Neuropathy refers to nerve damage, and depending on what type of nerve is damaged, your symptoms can include tingling, numbness, burning sensations, lack of coordination, and weakness. Understandably, any of these symptoms can greatly impact your quality of life and your ability to perform daily tasks safely.
Neuropathy may develop as the result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes or lupus. Part of your neuropathy management plan may include managing the conditions that contribute to neuropathy, but that isn’t your only option. Dr. Dustin Hamoy, DPT, MTC, DNC, CKTP, CWCHP offers many cutting-edge treatments for neuropathy here in our Glen Burnie, Maryland, office.
Let’s take a closer look at the many lifestyle changes and treatments that can help alleviate your neuropathy symptoms.
Dealing with neuropathy isn’t easy, but these lifestyle changes can help slow your nerve damage from progressing. At the very least, many of these lifestyle changes can help you manage conditions that contribute to neuropathy.
Smoking affects your circulation, and that includes the circulation in your legs and feet. If your blood flow is compromised, it means that your limbs aren’t getting the nutrients (especially oxygen) that they need. This can compound the effects of neuropathy.
Although there isn’t a magic diet to erase neuropathy, eating nutritious meals goes a long way in supporting your overall health. Because diabetes is one of the major causes of peripheral neuropathy, managing your blood sugar level can help ease the symptoms of neuropathy. Focus on fiber-rich foods (fiber helps control blood sugar spikes), antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, and lean proteins.
Hot peppers can be a good addition to your diet thanks to their key ingredient: capsaicin. Many topical creams for neuropathy include capsaicin because of its pain-relieving properties. You can add more peppers to your diet or simply try the over-the-counter topical creams.
Additionally, look for foods that contain vitamin B and vitamin D as both of these vitamins help support healthy nerve function.
You can massage your hands or feet to help reduce nerve pain. Gentle massage is helpful because the pressure stimulates your nerves and helps support circulation, both of which can help reduce neuropathy pain.
Tip: Not everyone experiences nerve pain the same way. If physical touch hurts, simply omit this strategy.
Here are a few strategies to help manage neuropathy-related foot pain:
Some people find that cold compresses on their feet can help temporarily ease the discomfort.
Even though exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you have nerve pain, the truth is that regular exercise can help you in many ways. Exercise can reduce your perception of pain, boost your mood, help manage stress, and improve circulation. Start slow, and go easy on yourself. Even gentle yoga and walking can provide many health benefits.
Although lifestyle changes can help support healthy nerve function, they aren’t always enough to reduce your symptoms to the level you need. Here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center, our team offers many treatments to help alleviate your pain. Depending on your needs and the severity of your neuropathy, we may recommend:
MLS laser therapy helps to alleviate nerve pain by blocking your nerves’ ability to send pain signals to your brain. MLS laser therapy also triggers the release of natural painkillers, including endorphins and enkephalin.
Don’t let nerve pain control your life. Give us a call at 410-324-2968 to learn more about the lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help you manage neuropathy. Don’t forget: you can also book an appointment online.
