7 Nonsurgical Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy: What Works?

Peripheral neuropathy refers to irregularities with the nerves in your arms and/or legs. It’s caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves involved. Most often, people experience it in their legs and feet. 

At Florida Pain Management Institute in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Florida, we take all forms of neuropathy seriously. While not a medical condition that poses an immediate danger to your health, peripheral neuropathy can be disruptive and painful. Let’s take a look at the disorder and ways that it can be treated. 

Causes of peripheral neuropathy

The pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness caused by peripheral neuropathy can be a nuisance, or it can be severe enough to dominate your waking life while also disturbing your sleep. 

Common causes of the condition include: 

• Alcoholism
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain medications
• Chemotherapy
• Compressed nerves
• Diabetes
• Infections
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Repetitive strain
• Smoking
• Thyroid problems
• Traumatic injury
• Vitamin deficiencies

7 nonsurgical treatments for peripheral neuropathy

For many patients, relief from peripheral neuropathy can be found without resorting to surgery. Nerves can regenerate, so the right treatment can help stimulate this regrowth. 

Physical therapy

Movement encourages blood circulation, an important part of your body’s repair mechanisms, so targeted physical therapy is an important way to help you overcome the effects of peripheral neuropathy. For patients with numbness and weakness, PT can help reduce the risk of losing balance or falling. 

Pain medications

While medications don’t help you progress out of peripheral neuropathy, they can help you stay active by controlling sensory symptoms caused by the condition. We may recommend over-the-counter pain products in capsule, tablet, or topical forms, along with dosages that minimize the medications' side effects. 

Alternate medications

Some medications formulated for other uses also have pain-relieving properties. These include some classes of antidepressants and antiseizure medications. Used under a physician’s supervision, these could be helpful additions to your neuropathy management plan. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Delivered via adhesive electrodes, small electrical signals can scramble pain signals from damaged nerves. Used alongside other modalities, TENS is non-invasive and provides temporary relief from the onslaught of constant pain. 

Nutrition

A balanced, healthy diet focusing on fresh, whole foods supports your overall health and, specifically, your health with peripheral neuropathy. We may also recommend supplements based on your unique needs, such as B vitamins. 

Alcohol and tobacco

Too much alcohol contributes to nerve damage. Cut back to the recommended one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men to limit the impact of alcohol on your body. 

Not only can tobacco use cause peripheral neuropathy, but continued use can also interfere with your body’s efforts to repair itself. 

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)

Expanding on the TENS concept, SCS delivers low-level electrical signals directly to the nerve roots that transmit neuropathy pain to the brain. Unlike TENS, SCS is an implanted system with an external control unit, allowing ongoing pain management as needed. 

When you need to get control over the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, contact Florida Pain Management Institute for a personalized treatment plan. Call 561-331-5050 or click the Request Appointment link on this page. Book your visit today.