Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs after damage is done to the peripheral nerves of your body, thus causing pain, weakness, and numbness typically throughout the hands and feet. This condition can also impact numerous other areas of the body, and causes a great deal of discomfort.
The goal of neuropathy treatment solutions is to attempt to manage the condition that causes the neuropathy, and attempt to relieve some of the symptoms. However, if the lab tests that are conducted for you reveal no underlying condition, your doctor may simply watch to see whether your neuropathy starts to improve over time. On the other hand, of alcohol or exposure to toxins could be worsening your condition, you will be asked to avoid these wherever possible.
Neuropathy Treatment Medications:
Medications that may be used in order to relieve neuropathy may include regular pain killers and over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This step can be taken for individuals who suffer from mild symptoms but doctors often recommend more powerful prescription painkillers.
In some cases, anti-seizure medications that were originally developed to treat epilepsy may be used to relieve nerve pain. However, side effects can include dizziness and drowsiness. On the other hand, many people find that creams containing the substance naturally found in peppers, which is capsaicin, can lead to modest improvements with regards to the symptoms involved with peripheral neuropathy.
Certain doctors will prescribe anti-depressants as a form of neuropathy treatment, such as dozepin or amitriptyline, as these have been able to relieve pain for some people, by interfering with the chemical processes in the brain that cause you to feel pain to begin with.
Therapeutic Neuropathy Treatment:
An alternative treatment option for people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy may involve various therapies and other procedures. For example, trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can be a useful solution. This therapy works by using adhesive electrodes placed on the skin, which deliver gentle electrical currents through the body at different frequencies. Usually, it is recommended that this type of therapy should take place every day for about a month, in periods lasting no longer than thirty minutes.
Physical therapy can also be a particularly helpful form of treatment for people who suffer from muscle weakness as a result of their neuropathy. The reason for this is that carefully designed physical therapy courses can be used to improve the movement of your joints and muscles, and make motion more comfortable for you on a regular basis. At certain points, if the pain surrounding your muscles and joints becomes too significant, you may find that you need to use some kind of help to move, such as a cane, foot braces, a walker, or even a wheelchair.
Alternatively, for people who suffer significantly due to the symptoms involved with neuropathy, surgery can be a potential solution. This is particularly useful for people who experience neuropathies caused by pressure that has been exerted on the nerves – such as pressure caused by growing tumors.
Your doctor should be able to advise you as to which form of treatment may be best for you.