Natural Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy - A Comprehensive Review

Introduction:

Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet, especially the extremities of the body, which is caused due to damage to the peripheral nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves help in sending messages from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. During peripheral neuropathy, these nerves are damaged, and it will affect the brain and spinal cord to send messages to different parts of the body. It will affect response to pain, temperature, etc.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy damages the peripheral nerves, that is, nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy can result in weakness, numbness, and severe pain in the hands and feet. Other areas of the body and some body functions are also affected by peripheral neuropathy, like digestion, circulation, and urination. The pain associated with peripheral neuropathy is a burning or stabbing type of pain. Peripheral neuropathy is caused due to infections, inherited diseases, traumatic injuries, and exposure to toxins. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with people having diabetes. The treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause of the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy shows various symptoms that usually depend on the damaged nerve. The nerves are of three types. The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include the following -

1. Sensory Nerves - Sensory nerves receive sensations like temperature, touch, pain, vibration, etc.

• Numbness or tingling sensation.

• Pain while touching.

• Reduced sensation.

• Pain associated with hot and cold.

• Difficult to feel the temperature changes.

• Reduced reflexes.

• Loss of coordination.

2. Motor Nerves - The motor nerve helps in the movement of the muscle.

• Weakness of the muscles.

• Muscle atrophy.

• Spasm in muscle.

• Reduced reflexes.

3. Autonomic Nerve - Autonomic nerves help control blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, etc.

• Vomiting and nausea.

• Dizziness.

• Increased sweating.

• Involuntary bowel and bladder movements.

• Abnormal heart rate.

• Difficulty in swallowing.

What Are the Natural Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Depending on the cause of peripheral neuropathy, treatment varies. The common treatments for peripheral neuropathy include physical therapy, surgical therapy, and reducing increased nerve pressure by injections. To reduce the pain, over-the-counter drugs like Aspirin or Ibuprofen are prescribed. There are many natural methods of treating peripheral neuropathy and its symptoms. They include the following -

• Vitamins - Peripheral neuropathy can sometimes be caused due to vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B is needed for nerve health. A deficiency of vitamins can damage the nerves leading to peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B is found rich in food supplements. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can result in damage to the protective layer of the nerve. Vitamin D can also help in preventing peripheral neuropathy and associated nerve pain. During exposure to the sun and sunlight, there will be the production of vitamin D, which helps reduce the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin E decreases inflammation and nerve damage because it has high antioxidant properties. Vitamin supplements are also advised to reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

• Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper is a hot pepper that makes food items spicy and contains capsaicin. Topical creams use capsaicin for pain relief. It helps in reducing the intensity of pain present in the body. Using capsaicin supplements or cayenne pepper in the diet will help reduce the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. There is also a topical application of capsaicin, which reduces the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.

• Dietary Changes - Diets that will help reduce the blood sugar level can help alleviate the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. A low carbohydrate diet and food that contain rich fiber should be consumed to prevent blood sugar from increasing. Avoid using white bread products, processed snacks, and sweets. Consume more antioxidants-rich food like walnut and blueberries, which will help reduce inflammation. Food containing rich fiber, fruits, vegetables, and nuts should be included.

• Stop Smoking - Smoking results in reduced blood circulation across the body. During smoking, the blood vessels in the body will narrow; therefore, less oxygenated blood can circulate through the body. With reduced blood supply, there will be an increase in numbness and pain from peripheral neuropathy. Eliminating or quitting smoking habits can help widen the blood vessels and improve blood circulation throughout the body. This will help in reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

• Warm Bath - Warm baths can help alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including pain. Warm water help in increasing blood circulation in the body, thereby reducing symptoms, including numbness and pain.

• Exercise - Regular exercise can help control pain, improve the body's overall well-being, and promote muscle tone. Exercise helps increase the blood supply to the hands and feet, thereby reducing stress, and it will also help reduce blood sugar, which helps slow down the damage to the nerve. This help in reducing the symptoms and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy.

• Essential Oils - Essential oils help improve blood circulation throughout the body. These essential oils also help reduce pain and have anti-inflammatory properties that help improve healing. Applying diluted essential oils to the affected area of peripheral neuropathy can reduce the tingling sensation and pain associated with the condition.

• Meditation - Meditation and relation techniques help reduce stress and pain intensity. Meditation helps connect with the mind, which will help control the condition and reduce the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Yoga can be considered to reduce stress and improve posture. It will help in increasing the calmness of the mind and body and thereby reducing depression.

• Acupuncture - Acupuncture increases the natural healing process by activating the pressure points present in the body. Stimulating the pressure points in the body will activate the nervous system, which helps release certain chemicals that help change the pain experience or the pain threshold. It helps in improving emotional well-being.

Conclusion:

Preventing disease is better than treating the condition. Diabetes is the main cause of peripheral neuropathy. Keeping the blood sugar level within the normal range will help prevent peripheral neuropathy. If other causes like alcohol consumption cause the condition, stop drinking to prevent peripheral neuropathy from worsening. Natural treatment of peripheral neuropathy help in reducing the symptoms. Consult a doctor before starting a new treatment method or if experience any irregular signs and symptoms from the natural treatment.