Alternative Methods for Treating Peripheral Neuropathy

It can present a nice montage of symptoms. It can manifest itself as a sharp stabbing pain that is very intense, but lasts only a few seconds. Or, it can be a steady twinge in one or several different areas of your feet, kind of a burning tingle. It can make your feet feel numb, or like you are wearing several pairs of heavy socks. It is most common in the feet, but it can also affect the hands, arms, and legs. It is more common in people with diabetes, alcoholism, nutrient deficiencies like pernicious anemia, and heavy metal toxicity. It also affects those going through chemotherapy and those suffering from an autoimmune disease such as AIDS. The name of the condition is Peripheral Neuropathy.

The goal of medical treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy is to control the underlying medical condition that is causing it. If you are diabetic, then controlling blood sugars can help. In cases of vitamin deficiency, your doctor may recommend vitamin B-12 injections. If the neuropathy is caused by nerve compression, treatment will likely focus on eliminating the source of the pressure. In some cases surgery may be recommended. If toxic substances or medications are responsible, it is essential that you stop taking the medication or limit your exposure to the toxin. As you can see, identifying the root cause of your peripheral neuropathy is very important before treatment can begin.

Pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin may be prescribed, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. In more difficult cases, opioid analgesics such as codeine or oxycodone may be prescribed, but these carry the risk of dependence and serious side effects.

Recent research has shown that specific nutritional protocols, along with biofeedback, acupuncture, and daily exercise can make positive improvements in the outcome of peripheral neuropathy. Types of exercise can include yoga, tai chi, and pilates. Some of the nutrients that have been found to help are: Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Glutathione, Vitamins B-1, B-6, B-12, Folic Acid, Biotin, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin C in fat soluble form.

The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can help relieve the pain of neuropathy. Bear in mind that you may not get immediate relief and may have to go back for several visits. Biofeedback uses a special machine to gauge your body's responses to pain. By learning how to control these responses, you can reduce the pain. Relaxation techniques and hypnosis can be helpful adjuncts to the other therapies as well.

Research is currently underway to find more effective ways to treat peripheral neuropathy. Researchers are looking at ways to develop nerve growth factors that signal your body to repair small nerve fibers. There is currently no cure, but the body can repair itself and regenerate nerves when the offending substance or underlying cause is removed.