Treating peripheral neuropathy

Sometimes, surgery and some anticancer drugs can cause peripheral neuropathy. 

If surgery damages the nerves in your armpit, you may have nerve pain or numbness. Some anticancer drugs can cause numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.

This often improves with time, but nerves are slow to repair so it might take months or even years to improve.

You can do some things to reduce the effects of peripheral neuropathy but there are no proven ways to prevent or stop it. 

Medications for pain and discomfort

No medications can repair the nerves. They can, however, help reduce the pain and discomfort of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

The best evidence is currently for duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Sometimes, other medications are used:

• pregabalin (Lyrica)
• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• amitriptyline (Endep).

Like any drugs, these may cause side effects. Your medical oncologist can talk to you about what might be best for you.

Exercise to reduce symptoms

Early evidence from clinical studies shows exercise at home during chemotherapy can:

• help to reduce symptoms such as hot/cold sensitivity and numbness/tingling
• improve function.

Results of research are very encouraging. They show major improvement in the quality of life for many people.

An exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can design a program for you. This might include:

• light aerobic exercise
• flexibility and strength training
• exercises to improve your balance.

Exercise can't fix the nerve damage itself, but improves core stability and strength. This reduces your risk of falls, which can be a real problem if you have issues with balance.

Exercise will also improve your general health and mental health.

Massage therapy to manage symptoms

A few studies have looked at massage therapy to manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The results so far for this complementary therapy are very encouraging.

Massage of the affected limbs 2 to 3 times a week can:

• help reduce symptoms
• have an overall positive effect on your wellbeing.

Ask your treating team if they can recommend a therapist who has experience working with people with cancer.

Ice gloves during treatment

Evidence is emerging that using ice gloves on your hands and feet during treatment can lessen peripheral neuropathy. Read about cooling gloves - note that this page is about protecting your nails during chemotherapy. 

Acupuncture to reduce symptoms

Acupuncture is known to help manage several side effects connected to cancer treatment. It can help reduce:

• peripheral neuropathy
• joint pain
• fatigue 
• hot flushes 
• nausea and vomiting. 

Read the Cancer Council's information on acupuncture during cancer treatment.

Scrambler therapy for chronic nerve pain

Scrambler therapy is an emerging treatment for managing chronic nerve pain. It’s available at some centres around Australia. There is no proven benefit as yet but some people report it has eased their symptoms.

Only a specially trained clinician can perform scrambler therapy. They place 5 electrodes onto the skin near, but not on, the site of the pain. A machine gently stimulates the area for about 40 minutes.

The recommended treatment is 10 sessions over a 2-week period. Repeat treatments may be needed every few months.

Scrambler therapy is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.