Don’t live with nerve pain! Eliminate diabetic neuropathy and nerve pain with the best treatments available. If you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy, talking to your doctor about treatment can greatly increase the quality of your life. While current diabetes treatments you are taking may be effective in limiting damage, diabetic neuropathy develops gradually over the years and isn’t likely to go away on its own. It is estimated that half of everyone with diabetes suffers from at least some nerve damage. Pain sensations experienced by patients with nerve pain include burning, aching, sharp pains and itching pains. Others will experience numbness or tingling that can be extremely frustrating. If you are currently suffering from diabetic neuropathy, or general nerve pain, check out these most frequently asked questions about diabetic neuropathy and nerve pain treatments.
For mild cases of nerve damage, over the counter medications can be used to address nerve pain. Over the counter topical medications that include an anesthetic, or pain-killing ingredients like capsaicin, may be able to help. Some patients may respond to pain medications like aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, generally these should not be taken over a period longer than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.
Opioid medications like Vicodin, Ultram and Oxycontin can provide effective pain relief in those suffering from severe nerve pain. However, it is usually only prescribed as a last resort – only prescribed once other options have been exhausted. Additionally, these medications are not intended for long-term use as they can be addictive.
If nerve pain is concentrated in a particular area of the body, a doctor can prescribe lidocaine patches that are applied to the skin, delivering a local anesthetic. However, for some patients this may cause minor skin irritation.
If you haven’t heard about this already, anti-seizure drugs like Lyrica work great in solving nerve pain. Lyrica comes in the form of a capsule that provides extended release so that it works throughout the day. Whether due to diabetic neuropathy or other sources of nerve damage, many patients have found Lyrica to be a helpful treatment for nerve pain. It is believed to calm the nerves in the body that are causing pain.
If your doctor has mentioned the possibility of anti-depressants you were probably confused, wondering, “Does my doctor think this is all in my head?” But the truth is that anti-depressants are commonly prescribed for nerve pain because they interfere with the chemicals in your brain that are processing the pain you feel. Tricyclic anti-depressants like Tofranil can eliminate pain effectively in some patients, but may come with side effects such as fatigue.
For many patients, alternative therapy methods such as a massage or acupuncture may be able to help. Acupuncture is believed to block pain signals from the nerves. Massage can also provide relief. But as to what extent, it is not clear. Because stress is another factor that contributes to nerve pain severity, engaging in a relaxing activity like yoga may help.
Some patients might find certain vitamins and supplements to be helpful in addressing nerve pain. If nerve pain has been the cause of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, taking a supplement or B-12 injection may be able to help prevent further damage and allow nerves to heal.
Lifestyle changes you should consider should focus on a proper diet and exercise – particularly if you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy. It is believed that a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce stress and reduce pain. So, while you may feel pain still, the severity of the pain can diminish. Regardless of its effectiveness, it certainly can’t hurt unless your doctor says otherwise. Additionally, those suffering from diabetic neuropathy will benefit from diet and exercise since they may better be able to balance blood sugar levels in the body, which can prevent damage.