Treatment
Your doctor may have to interrupt your chemotherapy if the symptoms become too severe. He/she may lower the dosage of the drug that is causing neuropathy to reduce the side effects. If the neuropathy continues to worsen, it may be necessary to discontinue the use of the drug.Treatments for peripheral neuropathy include the following:
Drugs
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help relieve the mild symptoms of sensory neuropathy. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants These medications are most often used to relieve tingling, burning pain/ Antidepressants block the signals in your brain that cause you to feel pain. It is very important to understand that your medical team may prescribe antidepressants for pain relief, not because they think you are clinically depressed or that your pain is imagined. Many medications have alternative uses other than the one they were created for. Ask your doctor about the many side effects of this medication including insomnia and balance problems.
- Anticonvulsants: These anti-seizure medications may be used to treat the sharp, stabbing pains associated with sensory neuropathy.
- Lidocaine Patch/Cream: This treatment uses topical cream that is rubbed on the exterior of the painful area, or a patch which contains medication, is placed over it. It has proven effective for some cases of neuropathy.
- Opioid Analgesics: These powerful pain-killers, such as codeine or oxycodone, may be prescribed; however, they are associated with side effects.
- Topical Medicated Creams: Muscle creams that use heat and cooling agents may be applied to the affected area through massage.
Therapies
- Acupuncture: The relief may not be immediate upon the first treatment and may require further treatments.
- Occupational TherapyThis special therapy focuses on overcoming health obstacles to keep patients active in life. For example, there are work simplification techniques to keep patients participating at home and work.
- Physical TherapyThis is used to strengthen the weakened muscles through a range of motion exercises, stretching, and massage.
- Biofeedback: Through the use of a machine, you learn how to control body responses that reduce pain.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This therapy delivers small electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to prevent pain signals from entering the brain.
- Hypnosis:This therapy uses suggestions intended to decrease the patient's perception of pain. It is most effective if the patient is willing and motivated.
Simple Approaches
- Relaxation: Deep breathing, visualization, yoga, and meditation may help you focus on good things and not the pain.
- Exercise:Physical activities like swimming and taking short walks will help stimulate the nerves and strengthen the muscles.
- Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin B-100: These vitamins may be effective in nerve recovery.
- Massage your hands and feet regularly to stimulate the muscles and nerves.
- Flexible Splints:These will offer support for your joints and help you balance.
- Lotions and Creams:Moisturizers help the skin stay healthy and keep from cracking or scraping easily.
