How to Treat Neuropathy Caused by Chemotherapy

The chemotherapy that fights cancer cells may also damage the nerves in the extremities, resulting in numbness and tingling in fingers, toes, hands and feet. This numbness, known as neuropathy, can make it difficult to grasp objects, maintain balance or walk comfortably. The pain sometimes associated with neuropathy may make it more difficult to sleep. Neuropathy may also result in constipation. Symptoms may lessen over a period of months or years after chemotherapy is discontinued, but some nerve damage my be permanent. Treatment consists of a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to accommodate the numbness.

Instructions

• 1

  Describe the kind of symptoms you're having with as much detail as possible. Keep a log for several days before your doctor's visit to help you describe the type and severity of symptoms you're experiencing. Different types of pain require different treatments. Your doctor will probably prescribe medication. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil are often used to treat tingling and numbness. Anti-convulsants such as garbapentin are sometimes effective against sharper pain.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to try something else if one medication doesn't provide relief. Different people respond to different drugs. The list of medications to treat neuropathy is extensive. You may have to try several before you find the one that works best for you.

• 3

  Protect yourself from injury. Don't walk around barefoot and wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning house. In winter, wear thick socks and gloves when you go out. Because your nerves are less sensitive, you may not feel heat and cold as keenly, so you need to bundle up even in your don't feel cold. Switch from razor blades to an electric razor and regularly inspect yourself for cuts or burns that might otherwise go unnoticed and become infected. Eat a high-fiber diet to combat constipation.

• 4

  Try alternative therapies and exercise. Cancer.org reports that alternative therapies such as massage, meditation and deep breathing or acupuncture help some people feel more comfortable. Moderate exercise such as yoga and stretching can help you maintain flexibility and help in dealing with any pain that accompanies the numbness (see Reference 3).