10 ways to treat Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves of the body and can lead to numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the extremities. The exact cause of peripheral neuropathy is unknown, but it can be associated with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers and toxins.

The great news is that there are ways to manage and treat this condition. The first step is to determine the underlying cause. It's important to get a thorough diagnosis from your doctor so that you can start the appropriate treatment for your specific condition. This could include lifestyle changes, medications or even surgery if needed.

Once you know what's causing your symptoms, you should make any necessary lifestyle changes that may help reduce or prevent further damage to your peripheral nerves. For example, if you have diabetes then managing blood sugar levels and controlling any associated complications can help reduce nerve pain and slow the progression of neuropathy. If you're overweight, then losing weight can help as well. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are also crucial factors when trying to manage symptoms of neuropathy.

So, the condition causing your neuropathy has been determined. What’s next? How best can it be treated so you can lead as normal life as possible

The aim of peripheral neuropathy treatment is to address the underlying cause of the condition while also providing symptom relief. Effective treatment options for peripheral neuropathy include the following:

1.    Medications

Some over-the-counter medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can alleviate mild pain and discomfort. Furthermore, topical medications, like lidocaine patches or creams, may be effective if the pain is limited to a small area. Capsaicin cream—derived from a substance found in hot peppers—may relieve some neuropathic pain and itching.

In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe narcotic medications. These can be habit-forming, so it is especially important to use these powerful medications only as prescribed.

Some antidepressants and anti-seizure medications may also be helpful in treating nerve pain symptoms. Ask your doctor if you’d be an ideal candidate for these medications.

Finally, some doctors may also prescribe medications to address the underlying condition that’s causing your neuropathy. This tactic may include using medications to resolve infections or mitigate the effects of diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune conditions.

2.  Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS therapy uses a gentle electrical current to ease pain and other neuropathy symptoms. Small electrodes are placed on the skin near the injured nerve. Once applied, the electrodes deliver a gentle electrical current. Specifically, TENS therapy works by blocking or changing the nerves’ perception of pain.

Some TENS units are small and portable. They can be used at home, work, or anytime pain relief is needed.

3.  Nutrition & Lifestyle Habits

Vitamin deficiencies (such as B-12 deficiency) can contribute to peripheral neuropathy. A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can prevent further nerve damage from occurring. And don’t forget…a healthy diet helps the body to function better overall.

Regular exercise is also excellent for maintaining a healthy weight, regulating blood sugar, and maintaining muscle strength. However, be sure to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine—especially if you are struggling with peripheral neuropathy.

Tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption may also play a role in nerve damage. While smoking cessation isn’t easy, there are numerous programs and medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Ideally, limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks a day at the most.

4. Occupational and/or Physical Therapy

Physical therapy uses focused exercises, routines, massage, and other treatments to enhance coordination, posture, and strength. Physical therapy can address the muscular weakness associated with motor nerve damage. Physical therapists can also suggest changes to how you perform daily activities—such as sitting or walking—that may be contributing to your pain.

Relatedly, occupational therapy addresses how to regain or adapt to functional changes brought on by nerve damage. An occupational therapist can suggest adaptive equipment, additional exercises, and new ways to perform the activities of daily living.

5.  Orthopaedic Support and Braces

Sometimes mechanical aids like foot or hand braces may help to reduce pain or the effects of neuropathy. For example, splints can be used for those with carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints allow for better positioning of the wrist to give the compressed nerve more room to heal.

Diabetic shoes can assist in reducing the risk of skin breakdown in the feet and provide added support. Those with muscle weakness may also require the aid of a cane or other supportive equipment to get around.

6. Immune Suppressing Treatments

Your doctor may choose one of several treatments if your peripheral neuropathy results from autoimmune issues. Treatments can include oral medications or IV infusion treatments. For example, azathioprine and prednisone are common medications that your doctor may prescribe.

Another immunosuppressive treatment is plasmapheresis. During this procedure, a portion of the blood is removed from your body. Then, immune cells and antibodies are cleansed from the blood. The “cleaned” blood is then returned to the body.

7.  Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a classic Chinese method that promotes natural healing and improves function. Needles are inserted at very precise points into the body depending on where you are experiencing pain or other symptoms.

Acupuncture is believed to unblock energy channels, known as meridians, that flow through the body. A more modern explanation: Accurately placed needles can stimulate the nervous system. This releases chemicals to alter the experience of pain or other symptoms.

If you don’t like needles, some acupuncture practitioners can use electrical stimulation instead. Acupressure is another variation of this practice.

Acupuncture has little to no side effects. In fact, it can be performed despite certain medications the patient may be taking. Make sure to check with your doctor to learn if you’d be an ideal candidate for acupuncture.

8. Mind/Body Practices

Mind/body techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and tai chi are also treatment options for those struggling with peripheral neuropathy. Typically, these practices are used in conjunction with more conventional medicine.

These practices can lead to a more mindful experience of what is going on with you physically, mentally, and emotionally. This, in turn, can reduce stress and pain, promote relaxation, and improve your quality of life.

Some of the more physical mind/body practices, like yoga or tai chi, can also assist with flexibility and muscle tone.

9. Surgery

For some more serious cases of peripheral neuropathy, surgery may be the best option and last option. Certain surgeries can take the pressure off a damaged nerve. Surgery may be an option for those with tumors, a herniated disc in the neck or back, or nerve entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).

As surgical technology continues to improve, many surgical procedures related to peripheral neuropathy are minimally invasive. Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and tiny, precise equipment. As a result, one could expect less scarring, pain, and a quicker recovery time.

10.        Cognitive Therapy

Those with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions may benefit from talking to a therapist about their condition. It is not always easy to cope with being unable to do the things you enjoy. A psychotherapist can equip you with the skills and support to explore and manage your

Overall, there are many treatment options available for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Working with your doctor or healthcare provider is important and is the key to finding an individualized treatment plan that works best for your unique situation.

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