What Is the Best Treatment for Neuropathy?

More than 20 million American adults have peripheral neuropathy. This chronic condition damages the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). It often causes:

• Pain 
• Tingling 
• Numbness 
• Muscle weakness 

If you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it’s normal to wonder what you can do to ease symptoms and feel better. 

Our team of interventional pain doctors at Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, specializes in diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy.

This article explains what causes neuropathy, highlights steps you can take to prevent the condition from worsening, and outlines interventional pain treatments that can help.

Understanding peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when your peripheral nerves become damaged. This can happen for various reasons, but it’s most commonly associated with diabetes. If your blood sugar remains abnormally high, it can affect nerve function.

Other factors that increase the risk of peripheral nerve damage include:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Tumors
• Bone marrow disorders
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Certain medications
• Traumatic injuries
• Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies

Regardless of the cause, it’s important to seek prompt treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of further nerve damage.

Conservative and first-line treatments for peripheral neuropathy

When peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed early on, conservative treatments can often slow its progression. 

For example, if you have diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar throughout the day and keeping it from spiking can help reduce the risk of nerve damage. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet and consuming alcohol only in moderation can also help.

Many people with peripheral neuropathy take medication. Prescription anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and topical treatments may help ease symptoms such as numbness and tingling and support overall symptom management.

Interventional pain treatments for peripheral neuropathy

Even though conservative care can help improve comfort, once peripheral neuropathy progresses, a more specialized treatment approach is often needed. 

That’s where interventional pain management comes in. Here are a few interventional treatments we often recommend:

Nerve blocks

A nerve block is an injection that may include pain medication and an anti-inflammatory drug. Together, these medications prevent chronic pain signals from reaching your brain.

Nerve blocks don’t provide permanent pain relief, but they can ease peripheral neuropathy symptoms for months at a time. That makes it easier to go about your routine and move comfortably without having to totally change your lifestyle or take time off work.

Radiofrequency ablation

If neuropathy-related pain doesn’t improve with a nerve block, we may recommend radiofrequency ablation. This minimally invasive treatment heats damaged nerve tissue, reducing the nerves’ ability to send pain signals to your brain. 

Radiofrequency ablation often provides longer-lasting pain relief than injections and allows for more personalized treatment outcomes. Some people only need one session, although repeat treatments may be recommended in certain cases for ongoing relief.

Spinal cord stimulation

For those with severe neuropathic pain, especially in the legs, feet, or back, spinal cord stimulation is often recommended. 

A spinal cord stimulator is a small device that’s surgically implanted beneath your skin. Once placed, it emits low-voltage electrical pulses that prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. 

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine is a newer approach to neuropathy treatment.

Research is ongoing, but early findings suggest treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy may help ease neuropathic pain and even support healing. This evidence is promising, but results vary.

We can help you manage peripheral neuropathy

If you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, a personalized treatment approach is essential. 

After reviewing your health history, asking about your symptoms, and completing an exam and lab testing, we can develop a custom care plan that helps manage the underlying cause of your nerve damage and reduces symptom severity.

To get started, schedule an appointment at Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC. We look forward to learning more about your symptoms and helping improve your quality of life.