Managing the Effects of Neuropathy

Managing neuropathy can feel like an insurmountable task, but we are here to tell you that you can do it! Neuropathy symptoms can hit you when you are young due to injury or a medical condition. Or, you may have neuropathy symptoms that are associated with chronic conditions or diseases as you age. No matter what stage of life you are in, the effects of neuropathy can still disrupt your life. Patients often have problems such as trouble balancing, decreased reflexes, loss of feeling, chronic pain and more. The symptoms are vast, but so are the treatments. Let us help you with these nine tips for managing neuropathy and get your life back on track.

Nine Areas of Focus for Managing Neuropathy and Its Effects

When it comes to managing neuropathy, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) has some helpful suggestions:

• Pamper Your Feet–Particularly if you have diabetes. What do we mean when we say pamper your feet? We mean you need to be looking at them daily and assessing signs of blisters, cuts or calluses.
• Choose your shoes carefully. Be careful with shoe selection since tight-fitting shoes can aggravate your pain/tingling symptoms and further provoke long-lasting sores. Opt for loose-fitting shoes and socks.
• Use a foot end blanket lift bar when you sleep. If your feet pain is just too unbearable, even for the lightest touch, or if you are experiencing “hot feet” you can use a foot end blanket lift bar to keep the blankets off your feet. (These tools are available at medical supply stores.)
• Ditch the tobacco. When it comes to neuropathy, you want to lay off anything that will affect how your blood circulates. Cigarette smoke does. “The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood cells. They also can damage the function of your heart and the structure and function of your blood vessels,” writes the U.S. Department of Health. Poor circulation can augment foot problems and even lead to amputation.
• Eat for good health. When it comes to how we fuel our bodies, most of us have good intentions, but healthy eating can be challenging at times.  Controlling your blood sugar is essential. The FPN recommends that neuropathy-stricken individuals make sure they plan for a daily intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. They also recommend that you keep a food diary so you can track how you are fueling your  body and to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need to fight your neuropathy symptoms from the inside out.
• Watch Out for Foods that Augment Your Symptoms. Vitamin deficiencies can make your symptoms worse. Those with gluten sensitivities or allergies also need to be vigilant on their intake of gluten since that can trigger/worsen your symptoms. (Gluten is commonly found in anything with white, wheat, cake or baking flour.) Identify the refined grains in your diet (bagels, pretzels, pancakes, cakes, cookies, crackers, white rice, couscous, pastas, pizzas, rice cakes, pita bread, white bread, etc.) and replace them with whole grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm.Whole grains include: whole-wheat flour, bulgur (cracked wheat), oatmeal, whole cornmeal, and brown rice. Refined grains have been milled, a process that extracts the bran and germ. Why do they do this? Mainly, to lengthen their shelf life, but also because it gives the grains a finer texture. Unfortunately, when they refine the grain they also remove the grain’s dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Refined grains are highly glycemic meaning they have a dramatic impact on your blood sugar. Again, controlling blood sugars is key for fighting neuropathy symptoms. Saturated fat, prevalent in fatty meats and dairy products, can cause inflammation and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. For enhanced wellness, replace fatty protein sources with lean alternatives and eat moderate amounts of healthy fat sources.
• Get regular massage treatments. Like we mentioned earlier, when it comes to fighting neuropathy, the better your circulation, the better you can avoid serious symptoms and complications. Massaging of the hands and feet stimulate your nerves and also work to reduce your pain.
• Eliminate extended pressure. Are you a legs crosser or do you lean on your elbows out of habit when you sit? You want to avoid putting prolonged pressure on areas of your body when you suffer from neuropathy because this can cause damage to the nerves and impede circulation–there’s that word again!
• Get Help When You Need It. Neuropathy takes a physical toll but it also takes a mental/spiritual toll. Make sure you keep your emotional reserves full by getting daily exercise, adding things you CAN control into your life, pursuing a hobby, making reachable goals, creating a support team and seeking psychological counsel when needed to help you with your wellness goals and progress.

Know that you are NOT alone when it comes to fighting your neuropathy. There are support group available to help you connect with others also fighting the fight against neuropathy. (Your doctor, nurse and the county health department can help you find local support groups if you are struggling to find them.) Teams of professionals are ready to guide you along the path to better vitality and enjoyment from life, all you have to do is ask!