Neuropathy is a general term for damage to the nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves located all over the body. The nerves are responsible for sending messages between the brain and the body. When nerves are damaged, they don’t work properly. This can cause problems with movement, sensation, and other functions controlled by the nervous system. There are many potential causes of neuropathy affecting the legs and feet. Some common causes include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, physical trauma, and certain medications.
Neuropathy often affects the lower extremities because that’s where most of the nerves are located in your body. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, numbness, tingling, and feeling a burning sensation in your hands, legs, and feet. These symptoms can affect your quality of life. Here, we will talk about the treatment options available for neuropathy in the feet and legs.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for nerve damage. The platelet-rich plasma created from your own blood is reinjected back into your feet and legs, and the cytokines and growth factors stimulate the repair and healing of damaged nerves and improve your nerve health. The growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma are 10 times more than what’s normally in the blood. In a study, the use of PRP therapy in treating patients with peripheral neuropathy saw an improvement in symptoms in just two weeks.
Electric Stimulation or Nerve Stimulation
Also known as electrotherapy, nerve stimulation reduces neuropathic pain by stimulating the nerves with electrical impulses to stimulate blood flow in the limb and exercises the muscles in the area. The use of nerve stimulation devices has provided an improvement in painful symptoms of neuropathy due to diabetes in six studies. Nerve stimulation mimics the effect of walking on the limbs, which increases blood flow and exercises the muscles, and as a result, benefits the nerves, as well. The provider can adjust the intensity and frequency of electrical impulses according to the level that they find to be appropriate and effective for the patient.
Dietary Changes
There are a few dietary changes that can help with neuropathy affecting the legs and feet. First, increasing the intake of B vitamins can help. This can be done by eating more leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains. Second, omega-3 fatty acids may also help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with neuropathy. This can be found in fish oil supplements or by eating more fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna. Finally, curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has shown to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain. It can be taken in supplement form or added to food when cooking. A doctor can help with creating a customized meal plan that specifically benefits nerve health.
Neuropathy Treatment in Florida, New Jersey, Illinois, Georgia, and Michigan
NIVA Health offers patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy our comprehensive neuropathy program, which focuses on alternative, non-surgical treatments for nerve damage. Our practice provides only natural therapies that help with pain and other symptoms, without the added risk of complications and habit-forming medications.
Find out what our providers recommend as a treatment for neuropathy in your feet and legs. Schedule your free consultation today. Call (866) 377-5872 or use our convenient online appointment request form. NIVA Health has several locations across the country.
