Neuropathy is a series of conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system that may lead to problems, such as tingling and muscle weakness. These problems often manifest in the legs and feet and can be treated with a host of traditional and alternatives remedies. That being said, healing neuropathy, especially when the symptoms include pain, may only yield partial results.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to disorders of the peripheral nervous system that can include improper functioning of motor, sensory and autonomic neurons. Neuropathy most often occurs in the legs and feet and it can result from traumatic injuries, infections, exposure to toxins and metabolic problems. The disorder is often caused by diabetes, in which case it is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism and autoimmune disorders may also result in neuropathy.
Symptoms
Neuropathy can include symptoms connected with all possible functions of the nervous system. The disorder can lead to numbness and tingling in your hands or feet that can radiate into the arms or legs. The nerve pain associated with neuropathy can involve a burning pain, or a sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain. The condition has sometimes been referred to feeling like you are wearing a glove and you may also feel extreme sensitivity to touch. Your coordination may falter and muscle weakness and paralysis can result. If your autonomic nerves are affected, you may lose control of your bowl and bladder movements.
Traditional Treatment
There are four major medical treatments of peripheral neuropathy. Pain relievers ranging from over-the-counter ibuprofin to prescription opiates can help with the more painful symptoms of the condition. Drugs like codeine that can form a dependence are only prescribed when other medications are ineffective. Anti-seizure medications like gabapentin (Nueontin) and phenytoin (Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy but can also heal nerve pain as well. A lidocaine patch may be recommended as it has few side effects and can be applied directly to the area of the pain. Tricyclic antidepressants like nortrityline (Pamelor) can be used to treat nerve pain by interfering with the chemical processes of your brain that process pain. This remedy is frequently used when treating diabetic neuropathy.
Alternative Treatment
An alternative treatment process begins with vitamin supplementation. The Vitamin B complex has multiple benefits to the nervous system and it is often found to be deficient in older individuals. Essential fatty acids like those in evening primrose oil can improve the efficiency between the nerve cells and the brain, ensuring a better nervous system health. Alpha-lipolic acid may reduce painful symptoms along with improperly functioning nerves. An improved circulatory system can lead to a more effective nervous system. A tea made out of the herbs siberian ginseng, ginger root and gingko biloba can not only heighten your circulatory system's efficiency, but these known adaptogens have been linked to improving overall health and well-being.
Warning
It is recommended that you stop smoking, begin exercising, and eat healthy meals to improve your neuropathy and to increase the chances that these above methods will be effective. If you experience nerve pain, you should contact your doctor immediately to ensure the proper diagnosis. Herbal remedies can cause allergic reactions and interactions with medications, so you should talk with a doctor or an integrated medical practitioner before adding them to your diet.
Tags: nervous system, nerve pain, circulatory system, diabetic neuropathy, have been, legs feet