Neuropathy treatment: what actually helps nerve pain

Dealing with numbness, burning, or sharp electric pain in your hands or feet? That’s neuropathy. It can come from diabetes, chemo, infections, injury, or vitamin gaps. The good news: you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are clear, usable options you can try with your doctor.

Medical treatments that work

Start by seeing a clinician who knows neuropathy. For pain control, doctors commonly use anticonvulsants like gabapentin or pregabalin and certain antidepressants such as duloxetine or tricyclics (amitriptyline). These drugs don’t cure nerve damage but often cut pain by 30–50% for many patients.

Topical options help if your pain is localized. Lidocaine patches or compounded creams with low-dose ketamine or baclofen can ease surface burning without strong systemic effects. For severe pain, some people get nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or referral to a pain clinic—ask your doctor if those fit your case.

If your neuropathy has a clear cause, treat that first. For example, strict blood sugar control slows diabetic neuropathy, and stopping a toxic medication or treating an infection can reverse symptoms in some cases.

Home, lifestyle, and supportive care

Daily habits make a big difference. If you have diabetic neuropathy, check blood sugar and footwear. Balance training and physical therapy reduce fall risk and improve gait. Gentle aerobic exercise—walking, swimming—boosts circulation and can ease symptoms over weeks.

Diet matters: fix obvious vitamin gaps. A confirmed B12 deficiency needs replacement; that often leads to real improvement. Avoid excessive alcohol, which damages nerves, and review all your meds with a provider to spot possible culprits.

Pain coping skills help too. Cognitive behavioral therapy, guided relaxation, and paced activity reduce how much pain controls your day. Small steps—like using a heating pad for short stretches or switching to softer shoes—add up.

Supplements and complementary options can help some people. Alpha-lipoic acid has data supporting relief for diabetic neuropathy. Omega-3s, acetyl-L-carnitine, and topical capsaicin work for a subset of patients. Don’t start supplements without checking interactions or safety with your clinician.

Thinking of buying neuropathy meds online? Be careful. Use licensed pharmacies, require a valid prescription, and avoid deals that look too good to be true. Our site covers tips on safe online pharmacies and how to spot risky sellers—always prioritize verified suppliers and your prescriber's guidance.

Finally, set realistic goals with your care team: reduce pain, improve sleep, protect skin and feet, and maintain daily function. Neuropathy often needs a mix of treatments—medication, rehab, lifestyle, and safe sourcing of drugs. Work step by step and keep your doctor in the loop so you get the safest, most effective plan for your nerves.