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How To Treat Neuropathy In Feet And Legs?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Sep 2013
Question: how to treat neuropathy in feet and legs
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
prevent progression, medication and good footwear

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Neuropathy is pain related to abnormal functions of the nerve. It can be central or peripheral. Central means it involves the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral neur0pathy is the type you are describing, where the brain and spinal cord are not involved.

Treatment involves (1) addressing the particular cause and possibly halting progression
(2)treating the symptoms

Treatment (1) it would be important to control any risk factors for further damage- this means good blood sugar control, good levels of vitamin b 12, reduce any alcohol and smoking

(2)medication- most of the medications used are either in the anti depressant or anti seizure medications.
It has been found that these medications can be used for nerve pain which is not what they were initially intended for.

The most commonly used medications are (a) anti seizure meds such as neurontin, lyrica, tegretol
(b) tricyclic antidepressants such as - amitriptyline, nortriptyline

(c) other antidepressants such as -cymbalta, celexa, paxil

In addition it is also important to use proper shoes that would not damage the feet.
If there is decreased sensation or numbness , it would also be important to check the feet daily for any lesions that might not be felt

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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How To Treat Neuropathy In Feet And Legs?

Brief Answer:
prevent progression, medication and good footwear

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Neuropathy is pain related to abnormal functions of the nerve. It can be central or peripheral. Central means it involves the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral neur0pathy is the type you are describing, where the brain and spinal cord are not involved.

Treatment involves (1) addressing the particular cause and possibly halting progression
(2)treating the symptoms

Treatment (1) it would be important to control any risk factors for further damage- this means good blood sugar control, good levels of vitamin b 12, reduce any alcohol and smoking

(2)medication- most of the medications used are either in the anti depressant or anti seizure medications.
It has been found that these medications can be used for nerve pain which is not what they were initially intended for.

The most commonly used medications are (a) anti seizure meds such as neurontin, lyrica, tegretol
(b) tricyclic antidepressants such as - amitriptyline, nortriptyline

(c) other antidepressants such as -cymbalta, celexa, paxil

In addition it is also important to use proper shoes that would not damage the feet.
If there is decreased sensation or numbness , it would also be important to check the feet daily for any lesions that might not be felt

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions