More than 20 million Americans live with neuropathy, which can present many challenges. Neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves, often results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. While there’s no cure for neuropathy, following certain dos and avoiding specific don’ts can help manage your condition.
Below are the dos and don’ts when you’re living with neuropathy.
The Dos
- Do maintain a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, can help support nerve health. Include lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also reduce inflammation and promote nerve function.
- Do regular, low-impact exercises. Physical activity improves blood flow and helps control blood sugar levels, which is crucial for those with diabetic neuropathy. Choose low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga, which can reduce stiffness and improve mobility without putting too much strain on your nerves.
- Do manage blood sugar levels. If your neuropathy is related to diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels is crucial. Keep a close eye on your glucose levels, and follow your doctor’s recommendations on diet, medication, and insulin to prevent further nerve damage.
- Do take care of your feet. Many people with neuropathy experience foot-related symptoms. Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection since the lack of feeling can cause you to miss injuries. Also, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with good support to reduce pressure on sensitive nerves.
- Do take medications, when necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about pain medication options. Prescription medications, topical creams, or even supplements like alpha-lipoic acid can help alleviate discomfort. Avoid self-medicating for pain relief.
- Do practice stress management. Stress can worsen neuropathic symptoms so it’s important to keep your stress under control. Practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature.
- Do seek support. Living with nerve pain can be lonely and isolating. Joining support groups or connecting with others can provide emotional comfort. If you need something more, talk to a therapist about what you’re feeling. They can suggest coping skills to help you through your pain.
The Don’ts
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to quit. Smoking decreases circulation, which can worsen neuropathy symptoms. Quitting smoking will improve blood flow to the nerves so they can get the nutrients they need.
- Don’t drink excessive alcohol. Alcohol can exacerbate nerve damage and worsen neuropathic pain. Excessive alcohol consumption is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, so it’s important to limit it or remove it from your diet altogether.
- Don’t ignore your symptoms. It’s always best to see your healthcare provider at the start of nerve pain, as neuropathy is a condition that worsens over time. Ignoring your symptoms will only lead to more permanent damage.
- Don’t wear tight shoes. Wearing tight shoes can restrict circulation to your feet, aggravating the symptoms of neuropathy. Avoid high heels, narrow shoes, or shoes that pinch your toes. Instead, choose orthopedic shoes designed for people with neuropathy.
- Don’t self-treat. It can be tempting to self-treat neuropathy when there’s so much information online about the condition, but avoid doing so. Your doctor may recommend specific tests to determine the cause of your neuropathy and the best course of treatment.
- Don’t stay sedentary. While it might be tempting to avoid movement when you’re experiencing pain, prolonged inactivity can worsen neuropathy symptoms. Staying sedentary can lead to poor circulation, increased stiffness, and muscle weakness.
- Don’t skip treatments. Managing neuropathy often involves a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Stay on top of your treatments and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing adverse effects.
Living with neuropathy may not be easy, but you can manage your symptoms better when you follow the right steps. With the right support, you can maintain your quality of life. To learn more about the supplements and creams available through Neuro Health, contact us or place an order today. Your order is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee!