Most people think the increased blood flow velocity and the compressed fabric on your skin will help with the burning sensation and discomfort that often accompanies peripheral neuropathy. Compression garments have also been said to reduce cramping and help with nerve and temperature sensitivity.
Be especially careful about fit if you have poor circulation. Limited blood flow to your feet can make diabetic foot injuries worse and can slow the healing of wounds. Compression socks should be avoided for this reason.
Neuropathy rarely leads to death if the cause is determined and controlled. The sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the greater the chance that nerve damage can be slowed or repaired.
Curcumin for neuropathyIt may help to relieve numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. It's available in supplement form, or you can take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper three times per day. You can also use fresh or powdered turmeric to make tea.
As high levels of blood sugar can contribute to nerve damage in peripheral neuropathy, patients should avoid foods such as candy, ice cream, soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries.
4. Warm bath. Taking a warm bath can be soothing and can also alleviate pain symptoms from neuropathy. Warm water increases blood circulation throughout the body, decreasing pain symptoms from numbness.
Epsom salt reduces inflammation and increases muscle and nerve function through the naturally occurring compound of magnesium and sulfate.
At night our body temperature fluctuates and goes down a bit. Most people tend to sleep in a cooler room as well. The thought is that damaged nerves might interpret the temperature change as pain or tingling, which can heighten the sense of neuropathy.
If a nerve is injured but not cut, your injury is more likely to heal. Injuries in which the nerve has been completely severed are very difficult to treat and recovery may not be possible. Your doctor will determine your treatment based on the extent and cause of your injury and how well the nerve is healing.
The following suggestions can help you manage peripheral neuropathy:
- Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Massage.
- Avoid prolonged pressure.
- Set priorities.
- Acceptance & Acknowledgement.
- Find the positive aspects of the disorder.
Sleeping with your knees elevated may alleviate your painful symptoms by minimizing the pressure your lumbar discs place on your nerve roots. Lie flat on your back—keep your heels and buttocks in contact with the bed and bend your knees slightly towards the ceiling.
Caffeine actively causes pain by decreasing pain threshold and making the nervous system more alert to pain.
The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include:
- amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.
- duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.
- pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
Nerve PainIt's best to use cold when the pain is still sharp and move on to heat once that sharpness has subsided. The heat will increase blood flow and help tissues heal faster.
Blame it on the barometric pressure: Any change in pressure, or the weight of the air pressing against the surface of the earth, can trigger joint pain or headaches in some people.
Possible causes include:Changes in barometric pressure cause tendons, muscles, and tissue to expand or contract putting pressure on nerves and triggering joint pain. Damaged cartilage exposes nerves within the joint which may make them more sensitive to changes in pressure.
The typical explanation for bad-weather-related aches is that the drop in barometric pressure that comes with a storm causes soft tissue and fluid around joints to expand, irritating nerves and causing pain, especially at the sensitized site of an arthritic joint or an old injury.
Neuropathies frequently start in your hands and feet, but other parts of your body can be affected too. Neuropathy, often called peripheral neuropathy, indicates a problem within the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
Early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy is important, because the peripheral nerves have a limited capacity to regenerate, and treatment may only stop the progression -- not reverse damage.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses.
- Exercise.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Avoid excessive alcohol.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels.
Let's take a look at the five stages of peripheral neuropathy and how you can recognize each.
- Stage One: Numbness and Pain.
- Stage Two: More Regular Symptoms.
- Stage Three: The Pain Reaches Its High Point.
- Stage Four: Constant Numbness.
- Stage Five: Total Loss of Feeling.
How To Reverse Peripheral Neuropathy Naturally
- Exercise. A number of health conditions; exercise is a remedy.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is a causative factor to almost every health condition as smoking affects blood circulation.
- Vitamins. Some cases of peripheral neuropathy are related to vitamin deficiency.
- Essential Oils.
- Dietary supplementation.
- Healthy diet.
The most reliable symptom to measure whether you are getting better or worse is weakness. If your weakness is getting better, then your neuropathy is getting better. The second most reliable thing to follow is numbness. If you have increased numbness and loss of sensitivity, your neuropathy is probably getting worse.
Treatments depend entirely on the type of nerve damage, symptoms, and location. No medical treatments exist that can cure inherited peripheral neuropathy. However, there are therapies for many other forms.
In many instances, nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.
Apple Cider Vinegar is among the best home remedies for neuropathy without spending too much money or effort.
Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems.
Prolonged exposure to the cold causes the body to slow blood circulation to the hands and feet in an effort to preserve the body's core temperature. The reduced blood flow can intensify neuropathy symptoms and potentially cause further damage to already affected peripheral nerves.
Good sources of these vitamins include citrus fruits, berries, dark chocolate and herbal teas such as lavender or chamomile (avoid teas with caffeine). For the B vitamins in particular, choose whole grains and nuts.
Neuropathy and Social Security BenefitsIf you suffer from neuropathy and it is so severe it impacts your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Neuropathy is a rather generalized term. It can represent any or all diseases or malfunctions of the peripheral nervous system.
With a pain solver, however, our nerves become unblocked and begin to receive impulses again. This re-awakening of our healing nerves is felt through slight tingling sensations often described as a "pins and needles" effect. This is a normal reaction of the nerves as they work overtime to regain normal function.
If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.
