penetrate properly when a barrier is present.

Unlike many medications, Miranel does not damage the liver. The FDA monograph (rules for an OTC drug category) is written for skin treatment, yet the product works for nail fungus.

Manufacturers of anti-fungals must include a disclaimer indicating their products are not effective on nails since there has been no formal research done.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.