Peripheral neuropathy results in damage to the peripheral nerves and treating the symptoms for this disease is challenging as it takes a lot of time to repair the damaged nerves. The treatment focuses on the cause of the condition and then on relieving the symptoms.
The term peripheral neuropathy refers to the dysfunction and damage to the peripheral nervous system of the body. It can be caused by a number of different medical disorders and diagnosing the condition is an extensive, and usually costly, process. There are several types of peripheral neuropathies and it is difficult to quantify or measure all the symptoms. The symptoms are broad and subjective to the etiology. The common symptoms include weakness, numbness, burning pain, or tingling in an extremity. The symptoms arise without warning, they are at times constant and otherwise don’t follow any pattern.
The damage to the nerve can affect any body part but it is the feet and legs that are involved in most cases. The affected part will take time to heal. To encourage the healing process and effectively cure the condition you must make some changes to your diet along with the preferred treatment.
Vitamin supplements should be added to your diet, especially vitamin B12. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is the leading cause of symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy. The ideal level of vitamin B12 in the blood has not been universally agreed upon so far. Nevertheless, the importance of vitamin B12 supplements cannot be ignored. The vegans or vegetarians are the ones who require the supplement the most. You don’t have to worry if you have taken vitamin B12 in excess as it is harmless. The supplements can be taken in large doses orally.
You could also take a supplement of supper vitamin B complex. Even though it is commonly accepted that vitamin B12 can reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms, it is also to be noted that the deficiency of any kind of water-soluble vitamin B, folic acid included, can lead to symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Be careful when taking vitamin B6 or pyridoxine as a large dose can lead to neuropathy.
Some other important vitamin supplements include vitamin D and vitamin E. Most adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency and they are usually unaware of it. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can lead to several kinds of neuromuscular symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness and even peripheral neuropathy.
Another useful addition to your diet would be capsules of omega 3 fish oil. It has several health benefits as well as anti-inflammatory properties. You can promote the healing process of the peripheral nerves with a high dose of fish oil.
Eliminate alcohol completely from your diet. Photo energy therapy can improve blood circulation, especially to the microvascular system of damaged extremities. It reduces the symptoms of peripheral neuropathies. Anti-epileptic and anti-depressant drugs such as Neurontin, Cymbalta or Lyrica are prescribed for relief from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Another supplement that alleviates symptoms is alpha-lipoic acid.
