Disease: neuropathy
Question: for neuropathy, what are the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy??
Answer: Treatment for the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy focuses on treating
the underlying disorder. If diabetes is the cause, the focus is on blood sugar control. If a vitamin deficiency is causing the problem, then correcting the deficiency is the treatment.
Many treatments can bring relief and help you return to your regular activities. Sometimes a combination of treatments works best.
Pain medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) oral pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in controlling moderate pain.
If you take them in excess, these drugs can affect your liver or stomach function. It�s important to avoid using them for an extended period, especially if you drink alcohol regularly.
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy includes a list of additional topical OTC medications you may consider trying. They include:
Absorbine Jr. This is a blend of menthol and other herbal ingredients that can soothe muscle pain. Other menthol-based creams may also help. They include Flex-All, Flexgen, Tiger Balm, or Vicks VapoRub.
Capsaicin cream. This cream contains chili pepper oils, which create a heating effect that helps relieve pain for some people. There are brands and formulations.
Neuragen PN. Made from botanical oils, this cream is meant specifically for nerve pain on hands and feet.
Sore No More. This is another botanical anesthetic that may provide some relieve for neuropathic discomfort.
Prescription medication
Many prescription pain medications can also help to control the pain of this condition. These include narcotics, some antiepileptic medications, and some antidepressants. Other helpful prescription medications include:
lidocaine in a patch on the affected area
pregabalin (an anti-epileptic medication)
duloxetine (an antidepressant)
steroids
anesthetics
Prescription drugs for sexual dysfunction in men due to nerve damage include phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) like:
sildenafil
vardenafil
tadalafil
avanafil
Medical treatments
Your doctor can use several medical treatments to control the symptoms of this condition. Plasmapheresis is a blood transfusion that removes potentially irritating antibodies from your bloodstream.
If you get a nerve block, your doctor will inject an anesthetic directly into your nerves.
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) doesn�t work for everyone, but many people like it because it�s a drug-free therapy.
During TENS, electrodes placed on the skin send small amounts of electricity into the skin. The goal of this treatment is to disrupt nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
Ergonomic casts or splints
Ergonomic casts or splints can help you if your neuropathy affects your muscles. Splints can help with:
muscle weakness
stability
These casts provide support for the part of your body that�s uncomfortable. This can relieve pain. For example, a cast or splint that holds your wrists in a proper position while you sleep can relieve the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Self-care
In addition to OTC pain relievers, many people have found relief for peripheral neuropathy through:
having a foot bath with chamomile or nettle leaves for at least 30 minutes
using a heating pad or electric socks
applying an ice pack to affected areas for 10 minutes twice daily in the morning and the evening
trying acupuncture
undergoing biofeedback
trying different types of holistic therapy such as reflexology, tai chi, or reiki
massaging affected areas to promote circulation
avoiding pressure on the affected area, like not crossing legs or leaning on elbows
seeking social support and activities with others
setting priorities daily and not doing more than you feel you are capable of
avoiding caffeine and developing a regular bedtime routine to promote sleep
Moderate, regular exercise can also help lessen discomfort.
If you drink alcohol or smoke, consider cutting back or stopping. Both alcohol and tobacco aggravate nerve pain and can cause nerve damage when used for long periods.
Take precautions at home
If you have peripheral neuropathy, you�re potentially at greater risk for accidents in the home. You can do the following to improve your safety:
Use safety guards and other tools for sharp objects like scissors and knives.
Use thermometers to measure the temperature of bath or tap water.
Use potholders and gloves when handling hot items.
Use a walker or cane for added stability.
Install nightlights to avoid tripping in the dark.
Carefully wrap your hands and feet when it�s cold out.