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Neuropathy is a condition that causes nerve pain, numbness, and unusual sensations, such as pins, needles, or burning in the affected area. There are several neuropathic pain treatment strategies used to manage the condition and reduce symptoms.

Find The Underlying Cause

Most people only think of neuropathy as a condition associated with diabetics. Although diabetic neuropathy is a common problem, neuropathy can have other causes. Neuropathy may be the result of chemotherapy. Certain medical conditions might also increase the chances of developing neuropathy, such as autoimmune diseases that attack the nerves or contribute to inflammation that cause a nerve to become compressed. Some neuropathy-type issues might also be triggered simply by the way you position your exterminates. Crossing your legs or sitting with your legs folded under you can create pressure on nerves, causing pain or numbness. Some people also develop neuropathy with no known underlying cause, which is considered idiopathic.

Treat The Main Problem

If there is an underlying cause for neuropathy, treating the main problem may not eliminate current issues with nerve pain or unusual sensations, but it can prevent the problem from becoming worse. For diabetic neuropathy, it is important to gain better control over diabetes. If you are not currently improving your lifestyle through diet and exercise, and taking medication, you will need to approach diabetes in both ways for the best chance at blood glucose control. Reducing inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases or taking medications meant to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues can improve neuropathy. When neuropathy is the result of an unknown ailment or a consequence of chemotherapy, treating neuropathy directly might be the only option.

Incorporate Medications

Many of the medications used to treat neuropathy are classified as antidepressants or anti-seizure medications. For example, some medications used to treat depression are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and seem to have benefits in treating nerve pain. Similarly, medications originally used to prevent seizures are also used for neuropathy and the treatment of conditions like fibromyalgia. Gabapentin is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for neuropathy, regardless of the underlying cause. Pregablin is another option for treating neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and similar conditions. Depending on the reason for neuropathy, consistent treatment combined with addressing the underlying cause may allow you to reduce or eliminate the need for medication in the future.

Neuropathy is a common complication associated with diabetes, but it can have several underlying causes. Treating the underlying issue combined with taking medications specifically used to reduce nerve pain can improve your symptoms.