Neuropathy (which is also called peripheral neuropathy) is the result of damage to the peripheral nerves.

This leads to people experiencing uncomfortable or odd sensations. It can also result in pain, constipation, incontinence and nerve damage.

Luckily there are ways to treat neuropathy. Below we’ll look at 6 of the best treatments that the experts recommend.

6 Best Neuropathy Treatments

Medications

Mild symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. For more severe symptoms, your physician may prescribe pain relievers.

Opioid-containing medications, such as tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, and others) and oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, and others), can cause dependence and addiction. As such, these drugs are generally not administered unless all other treatment options have failed.

Medications designed to treat epilepsy, such as gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), may help with nerve discomfort. Side effects may include drowsiness and dizziness.

Topical treatments such as Capsaicin cream, which includes a substance found in hot peppers, are capable of producing small improvements in peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Lidocaine patches are another topical pain-relieving therapy that can be applied to the skin. The patch may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and numbness at the application location.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S.)

TENS is a process in which electrodes are put on the skin. They deliver a mild, variable-frequency electric current. 

If this is the treatment option you choose, a commonly recommended course of treatment for TENS is that it be used every day for 30 minutes for approximately one month.

Physical Therapy

If one of the symptoms you suffer from is muscle weakness, physical therapy can enhance your mobility. Physical therapy is a great treatment option for peripheral neuropathy. 

Vitamins

Supplements are currently being studied as a potential treatment option for peripheral neuropathy as part of an ongoing research project.

Several vitamins and dietary supplements may promote nerve health and alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

B vitamins are beneficial for neuropathy treatment because they promote healthy nervous system activity. Vitamin B deficiency might occasionally result in peripheral neuropathy.

B1 (thiamine and benfotiamine), B6, and B12 should be included in dietary supplements. You may choose to take them individually rather than as a B complex.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and vitamin E-rich meals may prevent the inflammation that causes nerve injury. Vitamin E may also alleviate certain neuropathy symptoms, including burning and tingling. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Due to its anti-inflammatory and nerve-repair properties, fish oil is beneficial for the treatment of neuropathy. It also helps to alleviate muscle soreness and pain. 

It is offered as a dietary supplement. The daily dosage is between 2,400 and 5,400 mg. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fatty fish.

Relaxation Techniques 

A person’s ability to manage neuropathy pain may be enhanced by relaxation practices. Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive relaxation may provide some help.

Some relaxation practices, including yoga, tai chi, and blend stretching, may reduce tension and improve posture, so alleviating some of the unpleasant consequences of neuropathy.

So there you have it! Peripheral neuropathy can be scary and uncomfortable, but you have a handful of science-backed options to help alleviate any pain or suffering.

You can find more information on this in our article, “Common Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy”.

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