What are the best treatments for Small Fiber Neuropathy?
See the best treatments for Small Fiber Neuropathy here
Treatments for Small Fiber Neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a condition that affects the small nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet. While there is no cure for SFN, there are several treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
1. Medications
Medications are often prescribed to help manage the pain associated with small fiber neuropathy. Some commonly used medications include:
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help relieve pain by altering the brain's perception of pain signals.
- Anticonvulsants: Medications commonly used to treat seizures, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, can also be effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
- Topical treatments: Creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin can provide localized pain relief when applied to the affected areas.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial for individuals with small fiber neuropathy. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to help improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. They may also recommend specific stretching and range-of-motion exercises to alleviate stiffness and improve mobility. Physical therapy can also include techniques such as massage and heat therapy, which can provide temporary pain relief.
3. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the affected area, and the electrical impulses help disrupt the pain signals. TENS can be used at home and is generally safe when used as directed. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting TENS therapy.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting certain lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of small fiber neuropathy. These include:
- Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall nerve health.
- Regular exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, can help improve circulation and reduce neuropathic pain.
- Stress management: Stress can exacerbate neuropathic pain, so finding effective stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can be beneficial.
- Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen symptoms, such as certain foods or activities, can help minimize discomfort.
5. Alternative Therapies
Some individuals with small fiber neuropathy find relief through alternative therapies. These may include:
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese therapy involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve function and alleviate pain.
- Herbal supplements: Certain herbal supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid and evening primrose oil, have shown promise in reducing neuropathic pain. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It has shown potential in relieving neuropathic pain, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness for small fiber neuropathy specifically.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of treatments for small fiber neuropathy can vary from person to person. It is recommended to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs.
It comes down to treating the underlying cause - if found. That is the number one treatment that is key to your success. Once an underlying diagnosis is found to be the root of all evil within, a new course of treatments from IVIG to daily vitamins can become a well worth it treatment.
Idiopathic - AKA - Dr. can't figure it out due to the lack of research into SFN - the current boat I'm in - It's not a dead end, nor a welp there's nothing we can do for you moment. From Gabapentin, opioids (Oh no! that dirty word! Yep I said it) SSRI's, lidocaine patches/creams/gels and a few others are all somewhere to start. Some testing into IVIG is being done on those with idiopathic SFN and from what I've read it seems to have some good results and looks like if that's the case it may be autoimmune related (again, this is something that needs more research).
Posted Sep 29, 2018 by Brian 1350
Posted Jul 12, 2021 by Jo 3150
There are thousands of treatments for the sub-illnesses that you can try with trial and error IF you have an open minded and caring Dermatologist, GI, Allergist-ENT...
You can't stop your body as of 2022 from using your white blood cells to kill off healthy nerves all over your body. You can only manage SOME of the symptoms and plan to live in such a way that you can afford to and be comfortable in, relatively speaking. It is Hell on Earth if you are poor, trust me, I know.
The sooner you or a loved one knows they have this illness, the sooner you can make correct decisions such as where to live, improving your diet (which helps some issues but nerves will be killed off that you need to use the nutrients).
There is an experimental treatment that was counter-productive for me but Neurologists claim work for some people, though not many. It involves an IV for a week of health plasma. In my case it made all my overheating and less concerning sleeping of hands/feet and reflux issues and anxiety disorders worse, not better. I wouldn't say do not try it, but don't keep doing it if you are can see you are getting worse. My Neurologist was pissed I didn't do a 2nd week and that was bad advice and not worth considering. With all medications, SOME people will have the reverse effect of that which is desired. DOCUMENT these reactions and stop the Rx that do this to you. It's rare but less rare than SFPN and happens to me often. I would argue that nerve loss is a contributing factor.
This is called "The PARADOXICAL EFFECT" and again, it is more common by a longshot than SFPN or ALS etc. Watch for it and stop any Rx that is giving you the opposite effect the MD gave it to you, hoping for a good reaction.
IT CAN HAPPEN with the IV blood plasma treatment because it happened to me. I would guess because of a preservative in the plasma but m Neurologist was not opening to discussing the matter, though I thought it was of scientific value. What percentage of people will have the Paradoxical Effect who have SFPN with any other Rx trials (there are a few for Nerve Pain, for example) should be studied. It is not.
Many more people have luck with the Nerve Pain Rx. There are around 4 since some are the same class and overlap. None helped me. Those will help some people. They seem to be more about Fibromyalgia which is a very common component of SFPN though few people with Fibromyalgia have SFPN.
If you are a marijuana person ( I find it vile and I also have the Paradoxical Effect with it, even tea and chocolate) you will surely find a healthier alternative to pain though this is NOT one of my personal concerns since I can handle the pain better than roasting like a chicken in a microwave...
Posted Feb 3, 2022 by Mark 2000
