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Understanding Treatments for Nerve Pain: What You Should Know
A large review of studies on treatments for nerve pain found that some medications—like certain antidepressants and drugs that calm nerve signals—work best and are usually recommended first. Other treatments, like special patches containing capsaicin (the spicy part of chili peppers) or lidocaine creams, can help but are usually tried after the first options. Stronger treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections or opioids, are generally considered last because of potential side effects and risks. Doctors emphasize the importance of working together with patients to choose the best treatment based on individual needs, preferences, and access. More high-quality research is still needed to better understand which treatments work best over the long term.
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Therapeutic Shoes Offer New Hope for Back and Knee Pain Relief — and May Delay Surgery
A new type of therapeutic shoe may help people with chronic back pain or knee arthritis feel better — and even delay the need for knee replacement surgery. The specially designed shoes, created by AposHealth, have adjustable pods under the soles that change how pressure moves through the feet and joints. In two recent studies, people who wore the shoes for just 15 minutes a day during regular activities reported greater pain relief and improved movement compared to those doing standard physical therapy. Over time, fewer people who used the shoes needed knee surgery. Experts say this simple, wearable treatment could be a convenient way for people to manage pain and stay active without relying on complicated exercise routines.
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New Therapy Combines Nerve Stimulation and Talk Therapy to Help People Overcome Severe PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can be difficult to treat, especially for people who don’t respond to traditional therapy or medication. A new study tested an innovative approach that combines a proven talk therapy called prolonged exposure therapy with gentle stimulation of the vagus nerve—a key nerve that helps regulate stress and emotions. Using a small implanted device, the nerve was activated during therapy sessions to help the brain form new, healthier connections. In a group of nine people with severe, treatment-resistant PTSD, all showed major improvements, and none met the criteria for PTSD after completing the therapy. The benefits lasted for at least six months, and no serious side effects were reported. This promising new treatment could lead to better options for people who have struggled to find relief from PTSD.
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How Your Own Blood May Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel Pain Better Than Steroids
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to pressure on a nerve in the wrist. This study compared two common treatments—steroid injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use a patient’s own blood to promote healing. Both treatments helped improve symptoms, especially in the short term. However, PRP showed better long-term results, with patients reporting less pain and better hand function over time. While steroid injections worked well at first, their effects tended to wear off, making PRP a promising option for longer-lasting relief.
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Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program Boosts Health for Adults with Arthritis
A recent study has shown that a telephone-delivered version of the Walk With Ease (WWE-T) program can significantly improve the health of adults with arthritis. The program, which is conducted remotely over six weeks, helps participants manage pain, increase physical function, and improve their confidence in handling arthritis symptoms. Through two weekly phone calls, participants were guided to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, several times a week. The results were impressive, with improvements in physical activities, reduced fatigue, and greater self-efficacy lasting up to a year. This easy-to-follow program provides a great alternative for those who may struggle to attend in-person exercise classes due to mobility issues or other barriers, making it an accessible option for a wide range of people.
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