Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment
The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain, improve the patient's ability to cope with any remaining pain and improve their quality of life. Pain symptoms are typically managed using drugs, physical therapy, injection therapy, or some combination of these treatments.

There are a wide variety of medications available that may be used to provide neuropathy sufferers some measure of relief from symptoms. These include:

• Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. duloxetine hydrochloride [Cymbalta®])
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine [Tegretol®], lamotrigine [Lamictal®])
• Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline [Elavil®])
• Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine [Xylocaine®])
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., mexiletine [Mexitil®])
• Topical drugs (e.g., capsaicin cream [Zostrix®])

If necessary, your doctor will develop a medication regimen appropriate for managing your pain issues.

Your neurologist may also suggest injecting a nerve-blocking agent (like lidocaine) into the area surrounding the affected nerves. This will prevent the nerves from carrying impulses to the brain and temporarily reduce your symptoms. Often just by blocking the affected nerves for a few hours with local anaesthetics, the pain can be reduced for several days or even weeks before returning to its baseline severity. Keep in mind however that nerve blocks are not a cure. They are often combined with other treatments and therapies to promote a more speedy resolution to the problem.

Many patients find relief through simple physical therapies. The therapist assigned to your patient care team will develop a series of exercises tailored specifically to your needs. He or she may also suggest massage therapy, heat, and/or acupuncture as part of your complete treatment plan.

Your multidisciplinary patient care team will work together to develop a comprehensive treatment program to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.