How to Relieve Diabetic Neuropathy Pain

Many diabetes patients experience neuropathy, one of the complications of blood sugar levels that are not well controlled. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage. It can affect many parts of your body, including internal organs and limbs. You may experience burning, shooting or stinging pain in the extremities, such as the feet, legs, arms and hands. You may also experience numbness, difficulty with balance and trouble gripping objects. Fortunately, there are many home remedies you can try to relieve your symptoms, as well as medications that your doctor can prescribe.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin B complex
• Benfotiamine
• Alpha lipoic acid supplement
• Capsaicin cream
• Lidocaine patch

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Instructions

• 1

  Control your blood sugar. Blood sugar spikes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, and the best way to prevent or reduce neuropathy is by maintaining a consistently healthy blood sugar level. Check your glucose level often to accomplish this.

• 2

  Take vitamin B complex daily. B vitamins are essential for nerve health, especially B12, which helps to regenerate the myelin sheaths, or nerve coverings. Benfotiamine, a lipid-soluble form of vitamin B1, may be especially helpful for diabetics with neuropathy, as it metabolizes in the body quickly.

• 3

  Take an alpha lipoic acid supplement daily. A standard dose is about 20 to 50 mg. Alpha lipoic acid can help repair nerve damage and may help relieve neuropathy symptoms.

• 4

  Rub a topical application over the affected area for temporary pain relief. Try capsaicin cream--just wash your hands thoroughly after using it, as it burns if it gets in your eyes. You can also use a lidocaine patch, but no more than three patches per day. Some people may experience a rash at the patch area.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about prescription medications for diabetic neuropathy. There are a variety of options, including gabapentin, pregabalin and carbamazepine. Side effects may include drowsiness and dizziness.