Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic medical condition which affects 20 million American adults. Often cited as a complication of diabetes, neuropathy pain also can stem from trauma, exposure to environmental toxins or certain drugs and more. Thankfully, neuropathic pain can be managed with some of today’s natural medicines. Let’s look at the symptoms of neuropathy and at some of the natural remedies.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy has many diverse and potentially debilitating symptoms. The most reported problems are stabbing, shooting, burning pain in the legs, ankles, and feet. People say they feel as though they are stepping on needles or pebbles. The pain worsens at night and usually affects both sides of the body.
Besides neuropathic pain, other common symptoms are:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Poor balance and coordination
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Sweating too little or too much
Symptoms impact sensory, autonomic, and motor nerves and can progress rapidly if the underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, is poorly controlled. However, no matter how good overall health may be, neuropathy and its symptoms cannot be permanently resolved.
The Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle
You can manage the adverse effects of neuropathy, including pain, by living as healthy a lifestyle as you can. That means:
- Regular exercise (to tolerance)
- Quitting all tobacco products, including cigarettes
- Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, prayer, and meditation
- Consuming a healthy diet
Neuropathy Program and Natural Medicines for Pain
Our onsite neuropathy program helps people understand the reasons for their neuropathic pain and recommends natural medicines and treatments which lessen the impact of nerve damage.
One such natural treatment is nutrition management. Some cases of neuropathy are due to nutritional deficiency, so your doctor will recommend supplements to support your diet with the nutrients you’re missing. Such supplements may include vitamin D, E, B1, B12, as well as magnesium, calcium, and omega-3s.
Also, we offer an innovative injection therapy called platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy. For medically qualified patients, PRP therapy involves a simple blood draw. The doctor isolates platelets and growth factors from your blood. The doctor then injects the concentrated platelets back into the patient, usually at the site of pain or other symptoms. The high concentration of growth and healing factors decreases inflammation and increases blood flow to heal the affected area.
Neuropathy Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
At NIVA Health, our neuropathic pain management program is second to none in relieving pain and giving patients a fuller, more functional life. To learn more, call your local NIVA Health office for an individualized consultation. Or, request your appointment by filling in our online request form. We look forward to getting you back to your life pain-free!
