I have never used lidocaine but I have a wonderful cream I just lucked upon...After shoulder surgery I was messed up a little and had nerve damage....Dr. gave me Voltaren Gel to rub on the area....After my shoulder healed, one evening I was expericing neuropathy burning/stinging pain in my feet...I saw the cream and knew it was used for nerve damage so why not try it on stinging nerves in my feet.....WOW !. I asked my primary care dr if he would perscribe me some for this problem and now I just have a stand-in rx....I use even at night for RLS. and anything else I can RUB to feel better. I have posted a photo of the box on my personal site if anyone is interested. hugs to all.

News update. I went to my pain mgmt and asked abut the patches she said insurance wouldn't pay for it so she gave me lidocaine cream. The pharmacy said i had a copay of $150 and I have no copays. So I called the ins company and not only did i get the cream paid for I got patches too. So far i have tried the cream on bottom of my feet and it works so good and it kicks in fast.I'm going to try the patches tomorrow to see if it works and I can get thru a treadmill session. I'll let you all know

@A MyFibroTeam Member I don't know about the patches being available in the UK but the cream is available over the counter, it's called Volteral and its in Tesco and chemists. I've not tried it but I'm going to.

you can cut them in half or forths if they feel to strong

That's great!!!! I truly hope it helps you. I had a reaction to the ones I was given - just didn't feel myself and felt a bit out of it. Apparently mine were too strong but I just didn't try them again.