Neuropathy is another name for nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected areas. Those dealing with this issue often wonder if it’s possible to prevent neuropathy from spreading. The damage varies from mild and treatable to severe and chronic.

Since neuropathy is a neurological disorder, the damage may progress to other areas. It often depends on the cause, though some habits and lifestyle choices also contribute. Treatment is best for slowing or halting the progression, including physical therapy, medication, and surgery.

Talk to your doctor about treatments to reduce nerve damage and prevent it from getting worse.

Nurse helping an elderly woman in walking as part of physical therapy after an accident to prevent neuropathy from spreading.

Prevent Neuropathy from Spreading

Neuropathy is often manageable, though this isn’t guaranteed. For some, it’s spread too severely to fight effectively. Chronic stress levels, advanced age, and serious underlying causes also make proper treatment difficult. If you’re dealing with neuropathy, consider the following options to reduce further nerve damage.

Avoid refined sugar

Refined sugar is never a healthy food ingredient. For those with neuropathy, especially when caused by diabetes, it’s particularly hazardous. It may cause nerve damage to spread, even if bloodwork shows normal blood sugar levels.

To prevent such issues, avoid refined sugar whenever possible. Desserts, processed foods, and sweet snacks all contain this ingredient. It may also show up in foods you don’t expect. Check food labels and use healthier cooking options, like Stevia, maple syrup, or honey.

Know and address the cause of neuropathy

Neuropathy is often caused by medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer, and shingles. Injury, surgical procedures, medications, and vitamin or nutrient deficiencies are also culprits. For some, nerve damage could be the result of a genetic condition.

It’s possible to prevent neuropathy from spreading by simply treating the underlying cause. For instance, managing blood sugar levels with diabetes reduces the symptoms. Though this may be effective in most cases, it isn’t guaranteed, so discuss such options with your doctor.

Exercise to improve blood flow to the area

Neuropathy symptoms often affect coordination, motor control, and muscle strength. The results are a lack of sensation, increased fall risk, weakness, or pain. To counter these uncomfortable symptoms, your doctor may recommend exercise.

When the body is moving, circulation improves, sending oxygenated blood throughout the body. It improves feeling and reduces numbness and pain. The muscles strengthen while balance and coordination increase. Try gentle exercises, like walking, swimming, or yoga, or book a physical therapist for guided workouts to prevent neuropathy from spreading.

Avoid stress to prevent neuropathy from spreading

Stress worsens neuropathic pain and any other pain you’re experiencing. Though stress hormones are beneficial for short periods, excessive amounts are harmful to the mind and body. Though you can’t eliminate stress, try to control, and reduce it using calming methods. These include meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and muscle relaxation techniques.

Lifestyle change

Some lifestyle changes prevent the spread of neuropathy. For instance, vitamin deficiencies cause worsening symptoms and increased damage. By upping your intake of vitamins, like vitamin B12, you may prevent neuropathy from spreading.

Altering your diet is another option for reducing nerve damage. Processed, sugary, or fried foods are unhealthy and cause several health issues. Gluten, alcohol, and caffeine should also be avoided.

Instead, include leafy greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts to heal your nerves and halt neuropathy progression. Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your system and hydrate the body.

Resources:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/neuropathy#treatment
https://braincenter.org/2022/11/18/foods-to-avoid-or-incorporate-when-living-with-neuropathy/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-peripheral-neuropathy
https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/exercise-and-physical-therapy/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20strengthening,help%20control%20blood%20sugar%20levels.

This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.