This is a condition my grandma suffered from in her later years and I’ve noticed some odd sensations and intermittent pain in my feet which could be this thing 😦 …so, just adding some useful info here so I can find it easily. Symptoms I have also match Morton’s Neuroma so I’ll add stuff on that as well. :::sigh::: hate my old-lady feet! At least I haven’t got weirdly crossed over toes like my mum or bunions like my dad …yay for small mercies!
Natural Remedies & Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy
From http://www.naturalnews.com/029779_peripheral_neuropathy_remedies.html
Diet is crucial when addressing peripheral neuropathy, especially in diabetics. Alcohol and tobacco should be eliminated at all costs. Other harmful foods to be avoided include sugar, processed foods, fast foods, junk foods, sodas of all types, foods sprayed with pesticides, and trans-fatty acids. Sweeteners and additives contained in diet soda and processed foods such as MSG and aspartame can negatively impact the nervous system. Individuals suffering from peripheral neuropathy should have a balanced intake of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Light exercise is a very important part in treating neuropathy. It helps to control blood sugar, promotes circulation, and can slow the nerve damage resulting from this condition. Keep in mind, however, that exercises such as running or walking may actually be detrimental as they may cause foot injury. Swimming or riding a stationary bike may be preferable. After exercising, always check your feet for irritation, blisters or sores. If any of these are apparent, treat them immediately, as neglecting them could result in infection.
In addition to proper diet and exercise, the herbs and supplements listed below can help to give relief by oxygenating cells, reducing inflammation, and dispelling toxic free radicals:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant used in Europe to treat peripheral nerve degeneration caused by diabetes. It is a sulfur-containing fatty acid contained in each cell of the body which generates energy. The suggested dosage is 1,200 to 1,800 mgs in divided doses daily.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine helps detoxify the body by helping it produce glutathione.
- Magnesium soothes the nervous system. The recommended dosage is 800 mgs in two divided doses.
- A vitamin B6 deficiency can aggravate or even cause neuropathic pain. This vitamin becomes more effective when taken with B-complex vitamins. The suggested dosage is 100 mgs per day, but it is important not to exceed this amount.
- Cayenne massaged into the skin has been known to relieve neuropathic pain.
- Skullcap soothes the entire nervous system. The suggested dosage is fifteen drops of tincture in a glass of water three to six times a day or as needed for pain.
- Evening primrose oil can be effective in preventing nerve damage and in keeping the condition from getting worse.
- Colloidal silver may help nerves regenerate and studies in Hungary found specific silver receptors on human nerve tissue.
- Digestive enzymes taken two or three times a day on an empty stomach help remove plaque and restore circulation to extremities.
Castor oil packs can provide symptomatic relief for some people. Massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, and relaxation therapy have also been shown to be effective.
Sources:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/periphera…
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Peripheral+neuropathy
http://www.health.com/health/condition-artic…
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/periphera…
Alternative Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
by ERICA ROTH ~ Last Updated: Oct 20, 2015
http://www.livestrong.com/article/23087-alternative-treatment-peripheral-neuropathy/
Overview
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the way your body’s nerves send signals to the arms and legs. People who have peripheral neuropathy often feel a numbness, tingling sensation or burning in the hands and feet. The altered sensations may also travel to the limbs. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, but can be reversible. Medical management of underlying conditions can help control neuropathy pain. Alternative medicine may also play a role in reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, according to studies reported by Kathleen A. Head in a 2006 issue of the Alternative Medicine Review.
Acids
According to Kathleen Head’s statistics in the Alternative Medicine Review, supplementing essential acids called ALA (alpha-Lipoic acid) and GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids may all have a beneficial effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Head studied nerve blood flow and physical symptoms such as numbness and coldness. Over the course of long-term treatment that spanned several months, some trial participants experienced a reduction in symptoms and better blood flow.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is a substance that the body makes and stores in various organs, including the liver and the brain. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some diabetics who experience neuropathy symptoms may be able to regain regular sensation in their limbs when they increase their consumption of a type of carnitine called acetyl-L-carnitine. Red meat, peanut butter and dairy products are good dietary sources of the nutrient, but supplements are also widely available at health food stores and pharmacies.
Vitamins and Minerals
Head’s research showed that vitamin deficiencies may result in peripheral neuropathy in some people. Replenishing vitamins B1, B12 and E may lead to a decrease in symptoms. Recommended dosages are 300mg daily of vitamin E. Doses of the different B vitamins vary, but one option for neuropathy patients and their doctors to consider is to take a daily B-complex supplement.
Herbal Supplements
Several herbal remedies may be alternatives to explore when treating peripheral neuropathy. St. John’s Wort, an herbal supplement taken orally, may reduce the pain that is consistent with neuropathy. Topical creams containing capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory substance found in chili peppers, can reduce the burning sensation in some people who experience this painful symptom.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, may be an effective way to manage peripheral neuropathy. The online version of the Physician’s Desk Reference explains that the age-old art of acupuncture may be used–along with or instead of more conventional means to ease the pain felt from this type of nerve damage. Acupuncture uses pressure points throughout the body to realign the body’s energy, called the qi.
The PDR also suggests that people suffering from peripheral neuropathy try movement therapy as a way to manage their condition. Tai chi and yoga help align the body and mind, encourage relaxation and may distract people from the pain, even if the measure is temporary.
Neuropathy Symptoms and Treatment
From http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/diabetes/neuropathy-symptoms-and-treatment/
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a common disorder that stems from damage to the peripheral nerves, especially those that branch out through the arms, legs, fingers and toes.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Neuropathy symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling, and burning or painful sensations.
What are the causes of neuropathy?
Diabetes is a frequent cause of neuropathy, but peripheral neuropathy can also be due to toxic trauma (such as from chemotherapy) or mechanical injury, as with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be caused by putting pressure on nerves, such as the prolonged use of crutches, or even by sitting in the same position for too long. Disorders such as atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, advanced kidney disease and hypothyroidism may also be to blame, as well as certain drugs or environmental toxins.
What is the conventional neuropathy treatment?
Conventional treatments include tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep) and imipramine (Tofranil). These drugs act on the central nervous system and may reduce pain independent of their action as antidepressants (do not expect immediate results; it usually takes a few weeks for them to bring relief). Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention and dizziness. Anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are also used effectively for peripheral neuropathy. If neuropathic pain is due to compression of a nerve by a tumor or a ruptured disc, surgery may be recommended.
What neuropathy treatment and natural remedies does Dr. Weil recommend?
Your first step should be a general medical checkup to determine if an underlying disease or injury is the cause of your neuropathy symptoms, and if so, to determine its nature. Your doctor should do complete blood work and may refer you to a neurologist who will probably do an EMG (electromyelogram) to assess muscles and nerve conduction. If you have no underlying disease, you can try one or all of the following neuropathy foot treatment strategies:
- Take one B-100 B-complex vitamin daily. The B vitamins are necessary for normal nerve function, and supplementing is a good preventive measure. Do not take more than 200 mg of B-6, as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy.
- Take 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily. This antioxidant protects microcirculation to the nerves. You can gradually increase the dose to 300 mg twice a day over the next month.
Acupuncture can help relieve peripheral neuropathy pain. Additionally, a practitioner of Chinese medicine can provide you with herbs that may speed recovery. You might also try reflexology for neuropathy of the legs, feet and toes. If a toxic exposure is the cause, time is your greatest ally – injured nerves will slowly recover, as long as the exposure has stopped.
Other Medical References
Peripheral Neuropathy
http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy-basics#1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/home/ovc-20204944
Morton’s Neuroma
http://patient.info/health/mortons-neuroma
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/dxc-20202657
http://www.australianwalkingclinic.com.au/Main.asp?_=Forefoot%20pain
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