Peripheral neuropathy (PN) itself isn't always fatal, but studies show it's strongly linked to reduced life expectancy, particularly in older adults, with one study showing a significant difference (around 3 years) in average survival compared to those without PN, often due to complications like falls, infections, or issues with the underlying cause (like diabetes, which increases heart risk). The severity, underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, chemo), and presence of other conditions greatly impact prognosis, with severe cases affecting mobility and leading to serious complications.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive treatment modality that utilizes a device to deliver low-intensity electrical currents to the skin surface. TENS aims to disrupt pain signals, promote the release of endorphins, and improve blood circulation to alleviate neuropathic pain.
Controlling the cause of neuropathy can help slow damage to peripheral nerves and possibly even reverse symptoms. Leaving the condition untreated, on the other hand, can lead to permanent nerve damage — which can't be reversed. This comes with serious consequences.
Medicines such as gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), developed to treat epilepsy, often improve nerve pain. Side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness. Topical treatments. Lidocaine cream that is available without a prescription can be applied to the skin.
Managing Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be triggered by various factors such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, alcohol use, and autoimmune conditions. Identifying these triggers is key to managing symptoms effectively.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Your podiatrist might recommend exercises to help with your neuropathy. These exercises can improve blood flow to your feet, which is important for nerve health. They can also help maintain muscle strength and flexibility in your feet and ankles.
Tramadol, classified as an opioid analgesic, is primarily used for moderate to severe pain, often post-surgery or for chronic conditions like arthritis. Gabapentin, initially developed for epilepsy, has found extensive use in treating neuropathic pain conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia.
To stop nerve pain immediately, topical lidocaine or capsaicin creams/patches can provide quick numbing relief, while prescription options like anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin) or strong painkillers (tramadol) offer faster but not always instant relief; gentle stretches, TENS, and relaxation techniques can also help manage acute flare-ups by blocking pain signals or relaxing muscles.
Neurologists. Neurologists are the primary specialists for diagnosing and managing peripheral neuropathy. They perform detailed nerve function tests such as Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography (EMG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nerve Biopsy.
Each stage is based on the severity and progression of symptoms.
One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated. Medicines can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options like capsaicin cream and magnesium, and herbal supplements like chamomile or L-theanine, may help manage mild pain and anxiety.
Lidocaine injections and patches may help with pain in other instances. And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that are causing neuropathic pain and symptoms.
QUTENZA® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is indicated in adults for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) or associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet. Do not dispense QUTENZA to patients for self-administration or handling. Use only on dry, unbroken skin.
Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are among the most effective drugs for nerve pain, though they may cause side effects such as lethargy, blurred vision, and weight gain.
One simple and effective trick to ease you into sleep is simply to change your sleeping position. Research on nocturnal neuropathic pain suggests that positions that extend the spine may decompress the nerves affecting feeling in the lower body and feet.
Is gabapentin a strong painkiller? Gabapentin is not a conventional painkiller. It is an anticonvulsant medication that is very effective in relieving nerve pain. There may be better medical treatments for other types of pain.
Options for neuropathy feet treatment may include:
Diabetic shoes are specially designed to reduce the risk of foot injuries, ulcers, and nerve irritation, making them ideal for anyone with diabetic neuropathy or circulation problems. Many models feature extra depth, wide toe boxes, and soft interiors. Ideal For: People with diabetic neuropathy or poor circulation.
When a nerve root in the spinal cord becomes pinched, it is referred to as radiculopathy. This affects the spinal vertebrae, tendons, and intervertebral discs. Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
In the United States, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy within their lifetime. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include: Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs.
These treatments might include:
It's the most wonderful time of the year. But if you experience chronic pain, lower temperatures can make it one of the most difficult times of the year. Neuropathy — like most chronic pain — often gets worse as temperatures drop. Blood flow slows in your outer extremities when your body is exposed to cold.