Your feet are one of the most common locations for nerve damage. Most nerve damage in your feet, notes the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, is caused by diabetes complications. Pain, numbness or tingling in your feet are among the first signs and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, or diabetes-related nerve damage. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your foot nerve damage, review relevant herb-related topics with your primary care provider.
Foot Nerve Damage
Although there are several possible causes of foot nerve damage, including injuries associated with pressure, stretching or cutting, diabetic nerve damage is one of the leading causes of this health problem. Prolonged elevated blood glucose levels -- one of the defining characteristics of diabetes -- can damage the delicate coating surrounding your nerves, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although your feet may be the part of your body most commonly affected, you may also suffer nerve damage in your hands, arms and legs.
Appropriate Herbal Remedies
Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo, is one of the most appropriate herbal remedies to use for treating nerve damage -- including the pain associated with this condition -- in your foot. According to Drs. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, naturopathic physicians and co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," other helpful herbal remedies to help treat or prevent this health problem may include Gymnema sylvestre, St. John's wort, bitter melon, fenugreek and salt bush. Oat is an herbal remedy commonly used in treating nerve pain and dysfunction.
A Helpful Herb
Oat may be a frequently prescribed herbal remedy in treating nerve damage in your foot. The seeds of the oat plant contain medicinal substances that may be helpful in treating your nerve-related problems, notes naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." This herb is both a nerve tonic, meaning that it helps support the health and function of your nervous system and repairs damaged tissues throughout your body.
Considerations
Though nerve damage in your foot may be caused by traumatic injuries, it may also be caused by a serious underlying health condition, such as diabetes. If you experience the symptoms of nerve damage in your foot -- decreased sensation, reduced foot strength -- schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Herbal remedies, though usually safe and helpful, may not be appropriate for everyone. Ask your doctor if herbs may be beneficial in treating your particular health problem.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Public Health Resource
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
Member Comments