If you have peripheral neuropathy, you know how much pain it causes. Sometimes, despite the best care you can afford, your feet will be battered. Try one of the following tips to learn how to control pain.
Steps
Step 1. Go to a neurologist
He is the only one qualified to understand the pain you are enduring and who will know what to prescribe to help you get better.
Step 2. Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts or calluses
Tight shoes and socks can worsen the pain and stinging sensation, as well as lead to permanent soreness.
-
Wear loose, soft cotton socks and cushioned shoes with good arch support. Replace blister-causing shoes.
Try the semicircular arch, available at most health care stores, to keep warm or sensitive feet protected by bed blankets
- Rub capsaicin-based ointment on your feet three times a day. After about a month of prolonged use you should start to feel some relief.
- Rub 024 essential oil a couple of times a day on the affected areas. Helps relieve pain despite the strong smell.
Step 3. Exercise
Ask your doctor for a routine that's right for you. Exercising regularly can reduce neuropathy pain and help you control blood sugar levels.
- Practice deep breathing several times a day.
- Try some simple yoga poses that can help distract your mind.
Step 4. Stop smoking
Smoking impairs circulation.
Poor circulation increases the risk of foot problems as well as amputation
Step 5. Seek your doctor's advice and any medications that may help you soothe your nerves and pain
Step 6. Eat balanced meals
Use both lean meats and dairy products. Include lots of complex carbohydrates, fiber, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, better if you eliminate it completely.
- Make sure you get essential vitamins and minerals into your diet.
Step 7. Massage your hands and feet or have them massage
Massage helps circulation, stimulates the nerves, and can temporarily relieve pain.
Step 8. Avoid prolonged nerve pressure
Doing so could cause yourself new damage:
- Don't sit too long and don't keep your legs or knees crossed.
- Don't always rest on your elbows.
Advice
- Remember that neuropathic pain can be difficult to treat and even harder to resolve.
- Cymbalta and Lyrica are two relatively new drugs that help reduce neuropathy pain but both require a prescription.
- Once a year, have your feet evaluated by a qualified podiatrist.
- Swimming is great exercise for the whole body, not just for the feet.
- Older medications like Neurontin may still be helpful, but they can have unwanted side effects.
Warnings
- Capsaicin-based products contain cayenne pepper oil: avoid contact with wounds, eyes and mouth.
- Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program or stopping any therapy.
- Be careful if you have to drive or operate machinery as Lyrica causes confusion and dizziness.
- Lyrica has side effects. Weight gain and addiction are two common side effects if not taken as recommended.
wikiHow Related
- How to take care of your feet and nails
- How to keep feet clean
