Natural Treatments for Neuropathy in Your Legs and Feet
For those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy, you know that treatments can vary and some may work better for you than others. However, you also are likely in search of treatments that can offer relief from your symptoms. There are a number of methods that can help reduce pain and discomfort, like using over the counter pain medications. More intense treatment may include physical therapy, surgery, or injections to target increased nerve pressure. Many people may prefer to explore more natural treatment for neuropathy in your legs and feet, and luckily, there are a number of natural options that can help.
1. Vitamins and Supplements
Many cases of peripheral neuropathy can be related to deficiencies of certain vitamins. For example, Vitamin B is essential for nerve health, and a deficiency can ultimately lead to severe nerve damage. Most people rely on their meals to get enough Vitamin B, but if you are lacking, your doctor may recommend you take a supplement. It’s crucial to take the dose your doctor recommends, as taking too much can lead to toxicity or worsening symptoms.
Another vitamin that can prevent nerve pain is Vitamin D. This typically gets produced by your skin as a reaction to sunlight, but a deficiency can lead to neuropathy pain. Supplementing Vitamin D can help reduce these symptoms.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, an ingredient found in hot peppers that is responsible for making them spicy. It can also be used in topical creams as a way to manage pain, as it decreases the intensity of pain by sending signals throughout the body. You can incorporate cayenne pepper into your diet, or if you can’t handle the heat, you can take capsaicin supplements or use ointments with the ingredient.
3. Warm Baths
Even when it’s not a treatment for neuropathy in your legs and feet, taking a warm bath can be soothing and relieve general aches and pain. But if you are suffering from neuropathic pain, warm water can also increase blood circulation and reduce the pain that may be associated with numbness.
As a word of caution, if your sensory nerves are impacted by your condition and you aren’t sensitive to temperature, make sure your bathwater is not too hot.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking cigarettes impacts your blood circulation, as the blood vessels narrow and less oxygenated blood is allowed through. When blood is not circulating properly, you can notice increased numbness and pain as a result of your peripheral neuropathy. Stopping smoking can improve your symptoms by improving circulation.
5. Essential Oils
Some essential oils such as chamomile or Roman lavender can help to increase circulation in your body, as well as offering pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects that can boost healing. You’ll want to dilute these essential oils by placing a few drops in one ounce of a carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. This mixture can then be applied to the affected area, where it will reduce stinging and tingling pains.
6. Exercise
Exercising can not only improve your overall health, but it can be an effective treatment for neuropathy in the legs and feet. Being active can lower your blood sugar, which can reduce or slow down nerve damage. It will also increase blood flow to the arms and legs, and reduce stress, factors that help to reduce discomfort.
7. Meditation
As a method of managing pain, meditation can help people to cope with their peripheral neuropathy by lowering stress, improving coping skills, and decreasing the intensity of any pain. A mind-body approach is a non-invasive way to provide you control over your condition and better manage pain.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses needles that stimulate pressure points to promote natural healing. The technique triggers the nervous system to release chemicals into the body that can change your experience of pain and your tolerance. The energy balance that acupuncture offers can also improve your emotional well-being.
Treating Your Peripheral Neuropathy
When it comes to any condition, preventing is always the best method. Keeping sugars in a normal range can prevent you from developing neuropathy or worsening the condition. Lifestyle changes like less alcohol intake and smoking can also help.
Overall, natural treatment for neuropathy in your legs and feet can help to alleviate pain. You should always consult with a doctor before beginning any new methods of treatment.