Neuropathy refers to a condition in which the peripheral nerves in your body become damaged. There are multiple conditions, such as diabetes, chemotherapy treatments for cancer, or infections (ie: shingles) that lead to neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can be acute or chronic and affects everything from feet and hands to legs and arms, even the neck and face. Â
It’s important that you consult with medical experts when you are dealing with a complex problem like neuropathy. It is said that more than 30 million people are living with neuropathy in the United States. Whether your condition is mild or severe, there are different types of treatments available, which can help in reducing pain and inflammation. You can choose from topical pain medication to prescription medications, to alternative treatments as well. Let’s take a quick look at some of the treatment options for neuropathy. Â
Topical Pain Relief Â
Topical pain relief products and creams can be used to provide relief from mild as well as chronic pain. However, it is important to consult a pain management specialist for topical pain relief for neuropathy. This treatment is most effective when you have acute pain. Two over-the-counter products we find effective are Traumeel Cream by Heel, and a cream with CBD and Menthol by the company ShiKai.Â
How effective are prescription pain medications in treating the pain of neuropathy?Â
Like any other treatment, these also have different benefits and side effects. However, they can help you in dealing with the pain that comes with neuropathy. Some common prescription pain medications used for neuropathy include Cymbalta, Gabapentin, Lyrica, and Neurontin. Cymbalta is the brand name for a drug called Duloxetine. It is a type of antidepressant, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of nerve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin is a medication, that is used for epilepsy and seizures, that is increasingly used for all types of pain in recent years. It is especially effective in treating the pain associated with neuropathy.Â
Using Microcurrent Stimulation to treat the pain of neuropathy:Â Â Â
This is a standard treatment option that has helped patients in dealing with the pain associated with neuropathy. The treatment uses small specialized. electrical impulses, which helped in treating the pain effectively. Also, it is shown to reduce the pain caused by neuropathy and improve the quality of life for patients. Â
Are there any risks associated with treatment? Â
While there can be risks with any treatment, it is important to discuss the possible risks or side effects with your doctor. Microcurrent Stimulation has proven to be quite safe. The FDA has approved electrotherapy devices for the treatment of neuropathy. However, it’s important that you discuss this with your doctor before you begin the treatment. (Note that when we are talking about the effectiveness of Microcurrent Stimulation as a therapy, we are specifically referring to treatments done with prescription devices containing a microprocessor with a complex waveform, not a simple TENS device you might find in a drug store.)Â
There are other alternative treatments that have helped in relieving the symptoms of neuropathy. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal supplements, and dietary changes. Â
What are the signs that you need immediate medical attention? Â
Since neuropathy is a progressive condition, there are cases when patients need immediate medical attention. You should not ignore any symptoms or warning signs that suggest the need for medical attention. Some of the warning signs include: numbness or burning pain, which gets worse at night; pain that aggravates in your hand, feet, or legs; pain that is very intense; foot ulcers; loss of reflexes and muscle weakness; and tingling or burning sensation or numbness.Â
What is the peer-reviewed literature on the treatment of the pain of neuropathy using microcurrent stimulation?Â
We have gathered some of the literature for you here. Please let us know if you have any questions or want further articles to study. Â
