1. Healthy Lifestyle for Relieving Neuropathy in the Feet
The first line of defense for relieving neuropathy in the feet is a healthy lifestyle. You know the drill about not smoking, keeping your weight in check and using alcohol in moderation. Exercise improves circulation and improves overall health. However, check with your doctor for a specific plan if you have diabetic neuropathy. Speaking of diabetes, check your glucose regularly and keep it in a safe range. Pay particular attention to your diet since a vitamin B deficiency may cause peripheral neuropathy. Good sources of vitamin B-12 are fortified cereals, eggs, fish, meat and low-fat dairy. Eating a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains will ensure you get enough nutrients.
2. Happy Feet are Healthy Feet
Feet love a good massage, and it improves circulation. Choose white socks and check them daily for fluid or blood. Check your feet for redness or sores. Make sure your doctor looks at your feet on visits and discuss with him any concerns you have about neuropathy. Shoes should fit loosely, allowing for swelling, so try them on later in the day. If you develop any soreness while breaking them in, stop wearing them until it clears. You can also consider buying custom-made shoes. Keep your feet clean and dry, and apply lotion to help keep your heels from cracking. If your feet sweat, you can use powder to keep them dry. Manicure your feet properly to avoid ingrown toenails.
3. Antidepressants Relieve Neuropathy Foot Pain
Research has shown that certain antidepressants help alleviate the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as Cymbalta, work by disrupting chemical processes in the central nervous system responsible for your ability to feel pain. As always, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications you take.
4. Anti-Seizure Medication for Pain
Doctors prescribe many of the anti-seizure medications to relieve neuropathy in the feet. These include Topamax, Dilantin, Neurontin, Lyrica and Tegretol. Side effects are possible with some of these medications, and some people should not take them. Make sure you read the patient information given to you by your pharmacy if you begin taking one of the anti-seizure medications.
5. The Last Resort: Prescription Pain Medication
For some people with mild neuropathy pain, over-the-counter medications may help. However, if they don't, talk to you doctor. Prescription pain medications are usually the last resort because the opiates can cause physical dependency or other unwanted side effects, such as constipation or sedation. However, if your symptoms are severe, you and your doctor should consider this option. Take the medications exactly as your doctor prescribes them and keep the dosage as low as possible to control pain.
