Tips for Managing Neuropathy Symptoms in Feet & Legs

Are you experiencing burning pain or numbness in your feet and legs? These symptoms may be caused by peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerves send messages between the body and the brain. When these nerves become injured or inflamed, communication is affected, which may cause uncomfortable symptoms. Thankfully, neuropathy symptoms can be managed with the right combination of treatments.

If you’re ready to learn how you can ease neuropathy pain, keep reading below.

How Does Peripheral Neuropathy Develop? 

Peripheral neuropathy often starts in the longest nerves in your body. This is why many people notice symptoms in their feet initially. You may experience gradual numbness or tingling in your toes that slowly creeps upward over time.

Sometimes patients will experience neuropathy symptoms in their feet first, then legs. Neuropathy symptoms depend on the type of nerve fibers affected. Damage to sensory nerves causes numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of feeling. Motor nerve damage may cause weakness and foot drop. Damage to autonomic nerves can affect sweating, digestion, circulation, and bladder function.

What Causes Neuropathy? 

There are many conditions that may cause neuropathy. Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy, especially if blood sugars have been uncontrolled for a long period of time. Neuropathy can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, chronic alcohol use, medications like chemotherapy, infections, toxins, and trauma.

Can Neuropathy Show Up Early? 

Symptoms can vary based on the type of nerves involved, but most people describe feeling numbness, pins and needles, burning or electric shock like pain in their feet. Symptoms may also flare up at night when you are resting or sitting.

Muscle weakness or balance issues may develop as peripheral neuropathy worsens. Other patients may have increased sensitivity to touch when they develop neuropathy.

Can Neuropathy Pain Be Treated? 

Nerve pain can often be controlled with medications. Drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin help to calm nerve impulses that cause burning and tingling sensations. Certain antidepressants can also help alleviate nerve pain. Tricyclic antidepressants and duloxetine work by targeting specific neurotransmitters in your brain to help block pain signals.

Talk to your doctor about which medications may be right for you based on your medical history and other medications.

Are There Topical Treatments for Neuropathy? 

Topical treatments may help improve pain when your neuropathy is localized to small areas. Lidocaine patches work by numbing the skin and reducing pain signals. Capsaicin cream is another topical treatment that may be used to reduce nerve pain.

Physicians can also inject local anesthetics to help manage severe or localized pain.

Does Physical Therapy Help With Neuropathy? 

Physical therapy is an important part of managing neuropathy symptoms. Neuropathy often causes patients to experience balance issues. Physical therapy can help you strengthen your muscles and increase mobility to reduce your risk of falling.

Patients will perform exercises that focus on posture, coordination, and balance. Balance exercises may include tandem walking, strength training, and stability exercises.

Physical therapists may also recommend orthotics and ankle foot braces to improve walking mechanics. Patients with diabetes may benefit from seeing a certified pedorthist who can custom fit them with therapeutic shoes and orthotics.

Are Orthotics Helpful for Neuropathy? 

Supportive shoes and orthotics are often recommended for people with neuropathy. Orthotics can help cushion the bottoms of your feet and improve foot function. Custom orthotics can also help redistribute pressure and reduce pain.

Night cramps are also common in people with neuropathy. If you experience leg cramps at night, stretching before bed and wearing compression socks may help reduce your discomfort.

Advanced Neuropathy Treatments 

TENS unit therapy or other electrical stimulation treatments may help reduce nerve pain. Neuromodulation is another option for treating severe pain. This involves placing electrodes along your spinal cord or near specific nerves to help block pain signals.

Acupuncture and mindfulness-based therapies may also help you manage neuropathy pain.

How Can I Prevent Neuropathy Complications? 

Daily foot care is one of the best ways to prevent complications from neuropathy. If you have reduced sensation in your feet, it’s important to inspect your skin every day for cuts, blisters, or irritation.

Removing tripping hazards in your home can also help you prevent falls. Moisturize your skin daily to help reduce dry skin and crack that can occur with neuropathy. Use caution when bathing to help you avoid burns.

When to Seek Medical Care 

If you notice that numbness, tingling, or pain is affecting your balance or ability to walk, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you have any new concerning symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor.

Diagnosing neuropathy and treating the underlying cause can help prevent further damage. With proper care and management, you can live well with neuropathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first symptoms of neuropathy in your feet?

Symptoms typically start as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or pins and needles in the feet or toes. As neuropathy worsens, patients may experience weakness or balance problems.

Will neuropathy ever go away? 

If there is no permanent damage to the nerves, symptoms of neuropathy can improve when treated. Treating underlying causes like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes can allow your nerves to heal.

How can I relieve nerve pain in my feet?

Exercise, controlling your blood sugar levels, wearing supportive shoes, and checking your feet daily can help you manage neuropathy at home. Topical treatments and therapy may also provide symptom relief.

When should you go to the doctor for neuropathy?

If numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your feet affects your ability to walk or causes weakness, make an appointment with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have any new or concerning symptoms.

Does neuropathy cause more injuries to your feet?

Patients with neuropathy are at increased risk of foot injuries since they may not notice cuts or blisters. Performing daily foot inspections and wearing shoes can help you prevent injuries.