Ways to Ease the Pain of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition caused by infection, trauma, metabolic disturbances including diabetes and exposure to toxins such as radiation, causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Different nerves in the body can be affected, but most frequently, the long nerves that lead to the feet and toes are affected first. The pain can be sharp or burning and cause extreme skin sensitivity. Pain management is a priority for patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

Pain Management

• Mild neuropathic pain can be controlled with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. For more severe pain, prescription pain relievers may be prescribed. Prescription pain medications contain opiates that can lead to dependence, so they are used when over-the-counter medications fail. Other common side effects of opiate-based medications are excessive sedation and constipation.

  Topical pain-relieving patches containing Lidocaine can be applied directly to painful sites. They have few side effects and may provide relief if the pain is concentrated in one area.

  Medications developed for other conditions---depression and seizures, specifically---have been used to treat neuropathic pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, tricyclic antidepressants relieve pain by interfering with pain-producing chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord. Some epileptic drugs also provide relief for nerve pain.

Mechanical Aids

• Hand and foot braces help take the pressure off of painful nerves. Weak muscles and compressed nerves make walking difficult for some peripheral neuropathy patients, and braces can help steady the gait.

  Orthopedic shoes, designed specifically for nerve pain sufferers, can improve walking and protect the feet from injury. Loss of pain sensation is a concern for peripheral neuropathy patients, and sturdy, high quality footwear is an important consideration.

Other Treatments

• Biofeedback and acupuncture have been used to treat neuropathic pain. With training, biofeedback allows patients to control certain body responses---including pain---that are normally not voluntarily controlled. According the WebMD, results have been encouraging.

  Acupuncture, which may work by causing the brain to release "feel good" chemicals called endorphins, is gaining popularity as for neuropathic pain relief.

  Another therapy that offers relief involves transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS uses mild electrical stimulation to block pain signals.

  Other, non-chemical pain control methods that may offer some relief include yoga, hypnosis and meditation.

  As always, a healthy diet and lifestyle offers some protective benefit, as do certain vitamins and supplements. German researchers have called the supplement Alpha-lipoic "clinically meaningful" at halting the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Other valuable supplements include vitamins E and C, B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids.