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.