Peripheral Neuropathy has not been deemed as a single condition. On the same note, there has not been a single treatment option suited best for this group of health problems.
It would be pertinent to mention here that the treatment would be determined by the cause of your nerve damage. It would also be determined by the developed symptoms of neuropathy.
Symptoms of neuropathy
Nerve damage may not be similar in all people. However, the potential signs along with the various symptoms of neuropathy would be inclusive of permanent or temporary numbness. You may also feel prickling, tingling, or burning sensation.
There would be enhanced sensitivity to muscle weakness, touch, or wasting. Other inclusive symptoms would be paralysis, dysfunction of glands or organs, sexual or urination impairment. It would not be wrong to state that the symptoms of neuropathy actually depend on which nerve has been affected.
Major ways of treating neuropathy
Treatment for neuropathy would focus initially on the identification of the problem. It would later address the underlying condition for the prevention of further damage. It would also provide nerves with the requisite or as much time they require for healing.
In case, you were suffering from Diabetic Neuropathy, the initial step taken by the physicians would be to take the blood glucose level of the person under control.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment would be inclusive of the following:
- Tingling, burning, and pain would be treated with prescription and over the counter medication.
- Complete loss of sensation or numbness would lead to various complications inclusive of sores, ulcers, and amputation of the limb. It would be addressed by monitoring the affected areas for injuries and addressing the wounds. The patients would be prescribed braces and protective footwear.
- A drop in blood pressure upon standing up, also known as Orthostatic Hypotension could be treated with enhanced sodium intake. They would also be required to maintain the balance of salt in the body.
- Motor neuropathy symptoms would be inclusive of muscle wasting and weakness. It would specifically affect the lower extremities. There could be deformities of the feet. Treatment could be inclusive of braces, orthotics, and physical therapy for regaining the bodily strength.
- Delayed emptying of the stomach, also called Gastroparesis would be yet another autonomic symptom. It could be treated with medication for controlling vomiting and nausea.
However, the common treatment for neuropathy would be inclusive of over the counter medication, antidepressants, prescription medication, neuromodulation, anticonvulsants, and surgery.