Thankfully, there are treatments available that can help ease the discomfort and pain associated with neuropathy. Here, we’ll explore the different types of neuropathy as well as treatments that can help to ease your symptoms.
Causes of Neuropathy
Many different factors can cause neuropathy. For example, diabetic neuropathy occurs when the body maintains high blood sugar over a long period of time, causing damage to the nerves. Certain medications, genetic conditions, infections, traumatic injuries, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, and vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to the development of neuropathy.
Types of Neuropathy
Whether you’re dealing with neuropathy in your hands or in your legs and feet, most neuropathy can be grouped into one of four categories:
- Peripheral neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects one or more of the extremities (hands, feet, arms, legs).
- Autonomic neuropathy: This severe form of neuropathy affects the nerves that control bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and bladder function.
- Proximal neuropathy: People who have proximal neuropathy usually experience symptoms in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs.
- Focal neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects a single nerve and is most commonly felt in the wrist, thigh, or foot.
Neuropathy can feel different from person to person. Typically, symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, jabbing pain, burning pain, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, changes in blood pressure, lack of coordination, and heat intolerance.
Can anything be done for neuropathy?
Neuropathy can be frustrating and can make it difficult to fully enjoy your life. Thankfully, several treatment options can help you return to your usual self.
Common treatment options for neuropathy include:
- Addressing underlying causes: Addressing the root cause of your neuropathy can help you find the lasting relief that you need to feel your best. Your care provider will work with you to understand the cause of your neuropathy and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and help you move forward.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, certain antidepressants, certain anticonvulsants, and topical treatments (like lidocaine patches) can all provide relief from neuropathy symptoms.
- Non-invasive therapies: Deep tissue laser therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can relieve neuropathy pain.
- Lifestyle modifications: Enjoying a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking can all help to reduce pain and damage while promoting healthy blood flow that supports relief.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy for Neuropathy
Deep tissue laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses focused light energy to relieve neuropathy symptoms. Laser therapy allows concentrated light energy to penetrate deep into the body to areas affected by neuropathy, relieving pain while promoting your body’s natural healing process.
As the light of the deep issue laser stimulates blood flow to the treatment area, your tissues may more readily receive the nutrients and oxygen necessary to support healing. This can also stimulate cellular activity and repair, as well as provide anti-inflammatory effects that can help to reduce your pain levels.
How Does it Work?
Deep tissue laser therapy utilizes a laser device with a handheld wand to apply focused light energy to the treatment area. This non-invasive treatment option is nearly pain-free, with some patients experiencing slight soreness at the treatment site as the body begins to heal.
Multiple sessions are required to achieve the full effects of laser therapy. When you first begin treatment, your laser technician will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. Treatment plans generally consist of two to three half-hour weekly appointments for six weeks; however, treatments may continue if the desired outcomes are not achieved.
Can Neuropathy in Feet and Hands Be Cured?
Neuropathy in feet and hands is typically considered a chronic condition, meaning once it develops, it’s likely to persist for six or more months — and it may never fully resolve. But neuropathy and the pain associated with it can be effectively managed where symptoms are greatly reduced and quality of life is improved.
As a reminder, your body’s nerves can take a long time to heal, and they may not make a full recovery. The type of damage, such as whether the nerve is simply bruised or if it’s been cut, and the type of nerve (motor function vs. sensational function like touch or smell) play major roles in the speed and completeness of healing.
In general, a nerve that’s damaged but not cut through can regenerate function in six to 12 weeks. However, nerves associated with motor function can die off if they do not receive any signals from the brain after one to two years. If a nerve dies, it cannot be regenerated, so it’s incredibly important to address neuropathy as soon as possible for the best outcomes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, don’t wait — reach out to a medical professional about your treatment options today! If you’re interested in pursuing deep tissue laser therapy for neuropathy treatment, find an Aspen Laser provider near you through the link below.
