If you have been seeking relief or improvement for Peripheral Neuropathy and feel like you have tried everything…. acupuncture can help.
Acupuncture is an overlooked solution to many chronic illnesses. Through focused treatment for peripheral neuropathy designed just for you, acupuncture with Dr. Don Thompson can be an excellent supplement to your ongoing primary or specialized medical care to increase your chances of recovery and relief.
Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage to the nerves most often in the hands and feet. Though it is most often a complication of diabetes, it can also be caused by chemotherapy, and injuries to the hand, legs, and feet. Another cause of neuropathy is called “idiopathic,” which means simply that physicians can’t find a reason for the neuropathy. There are estimated to be over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, all consisting of different symptoms and prognosis. Most people with neuropathy have symptoms of tingling, pain, numbness and weakness in the affected limbs, and are at a higher risk of falls. It’s estimated that 2.4% of people globally have a form of peripheral neuropathy, rising to 5% among people 45 and older.
Pain medications and antidepressants are often prescribed for the condition. However, these medications can cause some unwanted side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Recent studies on the use of acupuncture treatment for peripheral neuropathy have shown that most patients get good relief from the pain and numbness. It is believed that acupuncture increases blood circulation in the limbs which nourish the nerves and tissues in those areas, ultimately resulting in decreased pain and increased normal feeling to the area. This is most likely due to the healing of the damaged nerves.
How Does Acupuncture Be A Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy
With acupuncture, patients are often able to reduce or eliminate some of the medications which have caused side effects and ultimately reduce the chance of falls and accidents. It is important to receive acupuncture from an acupuncturist who has training and experience in treating peripheral neuropathy, such as Dr. Don Thompson. Dr. Thompson is trained in acupuncture techniques which minimize or eliminate any discomfort from needle insertion. Generally speaking, a course of 10-20 treatments are needed to get the best results possible. Please refer to our Peripheral Neuropathy blog for additional information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Citations:
Meyer-Hamme G, Friedemann T, Greten J, Gerloff C, Schroeder S.
Electrophysiologically verified effects of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes: The randomized, partially double-blinded, controlled ACUDIN trial. Journal of Diabetes. 2021;13:469–481.
Hoerder S, Habermann IV, Hahn K, Meyer-Hamme G, Ortiz M, Grabowska W, Roll S, Willich SN, Schroeder S, Brinkhaus B, Dietzel J. Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy-neurological outcomes of the randomized acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy trial. World J Diabetes. 2023 Dec 15;14(12):1813-1823. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i12.1813. PMID: 38222786; PMCID: PMC10784801.
Sang P, Zhao J, Yang H. The efficacy of electroacupuncture in among early diabetic patients with lower limb arteriosclerotic wounds. International Wound Journal. 2024;21(4):e14526. Doi:10.1111/iwj.14526
Dietzel, Joanna, Isabel V. Habermann, Sebastian Hörder, Katrin Hahn, Gesa Meyer-Hamme, Miriam Ortiz, Kevin Hua, Barbara Stöckigt, Marie Bolster, Weronika Grabowska, and et al. 2023. “Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial” Journal of Clinical Medicine 12, no. 6: 2103. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062103
Cho E, Kim W. Effect of Acupuncture on Diabetic Neuropathy: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22(16):8575. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22168575