Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage, most commonly in the arms, legs, fingers and toes. It can result from certain conditions like diabetes, from medications or from toxic exposure or an injury. Neuropathy can be a painful condition. You can do several things to control neuropathy pain, including a combination of medication and self-care measures. The Mayo Clinic and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil offer several suggestions.
Instructions
1. Use medications that help control the pain response in your body. Trycyclic antidepressants like Pamelor and anti-seizure medications like Dilantin and Neurontin are the most common treatments. It can take several weeks before you see an improvement. For more severe cases, prescription pain medication might be necessary. Take all medications exactly as directed and never change or stop your doses without consulting your doctor.
2. Try acupuncture. Both the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Weil indicate research has shown positive results for treating neuropathy. You usually need several sessions for optimum benefit. The practitioner can recommended a treatment schedule.
3. Use natural supplements that support nerve health. Take one B-vitamin complex daily and 300 mg of alpha-lipoic acid twice a day. Alpha lipoic acid can interfere with blood sugar levels, so talk to your doctor before you take this supplement, especially if you are diabetic.
4. Use TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to relieve pain. This therapy involves placing electrodes on the skin and delivering a mild electrical current throughout the body. Ask you doctor properly use this machine.
5. Eat a healthy diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. They contain beneficial substances that encourage healthy nerves.
6. Ask about an appropriate exercise regimen. It can help ease pain.
7. Diligently manage any conditions that contribute to your neuropathy. This will keep it from getting worse. Take all medications as directed, receive necessary testing and stick to the lifestyle and self-care recommendations of your health care provider.
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