What is the best treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Answer 1

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful disorder that is usually caused by damage to the nerves. Oftentimes this can get better on it's own, with successful treatment of the underlying medical condition. Sometimes pain relievers are prescribed, but many patients find them ineffective against nerve pain.

Answer 2

Untreated diabetic peripheral neuropathy can lead to some of the most devastating complications of Diabetes, including infection, amputation and death. Fortunately, peripheral neuropathy is often treatable, and its worst complications are avoidable. Read on to learn more about treatments for peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes.

Blood glucose control

Controlling blood glucose levels remains the most important approach for preventing and treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy. If blood glucose levels remain too high, the neuropathy is certain to worsen regardless of other treatment. It is usually possible to control blood glucose levels with a combination of diet, exercise and weight loss plus insulin or diabetes medication.

Do not ignore the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The condition only worsens without treatment. Pain relief

Doctors use several kinds of medications to relieve the pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Antidepressants often help relieve pain even if the patient is not depressed. Commonly used antidepressants include tricyclics, such as amitriptyline, and SSRIs, such as paroxetine. Anticonvulsant medications, such as gabapentin and pregablin, can also provide relief. If neither antidepressants nor anticonvulsants are effective in relieving pain, it is possible to use opoids, such as oxycodone and tramadol. Non-medical treatment can help treat pain as well. For example, if pain in sensitive feet and legs is made worse by the weight of bed sheets and blankets, a bed cradle can raise the sheets so that they do not rest on on the feet and legs.

Foot care

The feet and lower legs are especially vulnerable to problems related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Patients must take time every day to examine their feet and lower legs for any cuts, sores, blisters, irritation or signs of infection. The feet must remain very clean and dry, and toenails must have no sharp points or edges that can cut neighboring toes. Properly-fitting shoes can help prevent foot injuries, such as blisters and ingrown toenails, as well.

Other issues

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy may cause other treatable problems. For instance, men may experience erectile dysfunction, which is treatable with medication, assistive devices or penile implants. Women may experience vaginal dryness, which is treatable with lubricants. Both men and women may have frequent bladder infections due to problems emptying the bladder. These infections are treated with antibiotics; drinking more water may reduce the number of new infections. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can also cause incontinence. Patients may manage incontinence issues by making sure to urinate frequently, since it is not always possible to feel when the bladder is full.

A number of effective treatments exist for pain and other health issues related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. By treating this condition early, a person with diabetes can avoid the catastrophic complications associated with it.

Answer 3

Damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system is called peripheral neuropathy. It can have a number of causes, but the most common cause is diabetes. It can also have a number of symptoms. Weakness, muscle cramping, numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation can occur. Pain is the most troublesome symptom and can appear as a burning or freezing sensation, or as a deep, intense itching that cannot be scratched. Areas affected by peripheral neuropathy can become extremely sensitive to light touch. A sock or shoe touching the foot can feel as if it has an electrical current running through it. Unfortunately, most treatments merely control symptoms rather the root cause. Here are the most popular treatments:

Oral Medications

Anti-seizure medications can keep the nerves from firing so intensely. Pregabalin, marketed under the brand name Lyrica, is one of the most successful treatments. Lyrica is expensive since the generic form is not yet available. For patients who don't have pharmaceutical insurance coverage, Gabapentin, the generic equivalent of Neurontin, also works well and is far less expensive. Patients do have to take larger doses of Neurontin to get the equivalent effect of Lyrica.

Some anti-depressants are effective against peripheral neuropathy and can help relieve the depression that can accompany chronic pain. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) sold under the brand name Cymbalta, also helps the pain of peripheral neuropathy. Some patients find tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline to be helpful.

Topical Medications

Lidocaine patches contain a numbing agent and can be applied to the painful areas. Capsaicin is another topical agent that some people find helpful, although it can cause burning pain when the treated area is exposed to the hot water of a shower or bath.

Therapies

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may help to alleviate pain. Electrodes are placed on the skin and a mild electrical current is delivered. This therapy is usually given first by a physical therapist and then continued at home. TENS must be applied frequently to be effective. Short wave diathermy also helps some patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Supplements

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that some find helps their symptoms. Since B-vitamin deficiency may cause or exacerbate peripheral neuropathy, supplements of these vitamins can help those who don't get enough from their diets.

Answer 4

Neuropathy is a condition of somatosensory system causing pain. It is treated with antidepressants and anti-epileptic drugs, which have an alternative use in treating some kinds of pain.