Neuropathy — a condition in which nerves in the body become pinched, entrapped, or damaged — is typically treated in two ways. First, if it is possible, the actual problem causing the neuropathy is treated. Should this condition be too advanced or in for some reason cannot be addressed, the symptoms of the neuropathy are then cared for. Generally, medications, therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes are needed to control and obtain neuropathy relief.
If it is possible, the actual cause of the nerve pain will be treated. Many diabetic neuropathies are treated by monitoring and reducing blood sugar levels. For other types, surgery may be required. In these procedures, a doctor will find the nerve or nerves that are damaged or pinched, and will relieve the pressure on them surgically. In very severe cases, amputation may be required.
Due to the great amount of physical pain that can come with neuropathy, many doctors prescribe pain medications to help control the intensity of discomfort that a patient feels. For less severe pain, general over-the-counter medications may offer neuropathy relief, along with topical creams or patches. In some cases, anti-seizure medications or anti-depressant drugs may be prescribed. Both of these types of medications have been known to reduce pain caused by nerves.
Pain is not the only symptom that occurs with neuropathy. Tingling, numbness, and loss of control of the extremities is often associated with this type of nerve damage as well. For this reason, many doctors suggest that several different kinds of therapy are introduced into a person’s daily life. The types of therapeutic treatments needed usually differ depending on where the problem is, and how severe it is. Sometimes, a combination of therapies is needed to offer neuropathy relief. For example, a patient may require physical, occupational, and nutritional therapies to feel better. Speech therapy is also sometimes required.
Another type of neuropathy relief that may be used is injection therapy. With this treatment, a nerve-blocking agent is injected into a person’s body at the site of the neuropathy pain. This injection works to keep the affected nerves from sending information to the brain, which reduces the amount of symptoms a person experiences. Injection therapy is not a cure, but merely a short-term treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Some lifestyle changes may also be needed, especially for those who need diabetic neuropathy relief. Simple things like not wearing tight socks, quitting smoking, and exercising more can improve the amount of circulation in the body. This can help to improve movement, reduce pain, and reduce the need for surgery or amputation.