Peripheral neuropathy

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Central nervous system

Nervous system

Peripheral neuritis; Neuropathy - peripheral; Neuritis - peripheral

Treating the cause of nerve damage, if it is known, may improve your symptoms. People with diabetes should learn to control their blood sugar.

If you use alcohol, stop. Your medicines may need to be changed. Replacing a vitamin or making other changes in your diet may help.

You may need surgery to stop injury to a nerve.

You may have therapy to learn exercises to get better muscle strength and control. Wheelchairs, braces, and splints may improve movement or the ability to use an arm or leg with nerve damage.

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SETTING UP YOUR HOME

Safety is very important for people with nerve damage. Nerve damage can increase the risk of falls and other injuries.

Remove loose wires and rugs from areas you walk through. Do not keep small pets in your home. Fix uneven flooring in doorways.

Have good lighting. Put handrails in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet. Place a slip-proof mat in the bathtub or shower.

WATCHING YOUR SKIN

Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury. Before you put them on, always check inside your shoes for stones, nails, or rough areas that may hurt your feet.

Check your feet every day. Look at the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes. Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil on dry skin.

Check bathwater temperature with your elbow before putting your feet in the water.

Avoid putting pressure on areas with nerve damage for too long.

TREATING PAIN

Medicines may help reduce pain in the feet, legs, and arms. They usually do not bring back loss of feeling.

You may take pain pills. Medicines used to treat other medical problems, such as seizures or depression, can also help manage the pain. Use the lowest dose possible to avoid side effects.

Your doctor may refer you to a pain specialist. Talk therapy may help you better understand how your pain is affecting your life. It can also help you learn ways to better cope with pain.