If you have been suffering from neuropathy, you know all too well how disruptive the symptoms can be in your daily life. Perhaps this is why so many patients want to know if treatment can get rid of neuropathy, removing the damage that has already been done.
Can neuropathy be reversed?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so easy.
Neuropathy involves nerve damage. Our nervous system is designed to carry messages from our brain and spinal cord to all other areas of the body. However, when the nerves are damaged or otherwise unable to carry the message, we end up with things like numbness, pain, and weakness.
In other words, neuropathy is the result of damaged nerves.
A few of the most common symptoms of neuropathy include:
● Numbness
● Muscle cramps
● Muscle weakness
● Changing skin, hair, or nails
● Loss of feeling or sensation in hands or feet
● Balance issues
● Muscle twitching
● Burning or shooting pain in the limbs
● Tingling feeling or pins and needles
These symptoms can vary in degree from person to person — but they almost always disrupt your life.
The causes of neuropathy seem to be as plentiful as the symptoms. After all, nerves can be impacted by so many different things. While some patients may have chronic conditions that they know will lead to neuropathy as time goes on, others do not.
A few of the most common causes of neuropathy are:
● Diabetes
● Autoimmune diseases
● Vitamin deficiencies
● Accidents or injuries
● Hereditary disorders
● Chemotherapy
● Viral or bacterial infections
● Tumors compressing nerves
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. And just because you may experience one of these things does not mean you will have neuropathy. What’s more — sometimes patients present with neuropathy without any known cause at all.
When patients are diagnosed with neuropathy, they almost always ask if it can be reversed. Can the damage that has already been caused to the nerves be reversed so that the pain and other symptoms may subside?
It depends on the reason for the neuropathy.
Neuropathy that is caused by an infection or a vitamin deficiency can dissipate once the underlying issue is addressed. Those who have neuropathy as a result of diabetes may never get it to go away.
The good news is that there is no definitive yes or no answer when asking whether neuropathy can be reversed. Many times, lifestyle changes and getting to the root cause of the condition can yield amazing results — even in those who have diabetes.
To give yourself the best opportunity for successful treatment, you need to find someone who can address your neuropathy properly. Many medical doctors will provide prescription medication to treat the symptoms of neuropathy without treating the condition itself.
A few common treatments include certain medications or supplements to treat the underlying cause, physical therapy, dietary changes, and more.
If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy or suspect you may be suffering from it, seek treatment that will address the cause of the nerve pain rather than just mask the symptoms.
Natural treatment for neuropathy is available when you work with a functional neurologist in Stuart, FL.
Don’t ignore your pain —- seek help today.