When it comes to peripheral neuropathy, one specific area where B12 shots have shown promising results is in the management of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes, both Type I and Type II can be a major cause of neuropathy. If you have heard about B12 shots for neuropathy, and are curious if they might be right for you, continue to read below.
All About B12 Shots For Neuropathy
Table of Contents: What is Neuropathy:
What is Neuropathy:
Neuropathy can manifest in various forms, from tingling and numbness to sharp, shooting pains. Causes of neuropathy of the foot include diabetes, kidney disease, having had chemotherapy (also known as Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN) in the past, vitamin deficiencies, previous alcohol abuse, or autoimmune disorders. The nerves' impaired ability to transmit signals can significantly impact one's quality of life.
Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy:
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting the nerves throughout the body. High blood sugar levels from diabetes, can lead to nerve damage over time.
Symptoms usually will first begin in the feet. Diabetic neuropathy can really impact a person's daily life negatively, and managing its symptoms is important for regaining your quality of life.
Potential Benefits of B12 Shots for Neuropathy:
1. Aids In Nerve Regeneration and Repair: Vitamin B12 is also key to nerve regeneration or nerves healing from previous damage.
B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a key role in the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath, a protective covering around nerves. Myelin also acts as nerve insulation.
2. Can Help Protect Nerves:
Vitamin B12 also may help shield nerves from further damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors commonly seen with diabetes, and other disease.
3. Can Lower Symptoms:
When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve signals slow down, or even misfire, leading to neuropathy symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or even muscle weakness in your feet.
Vitamin B12 injections have been linked to fewer neuropathy symptoms over time, with some studies showing less pain and improved sensation in people getting some kind of B12 supplementation.
4. Can Help Nerves Send Signals Properly:
Diabetic neuropathy often leads to impaired nerve conduction, affecting the transmission of signals between the brain and various parts of the body.
B12's role in maintaining healthy nerve function may contribute to improvements in nerve conduction, ultimately enhancing mobility and reducing the impact of neuropathic symptoms.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause peripheral neuropathy because your body needs enough B12 for healthy nerve function. Research has shown that additional B12 intake, especially if that B12 is injected, for people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy can help with symptoms.
How Does a Vitamin B12 Shot For Neuropathy Work?
B12 shots, or injections, offer the most direct way to increase the body's B12 levels. By not going through your stomach and the digestive system, the highest amount of Vitamin B12 is available for your nerves to use in repair, healing, and protection
After a history and exam to see if you are the right candidate for B12 injections for neuropathy,
liquid B12 will be drawn up into a syringe, mixed with some anesthetic like Lidocaine or Marcaine, and injected around one of the key nerves in your foot.
Considerations and Precautions:
While B12 shots show promise in managing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it's important to approach any treatment with caution. Potential side effects should be discussed with your doctor, and treatment plans should be personalized based on your individual health conditions.
Key Takeaways
Vitamin B12 shots, when given around large nerves of your foot offer an innovative and effective way to manage neuropathy. As research continues to develop, people experiencing neuropathy symptoms should speak with their doctor to see if Vitamin B12 shots can be a beneficial addition to their treatment plan.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Direct Podiatry Arizona Today
Are you looking for a podiatrist or foot doctor who provides B12 shots for neuropathy treatment in Phoenix? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available appointment times for a 15-minute consultation, click here.
Sources:
“Are Vitamin B12 Injections More Effective than Vitamin B12 Tablets for Treating Diabetic Nerve Damage?” Medivizor, 15 Aug. 2021, medivizor.com/blog/SampleLibrary/diabetes-mellitus/are-vitamin-b12-injections-more-effective-than-vitamin-b12-tablets-for-treating-diabetic-nerve-damage/.
Author links open overlay panelChien-Hua Chen 1 2, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Vitamin B12 Injection for Peripheral Neuropathy.” Journal of Medical Ultrasound, No longer published by Elsevier, 25 Mar. 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929644115000053.
Julian, Thomas, et al. “B12 as a Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 25 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468922/.
Review Protocols - Type 2 Diabetes in Adults: Management - NCBI Bookshelf, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK550015/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023.