Neuropathy is a debilitating condition that affects over 20 million people, and when it occurs in your feet, it can make even the simplest movements painful. Fortunately, several strategies can help alleviate this type of pain.
If you’re struggling with neuropathic foot pain, here are five strategies that you can try, courtesy of Aamir Mahmood, DPM, and our team here at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic:
Custom orthotics are specialized devices that fit into your shoes and are designed to provide support and cushioning to your feet. They can help redistribute your weight more evenly across your feet, reducing the pressure on any one specific area. This can help alleviate pain and improve your overall foot health.
If you have severe neuropathic foot pain, Dr. Mahmood may also prescribe special shoes designed to provide additional support and cushioning to your feet. Depending on your needs, these shoes may have extra padding or support in specific areas.
Topical pain relief creams can be applied directly to your skin to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Some creams contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that can help numb the area and reduce pain, while others contain capsaicin.
You may find that over-the-counter pain relief medication helps manage your pain; however, if your neuropathic foot pain is severe, Dr. Mahmood may prescribe oral medication to help alleviate your pain.
In addition to pain medication, anti-seizure medication and antidepressants are sometimes used to help with nerve pain.
A variety of underlying medical conditions can cause neuropathy. Identifying your specific causes can help you create a better strategy against nerve pain. Some of the most common conditions that can lead to neuropathy include:
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the body, particularly in the feet and hands. For many people, neuropathic foot pain is caused by diabetes. You may even hear neuropathy referred to as “diabetic neuropathy.”
If you have diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar levels daily, consuming nutritious meals, and adhering to a regular medication regimen (if prescribed) are critical. Not only is this good for your overall wellness, but it can also help prevent neuropathy from worsening.
Conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barre syndrome, can cause the immune system to attack the nerves, resulting in neuropathy.
Kidney disease can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can damage nerves.
Lack of essential vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, can cause nerve damage and lead to neuropathy. Adjusting your dietary intake, eating foods rich in vitamin B12, and supplementing can help correct vitamin deficiencies.
Long-term alcohol abuse can damage nerves and result in neuropathy.
Certain types of cancer and the treatments used to fight them can damage nerves and cause neuropathy.
Many other medical conditions can cause neuropathy, so it’s important to identify the cause of your foot pain before embarking on any treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with neuropathic foot pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Dr. Mahmood, an expert podiatrist skilled in treating neuropathy, comprehensively evaluates your condition and recommends the best treatment plan for your individual needs. With the right combination of lifestyle changes and therapies, you can alleviate your neuropathic foot pain and improve your quality of life.
You can also give us a call at the location of your choice. We have convenient locations in the Chicagoland area: Chesterton and Michigan City, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois.
