List of remedies for neuropathy

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, some of which can be treated differently. If neuropathy is caused by diabetes, it can be controlled by: stopping smoking, lifestyle changes, reducing alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. 

The effects of peripheral neuropathy can develop suddenly or spread slowly over time. Treatment goals are to manage the condition that's causing your neuropathy and to relieve symptoms. If your lab tests indicate no underlying condition, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting to see if your neuropathy improves. Here are some of the treatments or remedies you can try to relieve neuropathy:

• MEDICATIONS

Besides medications used to treat conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy, medicines used to relieve peripheral neuropathy signs and symptoms include:

Pain relievers - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, for example, are over-the-counter painkillers that can treat moderate symptoms. Your doctor might recommend painkillers if you have more severe symptoms. Opioid medications like tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, etc.) or oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, etc.) can cause dependence and addiction, which is why these medications are typically not recommended unless all other therapies have failed.

Anti-seizure medications - Pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin, Horizant), medicines intended to treat epilepsy, may help with nerve pain. Drowsiness and lightheadedness are possible side effects.

Topical treatments - Peripheral neuropathy symptoms can be slightly improved by using capsaicin cream containing a compound in hot peppers. Wherever you put the cream, you can have skin burning and irritation, although this normally subsides with time. However, some people find it intolerable. Another skin-applied treatment that may provide pain relief is lidocaine patches. Drowsiness, vertigo, and numbness at the patch's location are possible side effects.

Antidepressants - It has been discovered that some tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline, doxepin (Silenor, Zonalon), and nortriptyline (Pamelor), can reduce pain by obstructing the chemical reactions in the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for making you experience pain. Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy may also be less painful thanks to the extended-release antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle). Dry mouth, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, changes in appetite, weight gain, and constipation are a few possible antidepressant side effects.

• THERAPIES

A variety of treatments and procedures may lessen the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - Various frequencies of a mild electric current are delivered to the skin through electrodes. TENS should be used for 30 minutes per day for roughly a month.

Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin - People with specific inflammatory diseases may benefit from these procedures, which help reduce immune system activity. Plasma exchange involves drawing blood from you, purifying antibodies and other proteins, and then reintroducing it to your body. Immune globulin treatment involves administering large amounts of antibodies-producing proteins (immunoglobulins).

Physical Therapy - have weak muscles. You might also require wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or foot or hand braces.

Surgery: You may require surgery to relieve the strain if your neuropathies are brought on by pressure on your nerves, such as pressure from tumors.

HOME REMEDIES AND NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR NEUROPATHY

• Exercise - Muscle tone is enhanced by exercise, which may lessen some neuropathy symptoms. In addition, exercise can help prevent several health problems that lead to neuropathy. For instance, diabetic peripheral neuropathy can develop. Exercise aids in blood sugar regulation, lowering the risk of developing diabetes and its complications. Exercise also lessens the strain on peripheral blood vessels, which may be advantageous for those at risk for neuropathy.

• Diet Changes - The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Changing one's diet to lower blood sugar levels can lessen neuropathy symptoms or prevent them. Blood sugar rises can be avoided with a diet high in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates. Avoiding white pasta, bread, sweets, and fabricated snacks can help. 

• Quit smoking - Smoking can increase the symptoms of this nerve damage, even when another condition or way of life is the major cause of neuropathy. Smoking narrows and destroys peripheral blood vessels, making it a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. Smoking cessation can increase blood flow, which results in healthier blood vessels.

• Taking vitamins - Numerous vitamins and supplements may promote nerve health and reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Some of the vitamins you can take are B-Complex vitamins, Vitamin E, Acetyl-l-carnitine, Alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Glutamine.

• Relaxation techniques - An individual with neuropathy discomfort may find it easier to manage with relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing could be helpful. Yoga, tai chi, and combined stretching are a few relaxation practices that can ease some of the unpleasant neuropathy side effects by lowering stress and improving posture.

• Alternative medicines - Some patients with peripheral neuropathy experiment with alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and energy-based modalities like Reiki. These techniques have not yet been in-depth researched. There is currently little convincing evidence that they are effective. Try combining conventional treatments, such as medication and exercise, with alternative medicine to obtain the best benefit from both.

• Cayenne pepper - Capsaicin, the spice found in hot peppers, is also found in cayenne pepper. Due to its capacity to reduce pain, capsaicin has been incorporated into topical creams. It lessens the strength of pain signals the body sends out. Pain from neuropathy can be lessened by adding cayenne pepper to your diet or by taking a capsaicin pill. You can apply topical capsaicin ointments to your body. While it could burn initially, regular usage will progressively lessen neuropathy sensations. To avoid side effects, review this treatment plan with your doctor before beginning.

• Taking a warm bath - Warm baths are calming and beneficial for easing neuropathy pain symptoms. Warm water improves blood flow throughout the body, lessening numbness-related pain. Be careful not to make your bath water too hot if peripheral neuropathy has impaired your sensory nerves and you are less sensitive to temperature.

Essential oils - Some essential oils, such as chamomile and Roman lavender, promote better blood flow throughout the body. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities that might promote recovery. Add a few drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, like olive oil. Applying these diluted oils to the affected area might lessen peripheral neuropathy symptoms.