You can reduce your risk of neuropathy (and some other medical complications) by avoiding alcohol or drinking it only in moderation. Taking steps to reduce triggers, such as controlling blood sugar, limiting alcohol consumption, and correcting vitamin deficiencies, can help control symptoms, but it's also important to follow a healthy diet and stay active. Treatment for peripheral nerve damage may vary depending on the underlying condition. Remedies, such as soaking in a hot bath and exercising regularly, may provide some relief.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes weakness, pain, and numbness in the extremities (usually the hands and feet). Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers hot and is thought to act on neuropathic pain by preventing nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. Lifestyle choices may play a role in preventing peripheral neuropathy. You can reduce your risk of many of these conditions by avoiding alcohol, correcting vitamin deficiencies, following a healthy diet, losing weight, avoiding toxins, and exercising regularly.
If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or another chronic condition, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition, which can prevent or delay the onset of peripheral neuropathy. Unlike most other types of pain, neuropathic pain usually doesn't get better with common pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, and other medications are often used. And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that cause pain and neuropathic symptoms.
