Other names for Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain
Peripheral nerve damage
Peripheral neuritis
Polyneuropathy

Synopsis of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord—affecting sensation, movement, and autonomic functions. It can impact one nerve (mononeuropathy), multiple nerves (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves simultaneously (polyneuropathy). Most cases develop gradually and can cause numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. Though often chronic, identifying and treating the underlying cause can halt or even reverse nerve damage in some cases.

Types:

• Sensory neuropathy: Affects nerves controlling sensation

• Motor neuropathy: Affects nerves controlling muscles

• Autonomic neuropathy: Impacts involuntary functions like blood pressure, digestion

• Mixed neuropathies: Affect both motor and sensory nerves

Common Causes:

• Diabetes (most common cause in developed countries)

• Alcohol abuse

• Chemotherapy (e.g., platinum-based drugs)

• Nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, especially B12)

• Infections (Lyme disease, shingles, HIV)

• Autoimmune disorders (lupus, RA)

• Toxin exposure (heavy metals, solvents)

Severity Causes:

• Uncontrolled diabetes or chronic alcohol use

• Late diagnosis with sustained nerve damage

• Coexisting conditions (e.g., kidney disease)

• Recurrent trauma or compression injuries

When to See a Doctor:

• Persistent tingling, burning, or numbness in extremities

• Muscle weakness or coordination issues

• Sharp, stabbing pain at rest

• Symptoms that interfere with sleep or mobility

• Symptoms spreading or worsening over time

Natural remedies for Peripheral Neuropathy

Alpha-lipoic acid: An antioxidant that has shown promise in reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy by improving nerve blood flow and lowering oxidative stress.

B-complex vitamins: Deficiencies, especially in B1, B6, and B12, are common contributors to neuropathy. Supplementing with a high-quality B-complex can help repair damaged nerves and restore proper nerve function.

Capsaicin cream: Derived from chili peppers, this topical remedy may reduce pain signals by depleting substance P from sensory neurons. Useful for localized burning pain when used consistently.

Warm baths: Soaking in a warm bath improves circulation and can temporarily relieve pain, numbness, or tingling in affected limbs. Beneficial before bed to ease nighttime discomfort.

Gentle exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming or walking stimulate nerve regeneration, improve circulation, and enhance muscle strength, especially when done regularly.

Acetyl L-carnitine: A compound involved in mitochondrial energy production that has shown benefit in reducing pain and regenerating nerves in some studies, especially in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Massage therapy: Promotes circulation and lymph flow, which can ease nerve pressure and improve pain perception. Particularly effective when combined with essential oils like peppermint or lavender.

Good foot care: For those with diabetes or chronic numbness, inspecting the feet daily and wearing protective footwear can prevent wounds and infections due to unnoticed injuries.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Peripheral Neuropathy

Acetyl L-carnitine
Agmatine
alpha-lipoic acid
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
anthocyanosides
Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
benfotiamine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
dihydrolipoic acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
flavanols
ginkgo biloba
ginkgo flavone glycoside
gotu kola
hericium mushroom
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-glutathione
lion's mane
Methylcobalamin
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
pine bark
polyunsaturated fat
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Pycnogenol
quercetin
resveratrol
Tanshinone
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
Triacetyluridine
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E