Treatment Modalities in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is condition where the nerves of the peripheral nervous system get damaged. There are different signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, but the more common ones are numbness, sensitivity to touch, tingling sensation, or muscle weakness on the arms, legs, hands and feet. In some cases, patients experience paralysis or burning pain.

Fortunately, there are ways to effectively control and manage these symptoms. There are many treatment modalities that neuropathy patients choose and seek out the right treatment that works for them.

Thiamine 

Thiamine deficiency is a very common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Thiamine or vitamins B1 have various roles in keeping the body working properly. Lack to thiamine can cause tingling sensations, burning sensation, sharp pain or numbness to the hands and feet. To counter this, a neuropathy supplement with thiamine and other nutrients and vitamins are needed like cobalamine (vitamin B12), DHEA and alpha lipoic acid.

Medications

Over the counter pain relievers can sometimes relieve mild symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. For nerve pain, physicians usually prescribe anti seizure medications like garbapentin and phenytoin. Some anti depressants like amitriptyline has also properties 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 might have side effects so be aware if any of these products have serious adverse results.

Injection Therapy

This involves injecting a numbing agent like lidocane to the affected area. This technique provides instant but temporary relief. Lidocane or other anesthetic agent blocks the nerve impulses from reaching the brain. Injection therapy is usually done with other treatment modalities like physical therapy.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is essential to improve blood circulation, strength and function in areas affected by peripheral neuropathy.  This involves active and passive exercises.  Stretching and passive range of motion exercise are done to maintain range of motion. Muscle strengthening includes active and resistive and isometric exercise.

Surgery

Surgery is done for certain conditions that may cause peripheral neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome and a nerve compressing tumor are good examples that cause peripheral neuropathy and the only effective treatment is to surgically remove the compressing entity. In this case, the carpal ligament is permanently cut and the tumor is removed both of with relieve pressure to the nerves.

Reversing thiamine deficiency with thiamine supplement  is a well known and often highly successful way to nutritionally manage peripheral neuropathy.