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.

What is DHEA

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the body. It is produced mostly in the adrenal glands but also produced by the gonads and the brain.

Like the other hormones testosterone and estrogen, DHEA levels start to decrease after the age of 30. The levels of DHEA is also said to be diminished in people with anorexia, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and critically ill. Some researchers think that replacing DHEA with supplements may suppress some diseases and conditions.

This hormone is used for improving thinking skills in older people, slowing down the aging process, and improves well being. It is also used to prevent age related heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Studies have revealed that adult men with high plasma DHEA-S levels are less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. DHEA is also used to ease depression and fatigue as it was shown in research that there was improvement in measures of depression compared to those who were administered a placebo. It is quite promising for the alleviation of non major depression, although more studies need to be done.

Since the levels of this hormone decreases with aging, some researchers theorize that using DHEA supplements may help the overall health. Clinical evidence has revealed that older individuals had reduced abdominal fat and a decrease in insulin resistance after six months of taking the supplement.

DHEA is also used for boosting the immune system. The anti inflammatory properties of DHEA can potentially improve illnesses like nerve problems and certain types of cancer. It is frequently used by those with arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, certain nerve conditions, and those who want to fight the effects of aging. It is also suggested that it may prevent the growth and recurrence of some types of cancer, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women.

DHEA is applied to the skin or taken by mouth. It may also be combined with vitamin B1 and B12 for proper nerve function, available as a natural neuropathy supplement.