Peripheral neuropathy is most common in diabetic patients, although some alcoholics also experience similar pain symptoms. Those suffering from the disorder may experience acute pain due to inflammation or injury to their tissues or they may be battling chronic pain. Thankfully, there are Neuropathy Treatments in Plainfield IL that can help.
Oral Medications
Many patients find that over-the-counter pain medications are sufficient to reduce their symptoms. However, others find they require stronger medications requiring prescriptions from their doctors to adequately manage pain. Depending on the cause of the patient’s neuropathy and its degree, as well as the patient’s overall health, a doctor may prescribe SSRIs, SNRIs, SRMs, narcotics, or other prescription medications.
Topical Medications
Topical medications should never be used to treat neuropathy until after patients have consulted their doctors. These creams, ointments, gels, or lotions can help to reduce inflammation and nerve pain by allowing medications to be absorbed directly through the skin where they are most needed.
Nutritional Concerns
It’s not uncommon for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy to experience underlying B vitamin deficiencies as well. This can be combated via oral supplements or injections.
Nerve Blocks
Some patients find that nerve blocks offer a greater level of relief than medications and supplements. This treatment can be achieved through transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation, a drug-free form of therapy that delivers electrical impulses to a patient’s nerves via electrodes placed on the skin. Other forms of nerve blocks can be applied directly via the injection of an anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine.
Alternative Treatments
There are several alternative Neuropathy Treatments in Plainfield IL currently being researched, though most of them have yet to be proven effective. Alternative treatments include magnetic therapy, galvanic stimulation, acupuncture, and biofeedback. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments has yet to be scientifically proven, and they are best used as complementary rather than primary therapies.
Learn More Today
Suffering from diabetic or alcoholic peripheral neuropathy and not sure where to turn for treatment? Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates can help. These specialists offer a wide array of treatment options, giving them the opportunity to help their patients come up with a custom treatment plan that will work for them.
