What Are the Treatments for Foot Neuropathy

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By Elizabeth
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Foot Neuropathy

Foot neuropathy occurs when the nerve fibers in the foot are injured. This condition often develops in people with diabetes. The good news is that the progression of foot neuropathy can often be slowed with proper blood sugar management in conjunction with healthy living. In many cases, with proper foot care, foot neuropathy can be prevented.

Diet

The first defense in reducing pain from foot neuropathy lies with your diet. Your doctor may instruct you to pay more strict attention to your diet in order to better manage your blood sugar to prevent the onset of diabetes or slow its progression. If you are a diabetic, you will want to check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends in order keep your blood sugar levels at the proper levels.

Medication

Medications for foot neuropathy can take the form of creams or pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications are used initially. If the pain is still present, then prescription medications that are commonly used to control depression and seizures are often used for treatment of foot neuropathy. The Mayo Clinic states that a lidocaine patch, a topical anesthetic patch, is also used by some neuropathy patients.

Alternative and Physical Therapy

Acupuncture has been used as a treatment for foot neuropathy. Massage, exercise and stretching are often used as a physical therapy regimen to alleviate the discomfort of neuropathy. It is important to stay active on a daily basis. Activity not only improves blood sugar regulation, but also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is another treatment for foot neuropathy. This therapy utilizes low current pulses of electricity to the nerve endings on the skin of the foot.

Surgery

Surgical decompression can be used as a last resort. With surgical decompression, circulation is enhanced by decompressing the foot's constricted nerves.

Prevention

Foot neuropathy is often caused by another condition such as diabetes. Therefore, a good way to prevent foot neuropathy is to manage your diabetes by following the recommendations of your doctor. Making good lifestyle choices and staying active will help in this disease's prevention.

Warning

Symptoms of foot neuropathy include numbness, tingling and pain, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Should you have any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance as soon as possible as a loss of mobility as well as other serious conditions can occur as a result of untreated foot neuropathy.