Neuropathy Home Remedies

Neuropathy is a loss of sensation or movement in the body caused by genetics or various health conditions, such as physical injuries or trauma, systemic diseases, infections or autoimmune disorders. In the United States, neuropathy affects at least 20 million individuals. In addition, nearly 60 percent of all patients diagnosed with diabetes suffer from diabetic neuropathy, according to the Neurology Channel website. Home remedies are available to help treat neuropathy, but are not a substitute for medical treatment. Consulting with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks is advisable.

Exercise for Neuropathy

Exercise may be an effective treatment option in treating the symptoms, such as pain, muscle weakness and muscle stiffness, that occur with neuropathy. Finding the right exercise routine can be challenging and consulting with your physician or a physical therapist is advisable in order to develop an exercise routine that will help your specific condition. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, active and passive forms of exercise can help reduce cramps, improve muscle strength and prevent muscle wasting in paralyzed limbs.

A study done in 2007 by the Department of Neurology at Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital in Hines, Illinois, reported that exercise is safe for patients with type 2 diabetic neuropathies and can improve nerve function. In addition, the research supports the hypothesis of an increase of blood flow in having a meaningful role in the treatment of neuropathies.

Watch Your Diet

Diet plays a significant role in your lifestyle, and watching what you eat or losing weight might help with neuropathy symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating healthy meals that emphasize low-fat meats, dairy products, whole grains and fruits and vegetables can help if you are at high risk for neuropathy or have a chronic medical condition.

Massage

Massaging your hands, feet or limbs with gentle circulatory techniques can help to improve circulation, stimulate nerves and temporarily reduce pain from neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Massage focuses on stimulating the nerves that can aid in increasing the energy flow to the affected parts of the body.

Skullcap

Skullcap is an herb used in alternative medicine that is purported to support the nervous system. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative qualities to help treat the symptoms of neuropathy. According to the MamaHerb website, the herb helps to treat attention deficit disorder and a number of nerve disorders.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps with the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, and is required for normal nerve cell communication. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a decrease of vitamin B6 from alcohol abuse contributes to neuropathy and abnormal nerve sensations in the arms and legs.

The nervous system needs vitamin B6 to function efficiently, but too much vitamin B6 increases the potential to cause neuropathy pain, thereby the recommend daily dose of a vitamin B6 supplement should not exceed 100 mg daily. (Reference 6)