There are three main types of exercises ideal for people with peripheral neuropathy: aerobic, balance, and stretching. Before you start exercises, warm up your muscles with dynamic stretching like arm circles. This promotes flexibility and increases blood flow.
Aerobic exercises
- brisk walking.
- swimming.
- bicycling.
While treating the underlying problem that is causing neuropathy is the first step, exercise can help with strength, balance and range of motion. Proper stretching can help with neuropathy of the feet.
Walking can reduce the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy from the nerve damage in your feet and lower legs. Walking and other light aerobic exercises have various benefits for people affected by neuropathy, which is a wide range of conditions involving disease and damage to the peripheral nerves.
How can I improve neuropathy in my feet?
To help you manage peripheral neuropathy:
- Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses.
- Exercise.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Avoid excessive alcohol.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels.
What is the best exercise for neuropathy in your feet? – Related Questions
Does neuropathy in the feet ever go away?
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away. These are some ways to learn to live with it: Use pain medicines as your doctor prescribes them.
Soak it away.
A warm bath might be the easiest — and least expensive — home treatment for nerve pain. Warm water temporarily increases blood flow to the legs and can help ease stress as well. Avoid burns by measuring water temperature with your arm before stepping in.
What triggers neuropathy in feet?
Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.
What causes neuropathy in feet to flare up?
Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.
What is a natural way to get rid of neuropathy?
What Is the Ideal Neuropathy Diet?
- Fruits. Fruits contain antioxidants that help fight nerve damage and control inflammation. Try to have a serving of fruit daily.
- Vegetables. Just like fruits, vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Whole grains.
- Nuts.
- Legumes.
- Omega-3–rich foods.
- Lean proteins.
Is Vicks Vapor Rub good for neuropathy?
Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one’s feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one’s feet and legs.
Should you massage feet with neuropathy?
Massage therapy can be beneficial if you have neuropathy — numbness, tingling or pain — in your hands and feet. This is particularly common in cancer survivors.
Does wearing socks help neuropathy?
Wear soft and comfortable socks. The right kinds of socks have shown to help eliminate burning sensations and control the overall foot discomfort that those with peripheral neuropathy experience. Some people even wear these types of socks to bed to keep their feet warm and to prevent irritating contact with bed sheets.
Do compression socks help neuropathy?
Compression socks can relieve neuropathy issues concerning blood flow, as they are known for their ability to improve blood circulation. Studies have shown that compression garments can help those living with diabetes and lower extremity edemas.
What should be avoided with peripheral neuropathy?
8 Foods That You Should Avoid if You Have Peripheral Neuropathy
- Gluten.
- Alcohol.
- Added Sugars.
- Refined Grains.
- Trans and Saturated Fats.
- Salty Snacks.
- Heavy Metals.
- Produce with Pesticides.
What is the latest treatment for neuropathy?
Intraneural Facilitation (INF) treatment effectively restores blood flow to damaged nerves, decreasing pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), according to a new study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health.
What helps calm neuropathy?
The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include:
- amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.
- duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.
- pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
