Peripheral Neuropathy
Non-Medication Strategies

There are other strategies that can help decrease the pain due to neuropathy. Before starting any of these activities, consult your healthcare provider first.

Exercise: Exercise can help decrease the pain due to neuropathy. Before getting out of bed in the morning, move your hands and feet a bit first. Moving the feet in all directions and performing stretching exercises can help decrease the pain and discomfort you may feel, particularly in the morning. Isometric exercises help with strengthening your muscles. Isometric exercises are a form of physical exercise in which your muscles flex and are held in a still position. Strong muscles can help you maintain balance and your ability to walk normally. Exercise will strengthen your muscles and help restore your coordination and balance. Your healthcare provider may ask you to see a physical therapist to help with strengthening exercises and with maintaining your activities of daily life.

Massage: Massage may help by increasing circulation and reducing the stiffness you may feel. It can relax muscles that are tight or in spasm. Massage is also relaxing, which can help decrease pain.

TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of applying a gentle electric current to the skin to relieve pain. It is thought that TENS units work by electrical stimulation of the nerves which blocks the pain sensations. TENS triggers the release of the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins. If your healthcare provider gives you a TENS unit, you will be given a small box which you can put in a pocket or hang from your belt. The box has wires with electrodes that will be attached to the area of pain. You will feel a sensation of tingling, tapping, or buzzing.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient method for relieving pain. Thin needles are placed into the skin and are gently twirled for ten to twenty minutes, which is thought to stimulate acupuncture points and thus, decrease pain.