Lidocaine is the medicine in most anesthetic creams. When you rub the cream on, the lidocaine blocks the nerves in that part of your body from sending pain signals to your brain. You can also get patches with lidocaine in them.
Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems. Warm/Cool Baths and Showers - Excellent de-stressors and can help with reducing pain.
Nutritional support with high levels of vitamin B12, B6, and inositol are also important in diabetic nerve pain as are many other nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, magnesium, antioxidants and bioflavonoids (all in the Energy Revitalization System).
Foods that are high in sugar – Sugar can aggravate nerve pain and discomfort, so it is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar. This includes sugary snacks, desserts, and processed foods. Fried foods – Fried foods are unhealthy and can worsen neuropathy symptoms.
Sympathetic blockade: A doctor will use a drug to block the pain from a whole area of the nervous system by permanently destroying the nerve. Neurectomy: This is when the doctor will remove part or all of a peripheral nerve to block a specific pathway for pain signaling.
In cases of nerve damage, massage therapy can be useful to relieve symptoms and improve the overall health of a patient. If you are experiencing a tingling sensation, numbness, or pain in some areas of your body, massage therapy may be able to alleviate these symptoms.
Clinical studies have reported that topical menthol appears safe and effective in treating a variety of painful conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, neuropathic pain and migraine.
Avoid caffeine four to six hours before bed, and minimize it daily to allow your body time to become tired. Less caffeine will help with overstimulated nerves that can intensify nightly pain. Turn off electronic devices such as your smartphone and TV an hour or more before bed to help your brain wind down.
Unlike topical lidocaine product that works by desensitizing the nerves to numb away the pain, Voltaren contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.
Some versions of Tiger Balm contain capsicum, the active ingredient in chili peppers. Capsicum blocks nerve receptors that transmit pain impulses, creating a warm sensation that can lessen the intensity of muscle aches and strains.
Spend a few minutes stretching out your neck, shoulders, arms and lower back. This is also a great way to refocus your mind and relieve mental stress. Walking: You can walk for 30 minutes or an hour for exercise, but even a brisk 10-minute walk can naturally calm your nerves. Try to take your walks in nature.
Sugary Snacks: Snacks or desserts such as ice cream, cookies, candy, and even excess fruit consumption should be avoided by neuropathy patients. High levels of blood sugar impact nerve damage, especially in those with diabetic neuropathy.
Chronic inflammation can be relieved through lifestyle changes, such as diet. An anti-inflammatory diet can ease neuropathic pain and prevent its progression.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Common painkillers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen may relieve mild nerve pain. However, other pain relievers are more effective in treating pain signals originating from damaged nerve tissue.
DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy:
Exercise, eat healthy meals, lose weight, and quit smoking. DO avoid repetitive movements, cramped positions, toxic chemicals, and too much alcohol—things that cause nerve damage.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT is massage applied to specific muscles, often used to increase blood flow, release knots of muscle tension, or release pain/pressure on nerves.
At high doses, methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, accelerated nerve regeneration, increased myelination, and improved motor and functional recovery of injured nerves [80, 83].
About 30% of all nerve pain (neuropathic pain) happens because of diabetes, but other diseases like alcoholism and shingles can cause neuropathic pain. Treatment might include medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and even surgery.
Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.