How to Manage Neuropathy in Your Feet

Managing diabetes isn’t easy, but you need to do all you can to stay healthy. Part of that is dealing with symptoms to the best of your ability. Many people with diabetes have to contend with diabetic neuropathy. This condition is characterized by nerve damage that manifests in the extremities and other body parts. Nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to shooting pain and tingling in the legs and feet. If you struggle with pain and tingling, you might want to know how to manage neuropathy in your feet and legs. We’ll tell you how to do just that in this post.

Don’t Forget To Exercise

Exercise is a great way to promote circulation in your feet, which can treat poor circulation issues that are side effects of diabetic neuropathy. You’ll want to talk to your healthcare provider before you make any major exercise changes so that they can help you put together a schedule. Exercise is a great way to slow neuropathy progression and aid circulation. Get yourself some diabetic footwear, and start exercising!

Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes negatively impacts circulation and directly impacts the severity of diabetic neuropathy. It also decreases the amount of B12 in the body. It’s a major source of oxidants and free radicals, which could create cellular oxidative stress. This can extend to blood vessels and the nervous system, which leads to cellular and blood vessel damage that neuropathy is well known for. Quitting smoking is a major tip for managing neuropathy in your feet.

Smoking also negatively impacts blood sugar levels and makes them difficult to manage. People with diabetes who smoke often require high insulin doses to keep their blood sugar at a healthy level.

Take a Load Off

This contrasts with our earlier point to exercise, but rest and recovery are crucial when treating neuropathy. You can’t stay on your feet at all times; otherwise, you’ll hurt your feet, increasing the pain you feel. The idea is to exercise regularly but not overwork yourself. Take some time to get off your feet and rest. Your body will thank you.

If you’re interested in getting diabetic shoes and socks, we have a great supply at Anodyne!