Addressing the root cause of neuropathy, such as diabetes or alcoholism, is the focus of neuropathy treatment. Physical exercises and training is also helpful to provide stability and power to muscles. Aids such as wheelchairs and splints can be used for mobility in the case of a paralyzed leg or arm. Patients must be careful not to damage parts of the body numbed by their neuropathy. It is for this reason that patients are advised to look at their feet and other affected areas periodically, ensuring that they are not injured. Patients should get into the habit of making routine checks to protect their numb areas, for example checking the temperature of the water with another, feeling part of the body, or a thermometer, before taking bath to ensure it is not too hot. Patients suffering from neuropathic pain are also in danger of developing new nerve damage. These injuries may be caused at pressure points on the elbows and knees. In order to avoid these, it is suggested that patients should not put pressure on these points, for instance, resting on their elbows for a long time, or having the knees crossed. Prescribed medications to reduce to terrible pain caused by neuropathy include anticonvulsants and tri cyclic antidepressants, although it is preferable to keep these to a minimum to prevent unpleasant side-effects. Treatments associated with autonomic neuropathy are intricate, and the response to the treatments may be very slow. Sleeping with head elevated and use of elastic stockings would help when suffering from low blood pressure. Medications can be used to reduce gastric mobility, sleeping with head elevated and eating small meals at frequent intervals also helps for this. For bladder disorders manual pressure and several medicines could help. Treating of the root cause of neuropathy is the best approach, such as rehabilitation for an alcoholic. But there are also ways relieving the symptoms at the same time, or if the root cause can not be treated. These include physical therapy, taking care of and checking numb areas of the body, and taking strong pain relievers. |
