From msn.com/en-us
Your nervous system is a key force behind so many important bodily functions. But when your peripheral nerves-those found outside of the brain and spinal cord-are damaged, it can cause pain and numbness and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. If you've suffered nerve damage, you may be wondering if neuropathy can be reversed. We asked top experts to explain what causes the condition, when it can be stalled or even reversed and how to treat it.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
The peripheral nerves are located in the arms and legs, explains Jamie Fertal, DO, supportive care medicine physician at City of Hope Orange County. When these nerves become impaired, they are unable to operate properly. This damage to the nervous system is referred to as peripheral neuropathy, she explains.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by compression of a nerve (like carpal tunnel syndrome), physical injury to a nerve such as during surgery, inflammation, infections, viruses, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies and cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
The most common type of peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage small blood vessels and nerves, says Alexandra Adler, MD, pain management physician with Lowell General Hospital Pain Management Centre.
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Peripheral neuropathy can cause nerve pain, tingling, numbness, burning, itching, muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass (atrophy). It can manifest as a pins and needles sensation, trouble walking or typing, sensitivity to touch and sporadic limb pain. The onset of these symptoms tend to be gradual, says Dr. Fertal, so it's important to see your doctor as soon as you notice any concerning symptoms.
Can neuropathy be reversed?
The answer to whether peripheral neuropathy can be reversed isn't quite straightforward. In some cases, it can be reversed or at least stopped from progressing, says Dr. Adler. The key? Early intervention.
"For example, diagnosing diabetes and then treating it is very important in reducing the risk and severity of neuropathy symptoms," she says. "This can be life-saving for people with diabetes. With peripheral neuropathy, sometimes people have such severe numbness in their feet that they cannot feel an injured area and can end up with serious infections because of this. And healing may be slow or insufficient."
Peripheral neuropathy treatment options
Even in instances where neuropathy can't be fully reversed, finding and treating the underlying cause can mitigate symptoms, our experts agree. There are also ways to manage existing neuropathy.
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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, common prescription medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy include duloxetine hydrochloride, nortriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin.
Topical patches and creams
Lidocaine patches or a topical cream called capsaicin, which can be helpful for small, painful areas, block nerve conduction and can be used as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
TENS machine
You can also ask your doctor about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a non-invasive pain relief intervention that involves attaching electrodes to the skin at the site of pain or near damaged nerves and then administering a gentle electrical current.
Physical therapy
Finding ways to stay active is highly recommended, Dr. Adler says. This may involve working with a physical therapist or trainer. If walking is painful, super low-impact activities like swimming or pilates may be better tolerated, she offers.
Supportive shoes
"Some patients with neuropathy in their feet find certain types of shoes that have textures to be comforting," she adds. "The most important thing is wearing protective shoes that fit properly, as shoes that rub or press on joints can lead to skin breakdown and infection, especially if the person does not have a good sensation in their feet and does not notice."
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