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When nerves in the hands, arms, feet, or legs are damaged, peripheral neuropathy can develop. Most commonly caused by diabetes, peripheral neuropathy can sometimes be improved by making healthy lifestyle changes, or using prescribed neuropathic pain agents, but unfortunately these options are not successful for everyone. However, recently in the UK, medical cannabis has emerged as a new potential treatment option for patients who have been unable to find relief with these conventional approaches.
Am I eligible?over the age of 55 experience peripheral neuropathy in the United Kingdom, as estimated by the NHS.
Of people with diabetes, and around 30-40% of people with cancer are estimated to have peripheral neuropathy.
Of UK adults with conditions considered suitable for medical cannabis treatment describe living with ‘significant distress and discomfort’.
Of those who have tried medical cannabis for pain management said it was an effective treatment, reports Forbes magazine.
“Having a medical cannabis card makes me feel better - and that counts“
Daisy, Releaf Patient
October 2023
Articles on Peripheral neuropathy
View all14. 07. 2023
Cannabinoids come in two distinct groups. First up, we have our own endocannabinoids, which are created naturally in the body. These endocannabinoids act as neurotransmitters, sending signals to receptors throughout the entire human body, including the nervous system.
14. 07. 2023
15. 08. 2023
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when diabetes causes damage to the nervous system. The condition can affect a number of different nerves in the body, including in the feet, organs, and muscles. This damage can result in pain, tingling sensations, and numbness. Early medical research is showing that the interaction between CBD and the ECS can produce potentially powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory results for people with diabetic neuropathy.
15. 08. 2023
14. 07. 2023
Neurological disorders. Varied, potentially devastating, and hard to group into one easy-to-digest category. They are essentially diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system conditions and include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, ALS, Bell's palsy, and a huge range of separate neuromuscular disorders.
14. 07. 2023
Numb hands or feet
Tingling sensation in hands or feet
Burning pains
Shooting pains
Stabbing pains
Poor balance and coordination
Muscle weakness
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Because peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of different health conditions, typically GPs try to treat or manage this condition first or make adjustments to a patient's current treatment plan. Other options like neuropathic pain agents may be considered or prescribed, and therapies to help improve muscle strength like physiotherapy may be recommended.
Amitriptyline
Duloxetine
Pregabalin
Gabapentin
Nerve block injections
Clinic Director
In the UK, cannabis based medicinal products have been a legal, and available, treatment option for many patients struggling to manage their symptoms with conventional licensed medications since 2018, including those with treatment resistant peripheral neuropathy.
Although evidence in this area is still ongoing and emerging, current findings suggest that medical cannabis, or cannabis-based treatments, may be able to benefit some people with common symptoms, and comorbidities associated with peripheral neuropathy.
For some patients this may include reducing the perception, or sensitivity to pain signals, which may also reduce the amount of disturbances experienced when trying to sleep. This in turn can improve sleep quality and energy levels, which may also have a positive effect on mental health, mood and general wellbeing.
While these options aren't suitable for everyone, cannabis-based peripheral neuropathy treatments can have impressive results for some. Our team of expert doctors are here to determine whether these options may be suitable for you, and if so, guide you through your journey with medical cannabis, tailoring your treatment plan to your specific needs.
