An estimated 30 million Americans struggle with peripheral neuropathy. If you’re one of those 30 million, you already know that peripheral neuropathy can affect how you move, how you sleep, and how you go about your day.
While your symptoms are no doubt frustrating, there are practical steps you can take to manage them and improve your quality of life. That’s exactly what our team of experts at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic is here to share this month.
Below, we share five practical ways to manage peripheral neuropathy and how our teams in Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois, can help you find even more relief.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord become damaged. This can lead to symptoms such as
It’s often associated with conditions like diabetes, but it can have other causes as well. Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), alcohol use disorder, and physical trauma (like carpal tunnel) can also contribute to neuropathy. Pinpointing the underlying cause of your peripheral neuropathy can help guide which management strategies will be most effective for you.
While neuropathy treatment depends on the underlying cause, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce symptoms and protect your nerves. You might consider:
If your neuropathy is related to diabetes, managing your blood sugar is one of the most important steps you can take.
Stable blood sugar levels can help slow nerve damage and prevent future complications.
As a bonus, managing your diabetes can help prevent other diabetes-related foot concerns, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic ulcers.
Numbness might not seem like a terrible symptom at first (especially compared with foot pain), but it can create several issues. Reduced sensation means you may not notice small injuries right away. If you can’t feel injuries right away and you have poor circulation, you have a higher risk of infection or slow-healing wounds.
So you need to protect your feet from injuries and make it a habit to:
These steps can help prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.
Regular physical activity helps improve circulation in your lower limbs. Research shows that exercise can reduce the intensity of your neuropathic pain.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help maintain your strength and balance without putting too much stress on your feet.
Logging at least 150 minutes each week can also help you manage your blood sugar, so it’s a win-win if your neuropathy is related to diabetes.
Certain vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins like B12, can contribute to nerve damage and even worsen preexisting neuropathy symptoms. If a deficiency is identified, correcting it can help support nerve function and may improve symptoms.
Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson may recommend dietary changes or oral supplements depending on the cause and severity of the deficiency.
Neuropathy pain can vary from mild to severe, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your treatment options may include medications, topical treatments, prescription shoes, orthotics, or other therapies designed to reduce nerve-related pain.
It’s important to diligently follow the treatment plan that Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson develop. Your consistency gives you the best chance of managing your symptoms effectively.
Peripheral neuropathy can progress, especially if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
Pay attention to:
If you’re experiencing ongoing tingling, numbness, or pain in your feet, it’s worth getting evaluated at one of our Chicagoland offices.
You can also reach Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson via phone at 219-214-2047.
