neuropathy

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Multiple Sclerosis Nurses trialling a drug-free therapy to treat MS nerve pain.

APS machines - pain treatment

APS machines – pain treatment

Two MS Specialist Nurses from at MS Therapy Centre in Bedford, UK, have been trialling a drug-free microcurrent machine to treat pain in MS with very positive, and surprisingly wide ranging effects.

The treatment, Action Potential Simulation Therapy, or APS Therapy, uses a copy of the body’s own electrical signals – the ‘action potentials’ that travel along nerve fibres, to enhance communication between the cells, using an APS Therapy machine.

Neurons and nerve pain

Neurons and nerve pain

“The results we’re seeing, are, firstly, pain relief, in over 3/4s of the people with MS who have been treated over the past 3 years at the clinic. This is really significant, especially as the type of neuropathic, or nerve pain, that many people with MS experience, is very difficult to treat, and there are so many problems with side effects from the medication.

“I started off being most excited by the pain relief, and helping people to reduce and in some cases withdraw from medications they’re taking for pain, and of course I still am.

But recently, I’ve been most excited by the other improvements that some peopleMiranda Olding get – we had a lot of people reporting improvements in energy, with reduced fatigue, better sleep quality, feeling less stiffness and spasm, and often, really improved wellbeing, when they used the machines for pain, and so in the past year we’ve begun to try using the machines specifically for these problems, and had some lovely results,” says Miranda Olding.

The nurses, Queen’s Nurse Emma Matthews from Northampton, and Miranda Olding from Bedford, cannot share the full results of their report on the first two years of treatment with APS Therapy until it’s been presented at the CMSC conference in Maryland, which they are travelling to in June. They also aim to present their 3rd year results at other clinical conferences during the year.

The mode of action of APS Therapy is to enhance cellular communication by sending replicated action potentials, which are up to 4 times stronger than the naturally occurring signals, through the body, between electrodes attached to the skin.

This assists the removal of waste and inflammatory products, which can reduce localised pain and swelling. The production of ATP ( adenosine triphosphate) is boosted by the therapy, which results for some people in increased energy levels, and also stimulates natural healing mechanisms. Other neuro-hormones that encourage healing and endogenous pain relief are also boosted, and some neuropathic pain seem to respond very well to the application of this correct, rather than disordered, nerve signal.

Results for people with MS can be very wide-ranging. This report came from Maggie, who has had MS for over 20 years, on her 4th week into the treatment. (She has retained all these benefits)

“‘Notes on progress of the fourth week”
• ˜Sleep improvements maintained although still wake frequently.
• ˜Pain during day virtually gone.
• ˜Pain at night much reduced – now only troubling between 6-8am.
• ˜Energy levels greatly improved. Much more stamina…
• ˜I can now easily get up from a chair even one without arms!
• ˜I can lower myself gently down instead of flinging myself down.
• ˜I can move around with ease and no longer have to plan everything I need to do. I can walk around indoors without a stick.
• ˜I can stand long enough to do some housework and get myself some lunch.
• ˜The ‘electric shock’ feelings I was experiencing in the head have been getting less in frequency.
• ˜The physio that I do in the group and in the pool have got better.
• ˜I can stay on a gym ball for the whole session and the physio has noticed as improvement in my posture and walking.
• ˜Mood- has elevated to new heights. I am delighted with the transformation – I feel I am getting me back.”

Not everyone who tries APS Therapy experiences these type of benefits, but the

Maggie does APS Therapy

Maggie does APS Therapy

team are having enough similar reports to merit offering APS Therapy as a trial treatment for people with MS who are struggling with fatigue as well as solely for pain, and to be excited by the potential applications of APS Therapy in people with MS.

Miranda Olding now splits her time between working as an MS Specialist Nurse, and working on introducing APS Therapy in the UK, both teaching and training and collecting data, and running a business where people can train, or rent or buy APS Therapy machines with one to one support over Skype, Facetime or Webex. You can find out more at www.painfreepotential.co.uk

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10 Amazing Home Remedies For Neuropathy or Nerve Pain

10 Amazing Home Remedies For Neuropathy

10 Amazing Home Remedies For Neuropathy

10 Amazing Home Remedies For Neuropathy.

Neuropathy is the catch all term alluding to nerve harm and torment with various diverse causes. A few sorts of nerve agony can enhance with treatment and others deteriorate with time. Neuropathy is generally brought on by ailment; somewhere in the range of half of those agony from neuropathy are diabetic – it is additionally a typical reaction of certain prescription, chemotherapy or the consequence of harm.

We have no idea if any of these work. What is your experience?

If you suffer from nerve pain please see your Doctor before you try any alternative medication!

For our previous blog on nerve pain please have look here.

Leave a comment Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis and Foot drop – find out about this symptom of MS

Foot drop and neuropathy

Foot drop and neuropathy

Foot drop is a muscular weakness or paralysis that makes it difficult to lift the front part of your foot and toes.

It’s also sometimes called drop foot, and can cause you to drag your foot on the ground when you walk.

Foot drop is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a condition itself. This could be muscular, caused by nerve damage in the leg, or the result of a brain or spinal injury.

Foot drop usually only affects one foot, but both feet may be affected, depending on the cause. It can be temporary or permanent.

What causes foot drop?

Foot drop is the result of weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the front part of your foot. This can be caused by a number of underlying problems, which are described below.

Muscle weakness

Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited genetic conditions that cause gradual muscle weakness and can sometimes lead to foot drop.

Foot drop can also be caused by other muscle wasting conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy or motor neurone disease.

Peripheral nerve problems or neuropathy

Foot drop is often caused by compression (squashing) of the nerve that controls the muscles that lift the foot.

Sometimes, nerves around the knee or lower spine can become trapped. The nerves in the leg can also be injured or damaged during hip replacement or knee replacement surgery.

Foot drop can sometimes be caused by nerve damage linked to diabetes (known as a neuropathy).

Inherited conditions that cause peripheral nerve damage and muscle weakness, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can also sometimes lead to foot drop.

Brain and spinal cord disorders

Foot drop can also be caused by conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord, such as:

stroke

cerebral palsy

multiple sclerosis

Diagnosing foot drop

Foot drop is often diagnosed during a physical examination. Your GP will look at the way you walk and examine your leg muscles.

In some cases, imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound scan or computerised tomography (CT) scan, may be required.

Nerve conduction tests may be recommended to help locate where the affected nerve is damaged.

Electromyography, where electrodes are inserted into the muscle fibres to record the muscles’ electrical activity, may also be carried out at the same time.

Managing foot drop

If you have foot drop, you’ll find it difficult to lift the front part of your foot off the ground. This means you’ll have a tendency to scuff your toes along the ground, increasing your risk of falls. To prevent this, you may lift your foot higher than usual when walking.

Recovery depends on the cause of foot drop and how long you’ve had it. In some cases it can be permanent.

Making small changes in your home, such as removing clutter and using non-slip rugs and mats, can help prevent falls. There are also measures you can take to help stabilise your foot and improve your walking ability.

These measures include:

physiotherapy – to strengthen your foot, ankle and lower leg muscles

wearing an ankle-foot orthosis – to hold your foot in a normal position

electrical nerve stimulation – in certain cases it can help lift the foot

surgery – an operation to fuse the ankle or foot bones may be possible in severe or long-term cases

Some of these treatments are discussed in more detail below.

Ankle-foot orthosis

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is worn on the lower part of the leg to help control the ankle and foot. It holds your foot and ankle in a straightened position to improve your walking.

If your GP thinks an AFO will help, they’ll refer you for an assessment with an orthotist (a specialist who measures and prescribes orthoses).

Wearing a close-fitting sock between your skin and the AFO will ensure comfort and help prevent rubbing. Your footwear should be fitted around the orthosis.

Lace-up shoes or those with Velcro fastenings are recommended for use with AFOs because they’re easy to adjust. Shoes with a removable inlay are also useful because they provide extra room. High-heeled shoes should be avoided.

It’s important to break your orthosis in slowly. Once broken in, wear it as much as possible while walking because it will help you walk more efficiently and keep you stable.

Electrical nerve stimulation

In some cases, an electrical stimulation device, similar to a TENS machine, can be used to improve walking ability. It can help you walk faster, with less effort and more confidence.

Two self-adhesive electrode patches are placed on the skin. One is placed close to the nerve supplying the muscle and the other over the centre of the muscle. Leads connect the electrodes to a battery-operated stimulator, which is the size of a pack of cards and is worn on a belt or kept in a pocket.

The stimulator produces electrical impulses that stimulate the nerves to contract (shorten) the affected muscles. The stimulator is triggered by a sensor in the shoe and is activated every time your heel leaves the ground as you walk.

If your GP or consultant thinks you’ll benefit from using an electrical stimulation device, you’ll be referred to an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon for an assessment. You may then be referred to a specialist unit to try the device and assess its suitabilty.

For long-term use, it may be possible to have an operation to implant the electrodes under your skin. The procedure involves positioning the electrodes over the affected nerve while you’re under general anaesthetic.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that electrical stimulation can be used to treat people with foot drop caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, provided:

the person understands what’s involved and agrees to the treatment

the results of the procedure are closely monitored

Read the NICE guidance about Functional electrical stimulation for drop foot of central neurological origin.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option in severe or long-term cases of foot drop that have caused permanent movement loss from muscle paralysis.

The procedure usually involves transferring a tendon from the stronger leg muscles to the muscle that should be pulling your ankle upwards.

Another type of surgery involves fusing the foot or ankle bones to help stabilise the ankle.

Speak to your GP or orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist if you’re thinking about having surgery for foot drop. They’ll be able to give you more information about the available procedures and any associated pros and cons.

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Using Essential Oils to Treat Neuropathy

Using Essential Oils to Treat Neuropathy

essential oils for neuropathyAs neuropathy is damage to the nerves throughout the body (other than in the brain or spine), it is clear that the signs and symptoms of this type of nerve damage have to do with losing feeling or developing tingling sensations. For instance, a pins-and-needles feeling may develop over time, beginning in the extremities and then spreading further into the body.

Various causes exist for neuropathy, including diseases and conditions which cause the degradation of the nervous system. Some of this damage may be caused by certain illnesses such as tumors, diabetes, alcoholism, Vitamin B12 deficiency, pain killer abuse, or exposure to harmful chemicals or substances. Sometimes chemotherapy, used to fight cancer, can cause neuropathy as a side effect. Although some nerve damage is permanent, not all of it is and there are options for natural healing of neuropathy with essential oils.

Neuropathy Symptoms

While numbness and tingling are the main symptoms of neuropathy, there are several other signs that your body may be experiencing nerve damage. These include:

  • Sharp prickling pain with pins-and-needles
  • Digestive issues
  • Pain that feels heated
  • Changes in skin color and hair
  • Tingling in extremities (especially hands and feet)
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Incoordination and/or weak muscles
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty with swallowing or speech
  • Uncontrollable muscle contractions or twitches
  • Sexual dysfunction (in men)

Typical Neuropathy Causes

Although there are a myriad of reasons that are related to the cause of neuropathy. Some of the most common ailments are listed here. Some can be debilitating while others may have a simple remedy.

  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency
  • Alcoholism
  • Diabetes
  • Sports or other Physical Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Shingles (a strain of the Chicken Pox Virus)
  • Lyme Disease
  • Chemotherapy, Radiation, or other Cancer Treatments

Treatment of Neuropathy


If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, it’s important to check with your doctor. The resolution may be as simple as adding vitamins to your diet, or treating a physical injury. Sometimes, however, you may find that your neuropathy is caused by an incurable issue (such as chemotherapy) and you may be looking for a way to relieve the discomfort. One of the best natural methods of relieving neuropathy is by using essential oils.

Which Essential Oils Work for Neuropathy?

Essential Oils are the “essence” of plants, powerfully extracted to provide the strongest, most effective means of applying the properties to the body. Essential oils are most commonly applied in a topical manner, typically using a carrier oil for dilution. Certain essential oils have properties which stimulate and provide healing to the nervous system. Essential oils can be used to address various issues with the nerves, including pain, hypersensitivity, discomfort, tingling, cold/heat susceptibility, and numbness.

The best essential oils for neuropathy are those that help bring healing to the nervous system while relieving stress. Some of the best essential oils for neuropathy include:

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Providing healing to the nerves as well as relief from pain, Helichrysum is an extremely powerful essential oil which comes from the flower of the Helichrysum plant. It is in the higher price range of essential oils, but those who use it find it extremely effective and a little goes a long way.

Cypress Essential Oil

Extracted from the cypress tree, this essential oil is effective in promoting circulation, taking the blood supply to the extremities and reducing the feelings of numbness or tingling. Cypress essential oil is also helpful when used for ailments related to respiration, liver function, and bleeding problems.

Tansy Essential Oil

Extracted from the tansy plant, this essential oil offers anti-itch and pain-relieving properties. Tansy should not be ingested as it could be poisonous if swallowed. Also on the expensive side, this oil is effective in relaxing muscles and reliving nerve difficulties.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Useful for calming and warming, Marjoram essential oil is particularly effective in soothing muscles and working as an antispasmodic. It can be helpful in relieving cramps while providing calming to muscle tension or aches which may be related to nervous system issues.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Providing relaxation properties, Ylang Ylang is the perfect essential oil to soothe a disturbed nervous system. The scent is sweet with a bit of spice, and strongly aromatic.

Wild Orange Essential Oil

An essential oil with stimulating properties, Wild Orange promotes circulation while minimizing numbness or tingling. Sweet Orange is a less expensive but ineffective substitute, so be sure to stick with the Wild Orange variety. The antioxidants in Wild Orange also help to aid the body in healing itself.

Neuropathy Massage Recipe with Essential Oils

Combining essential oils into a massage oil allows physical stimulation (massage) to be used in conjunction with natural healing (essential oils). This combination may be particularly helpful when massaged into the areas of the body which are experiencing the symptoms:

5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

5 drops Cypress Essential Oil

5 drops Marjoram Essential Oil

9 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil

6 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

3 Tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil

Use as a massage oil and rub onto areas affected by symptoms of neuropathy. Also, rub on the bottoms of the feet to allow for maximum absorption. Store in a dark glass bottle.

Neuropathy Bath Soak with Essential Oils

Sometimes a hot bath is one of the only things that can help provide relief and relaxation for those with neuropathy. Try out this blend of essential oils to provide relief to uncomfortable nerve problems.

5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

5 drops Blue Tansy Essential Oil

3 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

1 cup Epsom salt

Add to hot bath and stir. Soak for at least 10 minutes or more.

When neuropathy exists as a peripheral issue, such as in diabetic neuropathy, it is important to deal with the symptoms in the most natural way possible. Of course, dealing with the main problem of diabetes is critical, but using powerful essential oils can offer a great deal of relief from the struggle.