MedifocusHealth

There are no studies to prove the efficacy or safety of most complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. It is important to notify your health care provider if you are using any alternative therapies, no matter how insignificant or benign they may seem. Various complementary therapies have been used to help manage discomfort and anxiety of peripheral neuropathy, although not all of these therapies are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Treatments include:

• Magnetic field therapy (MFT) - MFT involves the use of magnets which may be taped or placed over the over the area of pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The mechanism of action of MFT is not understood. One possible explanation of its beneficial effect on the body is its ability to change the alignment of the body's electromagnetic fields. In a recent study investigating the use of MFT for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, encouraging results were noted. To read more about this therapy, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=NR021&ID=12736891
• Acupuncture - Acupuncture has provided relief for some patients, although the benefits tend to be short term and frequent treatments may be required.
• Biofeedback - Biofeedback is a technique that teaches individuals how to deal with pain by learning to divert their mind or to perceive the pain differently. It is also useful in increasing the temperature of hands and feet. This is a safe treatment method and can be very effective for some patients.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - Also known as electrotherapy, TENS involves a portable and adjustable unit that can be helpful in dealing with localized pain for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Electrodes are placed on the skin and joined to the TENS unit with wires. Electric signals are then sent to the painful area, blocking or "interrupting" pain signals before they reach the brain. Pain reduction is experienced in up to 50% of patients and some data indicates that when amitriptyline is administered in conjunction with TENS therapy, pain reduction is noted in up to 65% of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
• Relaxation/Massage therapy
• Anodyne Therapy System (ATS) is a near-infrared medical device that may bring relief to patients with diabetic and non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy through improving circulation. Pads containing infra-red photo energy heat are placed on the skin over the affected area. The energy penetrates into the skin and the patient feels relief. Patients with painful neuropathy report an improvement in balance, sensation in their feet, and reduction of pain. Anodyne therapy has been approved by the FDA since 1994 and is used also in the physical therapy setting. While an article appearing in 2004 indicated that there was benefit to Anodyne therapy (see http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=NR021&ID=14693984) another article published in 2008 indicated that there was no difference between Anodyne therapy and a sham procedure. To read about this study, please click on the following link: http://www.medifocus.com/abstracts.php?gid=NR021&ID=17977931