Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The nervous system controls the body's movements, sensations, and autonomic functions such as blood pressure and sweating. When nerves are damaged, different symptoms may occur depending on its type. About 2.4% of people worldwide are affected by foot neuropathy, and about 8% of people over the age of 55 have the condition. Diabetes is the main cause of neuropathy, but neuropathy can also be inherited or caused by infections, other diseases and trauma. Therefore, timely treatment is very important.
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How to prevent foot neuropathy
You can prevent or slow down diabetic nerve damage and its problems by keeping your blood sugar under control and properly managing your foot health.
Glycemic control
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes get a hemoglobin A1C test at least twice a year. This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
The A1C goal may vary from person to person, but for many adults, the ADA recommends keeping A1C below 7.0%. If your blood sugar level is higher than the target value, then you may need to change your daily management, such as increasing/adjusting medication or changing your diet or physical activity habits.
Foot care
Foot problems, including non-healing wounds, ulcers and even amputations, are common complications of diabetic neuropathy. But you can avoid many of these issues by having a full foot check-up at least once a year.
Follow the advice of your doctor for good foot care. To protect the health of your feet, follow these tips:
●Check your feet daily. Check for blisters, cuts, abrasions, cracks, peeling, redness and swelling. Use a mirror or ask a friend or family member to help examine hard-to-see parts of your feet.
●Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Don't soak your feet. Dry your feet and between your toes carefully.
●Moisturize your feet. This will help prevent cracking. Do not apply moisturizer between your toes, however, as this may promote fungal growth.
●Trim your toenails carefully. First, cut your toenails horizontally. Carefully file the edges to make them smooth. If you can't do it yourself, a foot specialist (podiatrist) can help.
●Wear clean, dry socks. Wear cotton socks or socks made of sweat-absorbing fibers that are not too tight at the mouth or too thick at the seam.
●Wear shoes with insoles that fit well. Wear shoes or slippers that fit well to protect your feet. Make sure your shoes fit and that you can move your toes. A foot specialist can teach you how to buy shoes that fit well and prevent problems such as corns and calluses. If you qualify for Medicare, your insurance plan may be able to cover the cost of at least one pair of shoes per year.
How to treat foot neuropathy
Change your lifestyle
1.Take regular walks. Try to walk outside three times a week. Or, do an exercise that is safe and comfortable for you. You can ask your doctor to recommend a suitable exercise regimen for you. Exercise increases blood flow and nourishes damaged nerves. And walking can lower blood sugar levels, making diabetes easier to control. When diabetes is successfully controlled, neuropathy is reduced.
If it's hard to find time to exercise, remember that there are small steps you can take to get yourself moving. For example, you can clean your house, play with your dog, or wash your car by hand. All of these activities get your blood flowing.
2.Soak your feet. Fill a small container or bath with warm water and add Epsom salt in a ratio of 4 to 1, the water should be 4 times the volume of Epsom salt. Make sure the water temperature does not exceed 100 degrees. Place your feet in a container or tub and let the water run over them. The warmth of the water can relax you and distract you from the pain in your feet. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which relaxes your muscles.
If you have an infection or swelling, consult your doctor before soaking Epsom salts.
3.Stop drinking. Alcohol is a toxic substance to the nerves, especially when the nerves have been damaged. You should reduce the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than four drinks a week. Some forms of neuropathy are actually caused by alcoholism, so you should avoid alcohol if you have any. Doing so can reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
If there is a family history of alcoholism, you may want to stay away from alcohol. Consider completely abstaining from alcohol to stay safe and healthy.
4.Take evening primrose oil. This natural oil is extracted from wildflowers and can be made into a pill form. You can consult your doctor about the specific dosage of evening primrose oil supplements. Studies have shown that the fatty acids it contains can improve the symptoms of neuropathy and can also improve nerve function.
5.Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting needles into specific pressure points. Stimulating these pressure points or acupuncture points causes the body to release endorphins, which reduces pain. The acupuncturist will insert 4 to 10 needles into the point and leave them in place for about half an hour. You may need 6 to 12 sessions of treatment over a period of three months.
6.Consider complementary and alternative therapies. In addition to acupuncture, you can also try meditation and low-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to relieve neuropathy symptoms. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses a small battery pack to discharge a probe inserted around the site of pain. The probe and the battery form a circuit through which an electric current passes to stimulate the affected area. Although more research is needed, studies have shown that electrical cutaneous nerve stimulation can be effective in treating certain types of neuropathic pain.
Seek medical treatment
Take medications prescribed by your doctor. There are a variety of drugs used to treat neuropathy. The doctor will focus on treating the condition that is causing your neuropathy, which will relieve symptoms and improve nerve function in the foot. Your doctor may prescribe:
1.Amitriptyline: Originally an antidepressant, this drug can effectively treat neuropathic pain. You will start with the lowest dose, 25 mg per day, and gradually increase the dose until you reach 150 mg per day. Remember to take it before bed. This drug is contraindicated in patients at risk of suicide.
2.Pregabalin: This sedative is commonly used for pain associated with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. You should follow your doctor's advice to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it. The maximum dose of the drug is 50 to 100 mg, taken orally three times a day. Over time, the maximum dose may be increased to 600 mg per day, but exceeding that dose will not lead to better efficacy.
3.Duloxetine: This drug is commonly used for pain associated with neuropathic pain caused by diabetes. To start, you need to take 60 mg orally. This dose may be doubled, and the doctor will review the treatment after two months. Although you can double the dose, after 60 mg, the increased dose is largely ineffective and can cause other problems.
4.Combination therapy: Your doctor may recommend a combination of drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, Effexor, or tramadol. They can provide better outcomes for neuropathy than either drug alone.
Ask your doctor about surgery
Depending on the cause of the neuropathy, your doctor may recommend decompression surgery. The procedure relieves the pressure on the trapped nerve and allows it to function normally. Decompression surgery is often used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it also has some effect on certain inherited neuropathies that cause foot and ankle problems.
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Suggestion
To manage foot neuropathy, simple daily habits and medical care can help relieve symptoms. Keep your feet clean, wear comfortable, supportive shoes, and stay active with gentle exercise. Eating a balanced diet and keeping blood sugar levels in check is especially important for those with diabetes. Small changes can make a big difference.But please make an appointment with your doctor if:
1.Wounds or sores on the feet become infected or do not heal
2.Burning, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands or feet that interferes with daily activities or sleep
3.Changes in digestion, urination, or sexual function
4.Dizziness and fainting
