Nerve damage can occur for many reasons, including diabetes. Neuropathy is the general term for nerve problems anywhere in the body. Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside the spinal cord or brain.
Neuropathy is a painful, chronic condition that causes various symptoms in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Getting treatment for neuropathy is essential to enjoying normal activities.
Depending on the severity of the condition, both professional and natural remedies are available for neuropathy. Dr. Shachi Patel and her team at Delmarva Pain and Spine Center provide pain management techniques for various conditions.
Dr. Patel is an experienced anesthesiologist offering nerve blocks and other injections to provide optimal relief.
Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when any of the nerves in the body sustain damage, either from a medical condition or injury. It's known as peripheral neuropathy when the nerves outside the spinal cord or brain suffer.
Anyone can develop neuropathy, but those with chronic conditions like diabetes and older adults are more at risk. Neuropathy is typically a slowly developing disease, except in cases of injury or acute illness.
The symptoms often develop over weeks to months and usually include sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms. The prevalent signs of neuropathy include the following:
Autonomic symptoms include changes in blood pressure, excessive or insufficient sweating, and bladder and bowel issues. When you notice the signs of neuropathy, it's essential to get treatment before it worsens.
There are many options for managing neuropathy properly. Conventional treatments are available, but natural options have fewer side effects and could prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
Depending on the cause of your neuropathy, natural treatments may be an excellent place to start. Inflammation is one of the body functions that increases the pain of neuropathy. Getting chronic inflammation under control is a great way to improve neuropathy symptoms.
Managing any condition that causes nerve damage is another natural way to reduce symptoms. For instance, if you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels within the normal range prevents further damage to the nerves.
Although natural remedies won't reverse nerve damage, they can help you successfully manage neuropathy at home.
Natural remedies for neuropathy may be where you want to start. They offer relief, often without having to leave the comfort of your home. The best part about natural treatments is that they only require a few lifestyle changes for a significant outcome.
Various natural or holistic remedies exist for peripheral neuropathy, including the following:
Regular exercise is excellent for the body, especially when it is in pain or discomfort. Low-impact exercises increase circulation to the extremities and help reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Vitamins are essential nutrients the body needs to function correctly. If you're deficient in specific vitamins, you may have neuropathy symptoms. Proper amounts of vitamin B12, B6, B1, and vitamin E are necessary for nerve health and wellness.
A warm bath soothes the body and increases circulation, which is essential for those with neuropathy. However, be careful not to make the water too hot; neuropathy often impairs one's ability to tell temperature.
Quitting smoking is probably the most straightforward change you can make to decrease pain and numbness from neuropathy. Smoking decreases circulation and thickens the blood, often worsening symptoms.
Relaxation techniques help you cope with neuropathy and reduce pain symptoms by lowering stress levels. You can try yoga or meditation to help you relax your body and mind and relieve painful symptoms.
Some people benefit significantly from natural neuropathy treatments, but unfortunately, they don't work for everyone. It's a good idea to give any therapy a few weeks to work. However, if you're still experiencing discomfort after several natural attempts, it's time to seek help from Dr. Patel.
In general, it's a good idea to seek professional treatment for neuropathy if any of your symptoms change or worsen. If you experience pain that interferes with your everyday activities, seek treatment from Dr. Patel right away.
It's also prudent to get help for neuropathy when the cause of the problem is a chronic condition. Dr. Patel helps you control the underlying cause to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage.
For more information on our neuropathy treatments, call our office in Newark, Delaware, today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Patel on our website.
