7 Simple and Effective Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments You Can Do at Home
If you have been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective Peripheral Neuropathy treatments you can do at home that can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss seven Peripheral Neuropathy treatments you can do from the comfort of your own home. With these treatments, you can reduce your discomfort and take steps to get on the road to recovery.
1) Rest
When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, one of the most important things you can do is to get plenty of rest. This means taking regular breaks from activities that involve repetitive movements and making sure to get enough sleep at night. Taking the time to relax can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy, as well as prevent further nerve damage.
It’s important to make sure that your mattress and pillows are comfortable enough for you. If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, consider investing in a new mattress or pillow to help alleviate your pain. Additionally, stretching and yoga are great ways to help relax tight muscles and improve your range of motion, both of which can reduce pain.
Finally, avoiding activities that involve repetitive movements like typing or using a mouse can be beneficial in preventing further nerve damage. Try to take frequent breaks from these activities and stretch every 30 minutes. It’s also a good idea to switch up the position of your hands every few minutes to avoid overuse injuries.
2) Exercise
Exercise is a great way to help manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Regular physical activity can reduce pain and improve circulation in the affected area, which can help improve nerve function. Even low-impact exercise like walking or yoga can be beneficial. Additionally, physical activity can help keep your blood sugar levels in check, reducing the effects of neuropathy.
When performing any kind of exercise, it is important to take care of your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and provide support. Also, check your feet regularly for signs of irritation, swelling, or infection. If you feel pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and speak with your doctor.
It is important to note that people who have neuropathy should avoid activities that could cause further damage to their nerves. For example, running or activities that require sudden movement should be avoided.
If you are new to exercise or not sure what types of exercises are right for you, consult your doctor or a physical therapist. They will be able to give you personalized advice and help you come up with an exercise plan that works for you.
3) Quit Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. The chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products can damage nerves, increasing the risk of neuropathy and making it harder to manage. If you smoke, it’s important to quit as soon as possible. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of neuropathy and help you manage any symptoms you’re experiencing.
If you’ve been smoking for a long time, quitting can be difficult. But there are ways to make it easier. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help with nicotine withdrawal. There are also many products available over-the-counter that can help you quit smoking. Additionally, there are support groups and counselors who can provide guidance and assistance.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor about the best option for you. With their help and the right support system, quitting smoking can be achievable and can help you protect yourself from further nerve damage caused by smoking.
4) Eat a Healthy Diet
Having a healthy diet is essential for managing peripheral neuropathy. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells. Additionally, eating a diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates may help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Foods that are high in B-vitamins, such as leafy greens, fish, poultry, and eggs, can help to reduce nerve pain. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and walnuts can also help to reduce inflammation. Vitamin D-rich foods, such as fortified dairy products, salmon, and egg yolks, can help to regulate calcium levels and support the nervous system.
It is important to avoid unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which can cause inflammation and damage nerve cells. Additionally, processed foods should be limited as they often contain added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
By making smart food choices, you can help to reduce inflammation and promote nerve health. It is also important to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to manage your peripheral neuropathy.
5) Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of peripheral neuropathy is to manage your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, so it’s essential to keep them under control if you want to improve your peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
In order to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, it is important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of added sugars, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. Make sure to include physical activity into your daily routine as well, since exercise can help regulate your blood sugar levels.
In addition to eating a healthy diet and exercising, you may need to take medication in order to control your blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about what medications are best for you. If your diabetes is not well controlled, it can put you at risk for peripheral neuropathy.
By taking the necessary steps to manage your blood sugar levels, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels can help you protect your nerves and ensure that your peripheral neuropathy does not worsen over time.
6) Take Care of Your Feet
Taking good care of your feet is an important part of managing peripheral neuropathy. This means checking your feet daily for any changes, wearing shoes that fit properly, and practicing proper foot hygiene.
Check Your Feet Daily:
Checking your feet daily can help you spot problems early. It’s a good idea to use a mirror or get someone else to help you. Check between your toes, the soles of your feet, and all over the tops of your feet. Look for cuts, sores, redness, swelling, bumps, and other changes. If you find anything, tell your doctor right away.
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes:
Properly fitting shoes can help protect your feet from injury. Don’t wear shoes that are too tight or too loose. Make sure your shoes don’t rub against your skin. Look for shoes with non-skid soles and plenty of room for your toes. It may also be helpful to wear shoes made of breathable materials like canvas or leather.
Practice Good Foot Hygiene:
Good foot hygiene is also important for people with peripheral neuropathy. Wash your feet every day with warm water and soap. Make sure to dry them completely afterwards. Also, cut your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. If you have trouble reaching your feet, ask someone else to help you.
If you have peripheral neuropathy, taking care of your feet is essential to prevent further complications. Make sure to check your feet regularly and wear properly fitting shoes to keep them safe. Additionally, practice good foot hygiene to keep your feet healthy and free of infection.
7) Try Natural Remedies
Peripheral neuropathy can be managed with a variety of natural remedies. There are many natural supplements and lifestyle changes that may help reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Some of these remedies include:
- Acupuncture – acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to stimulate the nerves and improve blood flow to affected areas, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
- Massage – massage therapy may help relieve tension in the nerves and muscles, leading to improved circulation and reduced pain.
- Herbal supplements – herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba, ginger, and turmeric, are often recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. They may also provide additional benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Vitamins and minerals – taking vitamin B12 and alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, folate and omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial for those with nerve pain.
- Heat and cold therapy – applying heat or cold packs to affected areas can help relieve pain and numbness.
It is important to note that natural remedies are not a substitute for professional medical care, and you should always consult with your doctor before taking any natural supplement or trying any new treatment. With the right combination of treatments, you can find relief from peripheral neuropathy symptoms.