July 18, 2024

Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Neuropathy is usually something that most people associate with diabetes. This is an accurate connection because one of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. But did you know that neuropathy can also occur after cancer treatments? To start off this topic I’ll ask a simple question, what is neuropathy? Well neuropathy, or as some call it peripheral neuropathy is basically a condition where the peripheral nerves or in other words the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord become damaged. This is very common in our hands and feet. (1)

The symptoms you can experience if you have neuropathy can include numbness or tingling in your feet, hands, legs or even arms. You may also feel as if you are wearing gloves or socks when you’re not. You may have sharp, jabbing pain that may even occur during activities that don’t normally cause pain. As the neuropathy progresses’ you may notice an increase in sensitivity to touch. There may also be muscle weakness and a lack of coordination. If your motor nerves are affected you may have an inability to move. You may notice an intolerance to heat. You may experience either excess sweating or an ability to sweat at all. There may also be a drop in blood pressure. You may also have bowel, bladder or digestive problems. (1) Lastly you may notice cramps in your feet. (2)

It’s important to see a doctor if you notice the symptoms of neuropathy starting to develop. When you see the doctor they will do a full medical history and a neurological exam. The doctor may also order certain blood tests, imaging tests and even nerve function tests. The doctor may also perform a nerve and skin biopsy. (3)

Neuropathy can lead to a loss of sensation. This means you may not feel if something is too hot to touch. As a result you may have complications such as burns. As a result of the loss of sensation you may end up with skin injuries or deeper wounds especially on the feet. Because of the lack of feeling in your feet you may not notice any injuries which increases the risk of developing an infection. (1) If an infection is left untreated it can lead to complications such as the need for an amputation. (4) Lastly neuropathy often leads to a lack of balance which can lead to an increase in your fall risk. (1)

What can you do to help with the symptoms of neuropathy? Well as I said in my blog on chemo brain it is often best to wait till after treatment is complete to start supplements. This is to avoid any potential interactions. However life style changes can be implemented at any time.

Drink plenty of water. The typical amount recommended is ½ your body weight in oz. So if you weigh 120 pounds drink 60 oz of water. Additionally it is important to get plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables! (2) Check out Invite’s Greens Hx and Organic Greens. Remember there are no bad vegetables. Whatever kind you like is the best kind. I also want to point out that many stores will have sales on frozen vegetables which are just as nutrient dense as fresh. I know my parents love to stock up on frozen vegetables and even frozen berries especially when they are not in season!
Treat any underlying conditions that increase your risk of neuropathy. For example if you have diabetes it is important to maintain control of your blood sugar. (2) Please check out my blog series on this topic.
Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives. (2)
Monitor your extremities for injuries and wear protective gear as well as use any assistive devices and proper lights. (2)
ALA has been found in studies to be helpful in reducing pain associated with neuropathy when used as part of a treatment protocol. (5) Please see Invite’s Alcar+ALA and our Alpha-Lipoic Acid
B1 has been found to help with the symptoms of neuropathy especially in the beginning stages. (6) Please see Invite’s Nerve Hx and our B Complex 100.
B12 has been found to help with the pain associated with neuropathy. B12 deficiency is also known to make neuropathy worse. (7) Personally I always recommend B12 for anyone who has neuropathy. Please see Invite’s B12 lozenges as well as our Methyl-B
Magnesium according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy can help with the signs of neuropathy that are associated with chemotherapy use.(8) Please see Magnesium Glycinate, Citrate and Bio Avail Magnesium powder!
Turmeric has been found to be very helpful in reducing the pain associated with neuropathy. (9) Please see Invite’s Bio-Curcumin & 5- Loxin formula!