HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Peripheral Neuropathy Be Treated?

I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. At first it was only in my feet, but now I have it up to my knees and in my hands and arms also. The pain is now unbearable along with numbness, feeling of electrical shocks and ants crawling over my skin. What can possibly help me? I use some over the counter creams to give me enough relief that I can go to sleep but now I only sleep a few hours.
Fri, 27 Jul 2018
Report Abuse
Endocrinologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes.
It is very important to understand the real cause of your neuropathy because only in this way you can have the right treatement for your problem.

My advice is to consult physically a local neurologist because you may need to do some tests,to check for the cause of your peripheral neuropathy.

Your doctor may order tests, including:
-Blood tests,to detect possible vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy.
-Imaging tests. CT or MRI scans can look for herniated disks, tumors or other abnormalities.
-Nerve function tests. Electromyography records electrical activity in your muscles to detect nerve damage.
-Nerve biopsy. This involves removing a small portion of a nerve, usually a sensory nerve, to look for abnormalities.
-Skin biopsy. Your doctor removes a small portion of skin to look for a reduction in nerve endings.

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can relieve mild symptoms.(like you mention).

In your case,if you were my patient,i will suggest to start an tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.This drug can be helpful to trelieve pain and to induce sleep if you take it before going to bed.

Anyway,as i sais earlier,i suggest to consult a local neurologist for the necessary tests and the right treatement.

Hope this is helpful.
Take care.


I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Peripheral Neuropathy Be Treated?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes. It is very important to understand the real cause of your neuropathy because only in this way you can have the right treatement for your problem. My advice is to consult physically a local neurologist because you may need to do some tests,to check for the cause of your peripheral neuropathy. Your doctor may order tests, including: -Blood tests,to detect possible vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy. -Imaging tests. CT or MRI scans can look for herniated disks, tumors or other abnormalities. -Nerve function tests. Electromyography records electrical activity in your muscles to detect nerve damage. -Nerve biopsy. This involves removing a small portion of a nerve, usually a sensory nerve, to look for abnormalities. -Skin biopsy. Your doctor removes a small portion of skin to look for a reduction in nerve endings. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can relieve mild symptoms.(like you mention). In your case,if you were my patient,i will suggest to start an tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.This drug can be helpful to trelieve pain and to induce sleep if you take it before going to bed. Anyway,as i sais earlier,i suggest to consult a local neurologist for the necessary tests and the right treatement. Hope this is helpful. Take care.