How to Manage Your Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating. When you’re diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, you may not know exactly how to cope with and manage it. Fortunately, Dr. Sachida Manocha at Interventional Pain Center offers several tips to help you deal with the condition, both on your own and with professional assistance.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, you aren’t dealing with one single disease or condition when peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed. Instead, the term is a blanket name for “a series of disorders that result from damage to the body’s peripheral nervous system.” Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include

• Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations, most often in the hands and feet
• Sensitivity
• Problems with coordination, falling down, etc.
• Pain in the form of jabbing, throbbing, or stabbing sensations
• Pain in the form of extreme cold or hot sensations

Other symptoms may also be involved, especially if your autonomic nerves are affected by the disorder. Peripheral neuropathy might result from a variety of causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, alcoholism, kidney problems, infections, and disease. The important thing is to get diagnosed so you can begin dealing with the problem.

Coping with peripheral neuropathy

Every person is different, which means that not every solution or treatment option we list here will be effective for you. Because there are so many causes of this condition, your treatment plan will be unique, reflecting your particular situation. Someone who experiences peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes, for example, needs a remedy that’s different than the one for someone who’s an alcoholic.

Whatever the case, it’s important to work with a medical professional like Dr. Manocha who understands pain as well as this specific condition, so they can find the best options for you.

Medical treatments for peripheral neuropathy

There are medical treatments for peripheral neuropathy, and among the most common options are pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications can be helpful, but prescription drugs might be necessary. Classic medications are an option, as is medical marijuana in some cases.

In some situations, medications like anti-seizure drugs and even antidepressants can relieve the pain experienced by peripheral neuropathy patients. Topical ointments such as capsaicin cream may be prescribed.

However, some of these treatments also carry side effects. This is just one reason why Dr. Manocha likes to work with each of his patients to help them find a program that suits their needs. After all, pain is subjective, as are your needs when it comes to managing peripheral neuropathy.

Therapies for peripheral neuropathy

Several therapeutic options are available for managing peripheral neuropathy, but Dr. Manocha recommends peripheral nerve stimulation. PNS, also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), involves placing electrodes on the skin to provide the patient with a mild electric current. It’s recommended that this therapy should be applied for 30 minutes every day for at least a month.

Non-medical approaches for peripheral neuropathy

There are plenty of non-medical approaches to managing peripheral neuropathy, although it’s still best to discuss these with a doctor to make sure you’re dealing with your condition as safely and effectively as possible.

Lifestyle changes

• Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. This is just generally good advice for life but especially if you have a chronic health condition.
• Look after your feet. Make sure you check them for cuts or blisters often and that you don’t wear shoes that are too tight. Around the house, wear loose-fitting socks that are soft and comfortable.
• Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption. Both of these behaviors can exacerbate the issue of peripheral neuropathy.
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just low-impact exercise such as walking, yoga, or tai chi.

Alternative remedies

Several alternative remedies can be especially helpful when treating peripheral neuropathy. For example, many people find relief through acupuncture or by taking herbs like primrose oil or supplements with amino acids in them. Alpha- lipoic acid and acetyl-N-carnitine are some amino-acids that improve the blood supply to the nerves and reduce the symptoms of burning, pain and numbness. Naturally, you should check with your doctor before using any of these remedies.

New and Advanced treatments:

For symptoms that do not respond to the traditional methods of treatment mentioned above, the Interventional Pain Center also offers therapies like Dorsal Column Stimulation, Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. For more complex cases and for those who do not respond to stimulation, one also has the option of getting Intrathecal Drug Delivery for pain control. Please check with your doctor for more details about these therapies.

Learn more about managing your peripheral neuropathy

We would be happy to answer your questions about peripheral neuropathy and to set you up with a consultation with Dr. Manocha. We have two convenient locations in Worthington and Newark, Ohio. Call the office nearest you or book your appointment online.