Here in this article we're going to talk about some basic home remedies for diabetic nerve pain in your feet! You may also be interested in this article: Home Remedies for Neuropathy. We'll start with some foot-specific answers, then move on to some answers that will improve your overall nutrition and wellness plan. Nerve problems are serious things, and we always recommend that you consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy regularly manifests itself in the feet, and if you're experiencing these problems, they can be very debilitating. Here are some tips: Take a hot bath or shower! Hot water increases blood flow to any area that the heat comes into contact with, so soaking your feet in hot water can do a lot for you, and for almost no money. These types of soaks are also great stress relievers! Another great tip is to pay extra attention to your feet right now. You know you're having some problems in this area, so it's only natural to try to pay more attention. This is especially important if you've already experienced numbness or sores. It's a good idea to get into the habit of checking your feet at the beginning and end of each day, and even in between if you do a lot of walking, etc. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and insoles, and see a podiatrist regularly. Once you lose the nerve endings in your feet, it's hard or almost impossible to get them back, so it's important to take care of what you have!
Another very basic home remedy for nerve pain in your feet is simple; don't drink alcohol. Yes, it sounds harsh, but almost all doctors say that you should basically abstain from alcohol altogether. At least four drinks a week, spaced out over several days, should be a guideline. It's hard because many people's nerve pain gets worse at night, which leads to bad sleep habits. It's no secret that many people then drink alcohol to relieve the stress and literally make their bodies tired. Unfortunately, this is not good for the overall health of your nerves. You need to make sure that you avoid caffeine in the evening and try to get rest naturally instead of using alcohol or drugs. Yes, easier said than done! We understand. As mentioned above, cut down on caffeine and try your best not to sit in bed or use your laptop for long periods of time. This will get you “used” to the idea of not sleeping in your bed, and that's not something you want to do.
Now we can talk about some topical solutions for nerve pain; things like creams and ointments. There are creams made with capsaicin that help certain patients a lot. Capsaicin is made from extracts of red hot chili peppers, and it follows that these creams usually have some sort of heating or burning sensation to the affected areas…but that is the point. The burning and warming effects help restore and regenerate nerves, so in this case the burns are examples of a “no pain, no gain” kind of reward system. It may hurt at first, but if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with more feeling and less numbness in the future. As with all over-the-counter medications, check with your doctor before using. Also, make sure you know exactly how much capsaicin is in your cream. This can be difficult because some brands list it as a percentage of the ingredients. Others list it as part of an ingredient list that goes from highest percentage to lowest. Still others have it on the front of the tube, but don't list it as part of the ingredients. In other words, ask your doctor, or at least someone at the drugstore, about the different creams and their strength levels before applying any to your body.
Other types of creams are designed to numb you, and usually contain active ingredients such as lidocaine or procaine. If your feet are really sore, or if you know you'll be doing a lot of walking that day or wearing uncomfortable shoes, these types of creams can sometimes provide relief. Finally, try creams with botanical oils such as geranium oil. The very act of rubbing is good for nerve damage, and scents like lavender can help you relax.
We hope this article helps you on your way to nerve pain relief! Also, you may want to delve into our store to discover a variety of promising neuropathy products.
