After undergoing multiple tests at The Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah, Glenn Beck was diagnosed with non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. But what does that mean?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a malfunction of the nerves in the extremities, with the foot and ankle being more common than the arms and hands. This malfunction causes significant pain including numbness, tingling, burning, electrical shocks and even stabbing type pains. It can be very problematic and can have multiple possible causes including diabetes, AIDS or HIV, toxins and metallic poisons, certain chemicals, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies or nutritional imbalances, it may also occur from systemic diseases (kidney failure, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, abnormal blood proteins, cancer especially with chemotherapy, leukemia and shingles). Entrapment may also lead to the symptoms of neuropathy.
Since neuropathy has significant symptoms, often patients are told "there is nothing that can be done". This couldn't be further from the truth. Newer treatments are being encountered on a regular basis and include options that often improve the nerve function. Although Glenn Beck has a significant diagnosis, options do exist to help with this condition.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Neuropathy Can Be Improved With Alternative Medications
As I continue to see increasing numbers of patients with nerve changes to their feet, I am continuing to review traditional and alternative medications for the treatment of these disorders. Instead of telling my patients that nothing can be done for peripheral neuropathy, I continue to find information that can improve the symptoms.
In a small clinical study run for six months comparing Evening Primrose oil and a placebo, Evening Primrose oil was shown to produce significant improvement of neuropathy over this time. It was taken at a dosage of 2000mg (2grams) twice a day to get this improvement. Although the study was small and many individuals don't get the same results, it has been shown to work and should be considered.
Why does it work? Evening Primrose oil contains an essential amino acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that works with the body to protect nerves and rebuild nervous tissue. At the above dosage, a patient is getting 360mg a day. Many people are also trying ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) to get the same results.
For additional treatment options for peripheral neuropathy, visit our website.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
In a small clinical study run for six months comparing Evening Primrose oil and a placebo, Evening Primrose oil was shown to produce significant improvement of neuropathy over this time. It was taken at a dosage of 2000mg (2grams) twice a day to get this improvement. Although the study was small and many individuals don't get the same results, it has been shown to work and should be considered.
Why does it work? Evening Primrose oil contains an essential amino acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that works with the body to protect nerves and rebuild nervous tissue. At the above dosage, a patient is getting 360mg a day. Many people are also trying ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) to get the same results.
For additional treatment options for peripheral neuropathy, visit our website.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
