5 Options in Treating Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. There are numerous signs and symptoms but the common ones are temporary numbness, tingling sensations, sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness of the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Sometimes, people experience extreme symptoms such as burning pain and even paralysis.

There are also a lot of available treatment options and neuropathy patients can try out management combinations that work best for them.

Medications such as over the counter pain killers can sometimes help relieve mild symptoms. Garbapentin and phenytoin are anti seizure medications but these are also prescribed for nerve pain. A few antidepressants like amitriptyline for example, have also been found to relieve pain. Lidocaine patches can be applied to the painful area. Tramadol is an opiate based painkiller reserved for patients who do not respond to any other treatment. All drug based medications can have side effects so be aware if any of these produce unwanted results.

Injection therapy involves numbing the nerves of the affected area providing fast but temporary pain relief. This procedure is done by injecting an anesthetic agent, usually lidocane, to the nerves, preventing pain impulses from going to the brain. Injection therapy is typically done with other treatment methods like physical therapy.

Physical therapy is done to improve blood circulation, strength and function in areas affected by peripheral neuropathy. This includes both active and passive exercises. Stretching and passive range of motion exercise are done to maintain range of motion. Muscle strengthening includes isometric exercise and active exercises.
Surgery is done for certain conditions that may cause peripheral neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome and a nerve compressing tumor are among the conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy and the only effective treatment is to surgically remove the compressing entity. In such cases, the carpal ligament is permanently cut and the tumor is removed to relieve pressure to the nerves.

A common cause of peripheral neuropathy is thiamine deficiency. It leads to tingling, numbness, sharp pains, or burning of the extremities. A neuropathy supplement with vitamin B12, thiamine, alpha lipoic acid, and DHEA has been shown to be an effective management method for peripheral neuropathy.