Pain from nerve damage does not have to last forever. With the proper treatment, it is possible to restore nerve health, along with the mobility and physical capabilities a patient had before nerves becoming damaged.

The key is to treat the damage instead of just numbing the pain.

Pain medication will be part of the treatment process

Initially, patients may need to take over-the-counter pain medications or use ointments or sprays that can help to reduce nerve pain. In some situations, a doctor may prescribe medication as well.

There are ways to support nerve healing

Certain vitamins and supplements are also known to reduce nerve pain and even promote healing. Some of the ones we recommend taking are:

• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamins B6 and B12
• Vitamin E

Adding foods that contain these nutrients to a person’s diet, or taking them in supplement form, can help to promote overall health and nerve health.

It is also vital to continue moderate exercise and physical activity. Even things like walking regularly are good for the body because it helps to promote blood flow. Getting enough sleep is also crucial for anyone who is suffering from nerve damage.

Massage is another natural way to treat the pain caused by damaged nerves.

These natural treatments can help, but they typically will not solve the problem

We recommend using natural methods to help augment healing. Still, we know that most patients will require help from a medical professional.

Nerve damage treatments

Below are a few of the procedures that are available for consideration.

Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)

Using electrodes, small amounts of electricity are sent to the skin, disrupting the ability of nerves to transmit signals of pain to the brain. This drug-free therapy can be highly effective and has been used for years to treat nerve pain.

Prescription drugs

Some prescriptions have proven promising for preventing nerve pain. Others can treat related symptoms.

Acupuncture

Some patients will experience relief with ongoing acupuncture. This is an ancient Chinese medicine that can treat a variety of conditions by helping to promote blood flow and by bringing the body into proper balance.

Ultrasound therapy

Some patients have experienced relief from nerve pain through ultrasound treatments. These are non-invasive treatments that use high-frequency waves to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is another non-surgical option that can penetrate deep into the tissue to boost cellular metabolism and reduce swelling. It can relieve pain for people suffering from numerous conditions, including nerve damage.

What’s the bottom line?

There are multiple ways to treat nerve pain and damage. Some treatments can be done at home, but others require help from a medical provider. The only way to know what will be the most effective is to speak with a physician in our office and then to begin trying various forms of treatment. We encourage getting started right away so that healing can begin as quickly as possible.

Call us at (619) 460-5850 for more information from Neurological and Pain Institute.

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage triggered by chronically high blood sugar and diabetes. It leads to loss of sensation, numbness and at times, a pain in the legs, feet or hands. It is the most common complication of diabetes.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Chronically high blood sugar levels damage nerves not only in the extremities but also in additional parts of the body. These damaged nerves cannot effectively carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

You might be wondering …

Peripheral neuropathy means a person may not feel cold, heat or pain in the legs, feet or hands. If a foot has a cut or sore, a person may not know it, which is why it is imperative to inspect feet daily. If a shoe does not fit correctly, a foot ulcer could unknowingly develop.

The consequences could be life threatening. An infection that will not heal because of deprived blood flow creates a risk for developing ulcers and could lead to amputation or even death.

The nerve damage presents itself differently in each person. Some people feel pain, then later feel tingling. Other people lose the feeling in toes and fingers, or numbness. These transformations happen slowly throughout months to years, so a person might not even be aware of it.

Since changes are subtle and happen as people get older, people tend not to pay attention to the signs of nerve damage, playing it off as just a part of getting older.

However, some treatments and therapies can assist in slowing down the progression of this condition and reduce the damage. Get advice from doctors about what the options are, and do not disregard the signs because, with time, it could become worse.

Symptoms of nerve damage from diabetes

Numbness is one of the most common symptoms of nerve damage due to diabetes. The loss of feeling is a particular concern. People who lose sensation are the ones most often to obtain ulcers on the feet and to end up requiring amputations.

People describe the early signs of peripheral neuropathy in numerous ways:

1. Numbness
2. Tingling
3. Pins and needles
4. Prickling
5. Burning
6. Cold
7. Pinching
8. Buzzing
9. Sharp
10. Deep stabs

Others indicate sharp pain, tingling, cramps, prickling and a burning sensation. Still, others have exaggerated sensitivity to touch.

The symptoms are usually worse in the later part of the day, mostly at night. Be on the lookout for these changes:

Sensitivity to touch. A person may feel a heightened sensitivity to touch, or numbness or tingling in the feet, toes, legs or hands.

Muscle weakness. Elevated blood sugars could damage nerves that communicate to the muscles how to move. This might lead to muscle frailty. A person may have trouble getting up from a chair, walking, carrying things or grabbing items.

Balance problems. A person may feel more unsteady than usual and uncoordinated when they walk; this happens when the body adapts to something different brought on by muscle damage.

Because people with type 2 diabetes may have multiple health issues, doctors do not always diagnose peripheral neuropathy when symptoms first appear. Be aware that the pain could be confused with other problems. If the pain is severe, in the case of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, it could be chronic and needs attention.

Request an appointment here: https://braininjuryexpert.net/contact or call Neurological and Pain Institute at (619) 460-5850 for an appointment in our La Mesa office.

If you have ever experienced neuropathy (or peripheral neuropathy), you know that it is a very unpleasant experience. It involves feeling a stinging, tingling or burning pain and usually occurs in the arm, legs, hands, and feet. Neuropathy can be long-lasting and usually has a big impact on one’s life. The following is a list of questions whose answers can shed more light on neuropathy and its causes.

What are some symptoms of neuropathy?

The below symptoms can be signs of neuropathy:

• Abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse
• Burning or freezing sensations
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• Sharp or stabbing electric pain
• Unusual sweating

What is the difference between polyneuropathy and mononeuropathy?

Polyneuropathy is more common and usually affects multiple locations and multiple nerves at the same time. Mononeuropathy involves only one location on the body — more commonly known conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Bell’s Palsy, are examples of mononeuropathy.

Who usually gets peripheral neuropathy?

People most commonly affected by peripheral neuropathy are those with diabetes or those who are pre-diabetic. This is because the excess sugar from these diseases tends to over-activate and damage your nervous system. A return to normal blood glucose levels may or may not reverse the neuropathy.

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

Neuropathy is treated symptomatically. There is no cure because nerve cells are so complex. However, the treatments sometimes involve a combination of massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy or prescription medications. Treatment is usually on a long-term basis and can help those who suffer from neuropathy cope with the effects.

Is neuropathy avoidable?

In some cases, yes. If you are diabetic, it is important to take good care of your blood sugar and keep it within normal range over the long-term. Some diseases happen by genetics or trauma (an injury of force). These are unexpected and cannot be prevented in the same way.

Why are feet so important in neuropathy?

Those with neuropathy usually have numb feet all the time. If you cannot feel what you are stepping on, then you are likely to get cuts and scrapes on the underside of your feet. When this happens, your body’s natural signals are no longer there to warn you of the danger, and infections and swelling often occur as a result.

What are the consequences of leaving neuropathy untreated?

As mentioned in the above answer, when you have no pain receptors you cannot feel when your feet get cut or hurt in other ways. If an infection results, this is when you can have serious consequences. An infection can damage the feet and legs badly enough to lead to amputation of one or both of your limbs.

What steps can I take to lower my chances of developing neuropathy?

If you have diabetes, practice good blood-sugar control. This will involve diet, exercise, and possibly medications such as insulin. Otherwise, you can reduce the stress on the hands to lower your chances of carpal tunnel — meaning you should spend less time at the computer typing. Traumatic injuries are unpredictable, but seek medical attention immediately to reduce your risk of developing further complications. If you have any other questions about neuropathy, don’t hesitate to call our team of health professionals.

Request an appointment in our La Mesa office here: https://neurologicalandpain.com.