Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the body’s nervous system. The condition is said to affect the body’s nerves and the way they send signals to the rest of the body. It is usually characterized by a numb, tingling or burning sensation in the hands, feet and limbs. One may also experience pain in these areas owing to nerve damage.
While conventional medications and treatments can treat peripheral neuropathy, a number of alternative remedies and treatments have also been found to be useful in controlling the condition and its symptoms. Here are 7 such alternative treatment options that an individual with peripheral neuropathy can opt for.
Essential Acid Supplements
Studies have revealed that essential acids like omega 3 fatty acids, amino acid, alpha-lipoic acid and gamma linolenic acid can help reduce the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These studies showed that symptoms like coldness and numbness were effectively reduced with these essential acid supplements. These essential acids also help increase blood flow throughout the body, thus treating the numbness caused by peripheral neuropathy effectively.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
In some cases, peripheral neuropathy is caused by vitamin deficiencies in the system. Replenishing these reduced vitamin levels can therefore, help treat the condition and its symptoms. In this case, taking Vitamin B1 and B2 as well as Vitamin E supplements on a regular basis can control peripheral neuropathy to a great extent.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids and so, is considered as an effective alternative remedy for individuals suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Regular consumption of fish oil supplements can help reduce the symptoms of the condition while improving blood flow throughout the body.
L- Carnitine Supplements
Increased consumption of L-carnitine, a substance naturally found in the body, can in some cases, relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic individuals. L- carnitine helps bring back regular sensation in the hands, feet and limbs. In addition to supplements, one can also opt for foods that contain the nutrient, including peanut butter and red meat.
Herbal Supplements
Some herbs are known to be very effective in reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy to a great extent. Some common herbs recommended for the condition include:
- John’s Wort: This herb relieves the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and helps bring back sensation to the fingers and toes. It can also help bring down the pain caused by nerve injuries considerably.
- Passionflower: This herb is very effective in reducing the agitation, restlessness, muscle spasms, twitching and nervousness caused by peripheral neuropathy.
- Nettle: This herb is loaded with essential minerals that can help bring down the stinging sensation in the hands and feet brought about by peripheral neuropathy. It may take some time to produce desirable results though.
- Gingko Biloba: This herb helps improve blood circulation throughout the body. This, in turn, helps reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy considerably. However, one would need to use it carefully in conjunction with other medications like ibuprofen or aspirin that increase bleeding.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that can help control peripheral neuropathy to a great extent. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional medications in order to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by nerve damage. Acupuncture manages to achieve this by targeting the pressure points in the body and making them align with the body’s central energy.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation may be an option for individuals who don’t respond well to conventional drugs. This treatment makes use of an implanted electrical stimulator to produce a tingling sensation. This sensation helps interrupt pain signals in the painful area. In this case, neuromodulation can make use of peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation to treat even intractable peripheral neuropathic pain.
Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage and is characterized by symptoms like pain, inflammation, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands, feet and limbs. Natural remedies offer an alternative treatment option for those who do not prefer or do not respond to conventional medications to treat the condition.