Nerve Pain: Getting Treated in New Haven

Living with nerve pain can be a nuisance, but it doesn't have to be. What is it, and can it be treated?

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain treatments New Haven is caused by many different things, and it's typically a symptom of a condition like HIV, diabetes, shingles, cancer, or other disorders. It can feel like burning, prickles, shocks of electricity, cold, or other sensations. 

Nerve pain takes place because the brain is receiving brain signals from the body. However, with cases of nerve pain that is unexplained, it's actually more likely that the body has been injured or that the nerves have been damaged, so they're sending unwanted and unregulated signals.

Nerve pain can be caused by a number of factors, like these:

• Shingles. Shingles is sometimes followed by postherpetic neuralgia, which causes nerves to suddenly send signals of pain to the brain. 
• Physical injury. Crushed disks in the back, compressed nerves, or other issues can cause nerve pain. 
• HIV. HIV can cause nerve damage; it's most common in the hands and feet. This is one of the first signs of the disease in around one out of three people. Taking antiretrovirals can also cause nerve damage. 
• Diabetes. Diabetes is a very common cause of nerve damage in the United States. When the body isn't regulating sugar and insulin correctly, high levels of sugar can injure the nerves. The limbs are most commonly affected, with the feet being of particular concern. 
• Cancer and tumors. Tumors can press on nerves, causing pain. Tumors can also grow out of nerves, which destroys or damages them. 

Can Nerve Pain Be Treated Effectively?

While the extent to which the pain can be treated depends on the cause, it usually can be treated in some ways. These methods include:

1. Topical treatments for localized nerve pain
2. Anticonvulsants, which can control nerve pain in the body
3. Antidepressants, which can alleviate some kinds of nerve pain
4. Painkillers, either over-the-counter or opioids, can reduce nerve pain. 

There are also natural methods and those that work in combination. Nerve pain treatment in New Haven starts with an appointment, so the pain can be diagnosed correctly. 

Nerve Pain Treatments in New Haven, Connecticut That Work

Nerve pain in the feet can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, among them peripheral neuropathy, where a patient loses feeling and experiences intense pain in both their feet and their hands. No matter what condition has caused it, nerve pain typically occurs when communications from the body to the brain go haywire. Pain can be intermittent or more consistent. A patient should visit with a trained foot specialist to learn more about nerve pain treatments New Haven, Connecticut. Here’s what to expect.

Treatment varies depending on what causes the pain. If it is peripheral neuropathy, for example, the causes of this condition are multiple. A person who drinks too much alcohol could exacerbate the condition with their drinking habits. Quitting may be the only solution. Someone who doesn’t get enough vitamins in their diet may suffer nerve pain because of it. Eating and living nutritiously can improve these sharp aches.

Most doctors have found that some degree of physical activity can reduce the discomfort of nerve pain. Although one may not want to walk much with sore feet, it’s important to try. Don’t go far, and don’t go fast. Walking is enough. The more a person exercises, the more that their body is flooded with endorphins. Besides improving mood, endorphins provide the nerves with enough blood that pain may be reduced.

After going for a walk, take a nice, long, relaxing bath. Soak in the tub and make sure the water is lukewarm to warm. Excessive stress can make nerve pain more severe, so soothing away worries with a soak can cause less pain. Although it’s tempting, don’t turn the water too hot. Make sure to test the temperature ahead of time if feet have pins and needles.

Certain oils and creams may be able to make a dent in pain if these include ingredients like lidocaine or capsaicin. Of course, these are not permanent measures, but these oils and creams can be helpful for long, painful days and nights.

If a patient has diabetes, it’s even more critical that they take care of their health, especially the health of their feet. Amputations are not uncommon from poor foot health. If a patient has medications that they are supposed to be taking, keep on top of these. Track blood glucose and blood sugar levels often. If pain gets worse, visit a doctor.

To learn more about nerve pain or to schedule an appointment with a foot specialist in New Haven, call or email today.

Sciatica Nerve Pain Treatments in New Haven

Sciatica is the pain that results when the individual has a pinched nerve in their lower back. These pains start in the nerve roots found on either side of the individual's lower spine. The pain then radiates and continues through the sciatic nerve that runs on each leg from the butt to the foot. It causes sheer agony, which is also known as radiculopathy. Continue reading to learn more about sciatica nerve pain treatments New Haven. Why Does Sciatica Happen? While there are several causes of sciatica, the most common reason is a herniated disk. Anytime the disk cracks or tears, it may bulge into the spinal canal. This can pinch the sciatic nerve. In some instances, the symptoms can clear up in as little as six weeks. However, the pain can last for some people and leave them in agony.

Heat and Ice Non-Surgical Treatments Heat and/or ice packs are excellent treatments for acute sciatica pain. These treatments are easily available and may actually minimize pain in the leg, particularly during the beginning phases. In most instances, ice and/or heat is applied for about 20 minutes and repeated in cycles of two hours. The majority of people choose ice first, but others find significantly more relief with heat treatments. These treatments may be alternated. However, it's typically best to start with a towel or cloth separating the skin and ice. This simple method will prevent the likelihood of an iceburn.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Pain Medication Many patients find significant relief of sciatica pain by taking prescription or OTC medication. Oral steroids may reduce the inflammation, which is commonly the source of the pain. At the same time, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may do the trick. A few of the most common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are: • Naproxen • Ibuprofen COX-2 Inhibitors

Sciatica Epidural Steroid Injections When the pain is seriously severe, epidural injections may be used to minimize the inflammation, which is commonly the source of the pain. These medications are stronger and much different than oral medications. Sciatica epidural steroid injections are injected into the problem area to effectively reduce inflammation. These treatments will provide the patient with relief and allow the individual to continue with an exercise program or conditioning. However, sciatica epidural steroid injections may only be temporary and may not work for all people.

Dealing with Idiopathic Nerve Pain

When a person gets sick, there is some cause for the problem. They may have a cold by touching an unclean surface that a sick person has touched recently and then placing their hand on their face. The person may have eaten something bad that caused an allergic reaction. Yet when it comes to nerve pain, sometimes the cause is not so obvious.

Unknown nerve pain can affect almost 20 million people living in the United States. Despite the advances of medical technology, some nerve pain simply cannot be diagnosed even when a person gets extensive testing. This type of condition is called idiopathic nerve pain.

Idiopathic Nerve Pain a Reality Many People Face Daily

Nerve pain treatments New Haven can be given to people who are experiencing idiopathic nerve pain. This option is usually ideal when a person has tried home remedies to reduce the pain but this self-care treatment has been unsuccessful. Speaking with a personal doctor can provide additional options based on the patient's medical needs. Then the doctor can offer a referral to a neurologist or other pain treatment provider depending on the location of the idiopathic nerve pain.

While nerve pain treatments in New Haven are focused in providing full or even partial relief, medical professionals are still trying to connect the dots in trying to explain why people experience this condition. They have discovered several common problems a person may have, such as prediabetes or high blood pressure, that may contribute to the problem. Yet more studies are still being conducted to find the reasons people are experiencing idiopathic nerve pain.

Seek Treatment When Dealing with Unknown Nerve Pain

A person should never simply deal with the problem without seeking medical advice and testing. If a person experiences tingling, burning, and numbness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, they should speak with their doctor. Self-diagnosis could hide a more serious problem, or lead a person to not seek out treatment when there may be some nerve pain treatments in New Haven.

By having a doctor examine the problem, a person can determine the best ways to deal with this pain and lessen the causes so they can lead an enjoyable lifestyle. They may also discover that certain changes in their daily activities may lessen the pain they experience or the length of time that they experience the idiopathic nerve pain.