Can nerve damage in legs be reversed?

Whether or not neuropathy can be reversed depends on the cause of the nerve damage. In some cases, the pain may go away entirely. In others, nerve damage may be permanent. For example, when neuropathy is caused by an infection, symptoms might go away completely when the infection is treated.


Can you repair nerve damage in legs?

To repair a damaged nerve, a surgeon removes a small part of the sural nerve in the leg and implants this nerve at the site of the repair. Sometimes the surgeon can borrow another working nerve to make an injured nerve work (nerve transfer).

Is nerve damage in legs permanent?

When a medical condition can be found and treated, your outlook may be excellent. But sometimes, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated. Long-term (chronic) pain can be a major problem for some people. Numbness in the feet can lead to skin sores that do not heal.


How long do damaged leg nerves take to heal?

If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of 'rest' following your injury. Some people notice continued improvement over many months.

How do I know if I have permanent nerve damage in my leg?

The signs of nerve damage include the following: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like you're wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.


Why Can't We Reverse Nerve Damage?



How do they test for nerve damage in legs?

Electromyography (EMG) records electrical activity in your muscles to detect nerve damage. A thin needle (electrode) is inserted into the muscle to measure electrical activity as you contract the muscle.

What vitamins are good for nerve damage?

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.

What causes nerve damage in the legs?

The Mayo Clinic says, “Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. “


What is the most common symptom of nerve damage?

10 Signs You May Be Suffering from Nerve Pain
  • Numbness or tingling in feet and hands.
  • Loss of balance and falling.
  • Throbbing and sharp pain.
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch.
  • Dropping things with your hands.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Heavy feeling in arms and legs.
  • Dramatic drop in blood pressure.


How do I know if nerve damage is healing?

A healing pinched nerve may not always feel like it's actually healing. It usually means an unpleasant tingling feeling in the affected area, whether it be the arm, shoulder, neck, leg, or back. If this pain and tingling moves over time, it's a sign that the pinched nerve is healing!

How do you fix nerve damage in legs naturally?

Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet. Researchers believe that regular exercise may create a long-lasting expansion in blood vessels in the feet, nourishing damaged nerves back to health.


What does permanent nerve damage feel like?

Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, tingling or burning sensations that feel like electric shocks, and weakness in the affected area. Nerve damage can lead to several side effects, including skin sores and loss of sensation, which lead to permanent issues if the underlying cause goes unaddressed.

Does an MRI show nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.

How can I strengthen my nerve damage in my legs?

Side leg raise
  1. Using a chair or counter, steady your balance with one hand.
  2. Stand straight with feet slightly apart.
  3. Slowly lift one leg to the side and hold for 5–10 seconds.
  4. Lower your leg at the same pace.
  5. Repeat with the other leg.
  6. As you improve balance, try this exercise without holding onto the counter.


Can leg nerves regenerate?

Nerve cells can regenerate and grow back at a rate of about an inch a month, but recovery is typically incomplete and slow. This is a complete nerve injury, where the nerve sheath and underlying neurons are severed. If there is an open cut, a neurosurgeon can see the cut nerve ends at surgery and repair this.

What promotes nerve healing?

Magnesium promotes the regeneration of the peripheral nerve.

What is the number one medicine for neuropathy?

The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.


What happens if you leave a damaged nerve untreated?

Without proper treatment, a pinched nerve can develop into more serious conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or disc degeneration. You may also have general illness and chronic pain as a result of an untreated pinched nerve.

What does nerve pain feel like in leg?

Nerve pain is typically described as sharp, shooting, electric-like, or searing pain. It may also produce a sensation of hot or warm water running down the thigh and/or leg. In some individuals, a dull ache may occur. The pain may be intermittent or constant.

What kind of doctor treats nerve pain in leg?

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles.


Can exercise help nerve damage?

A number of studies over the past several decades have shown the positive role of exercise on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in animal models after peripheral nerve injury.

Is magnesium good for nerves?

In the nervous system, magnesium is important for optimal nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination, as well as serving to protect against excitotoxicity (excessive excitation leading to cell death) [1,2].

Is magnesium good for nerve pain?

Numerous clinical studies have found that magnesium has beneficial effects in patients suffering from neuropathic pain, dysmenorrhea, tension headache, acute migraine attack, and others.


What foods strengthen nerves?

Six Great Plant-Based Foods to Fight Nerve Pain
  • Green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. ...
  • Fruits. Eat at least one fruit daily to help heal damaged nerves. ...
  • Zucchini. ...
  • Sweet potato. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Avocado.


Can doctors tell if you have nerve damage?

Nerve conduction studies, including an Electromyogram (EMG) may be performed on individuals suffering with nerve pain symptoms. These studies use electrical impulses to determine the level of damage. A final diagnosis will be made by your physician through the help of one or all of these tests.