Most people have had their foot (or feet) fall asleep after spending time cramped in an uncomfortable position on the couch. But more chronic, pervasive, unexplained tingling or pain can indicate that the nerves are damaged, known as neuropathy, and this condition requires treatment. Because May is Neuropathy Awareness Month, today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing tips for treating these symptoms at home.
If you’ve noticed a lot of shocking, prickling, stabbing, freezing, or tingling pain - or your foot often goes numb - you need to act now to slow down the rate of progression of the damage. Failure to do so may result in it becoming permanent.
Luckily, there are several things you can do from the comfort of your own home to handle both the symptoms and underlying causes of neuropathy, allowing you to stay healthier and feel better.
1. If you have diabetes, control it. Undoubtedly, this is the most common underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy in the feet because high levels of glucose in the bloodstream can be particularly damaging to nerve health.
2. Do stretches and exercise. Activity helps boost blood flow, strengthen muscles, and control blood sugar to keep nerves healthier. There are many safe exercises to try - even if you’re at high risk or an older individual. One of the best activities is just going for at least a 30-minute walk a minimum of 3 times per week.
3. Drink in moderation. Having the occasional glass of wine or beer is fine, but alcohol abuse can worsen symptoms of peripheral neuropathy significantly.
4. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is horrible for your circulatory health, and the nerves in your feet need all the nutrients and oxygen they can get.
5. Avoid actions that can aggravate the condition. If your symptoms seem to spike after or during repetitive actions, or activities like spending an extended period hunched over or sitting in a cramped location, try to avoid these situations as much as possible.
Prevention tactics and home remedies are crucial parts of nerve damage prevention and relieving pain, numbness, and tingling, but they aren’t the entire remedy. A thorough medical examination and an appropriate course of treatment are the other half of the solution.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, to schedule a visit. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
We’ll diagnose the principal cause of your nerve damage and help you correct or manage it through solutions such as shoe changes, nerve decompression, or medications. Scheduling your appointment as early as possible will help you reduce your risk of permanent injury and get better faster.
