Check your feet
- Performing regular foot checks is important when you have neuropathy as you bear all of your weight through your feet when standing and walking increasing the pressure placed on the skin and bones which also increases the risk for injury. Neuropathy is often coupled with reduction in blood flow and therefore a reduction in oxygen and nutrients that is available to soft tissues and bones in the area.
- Diminished blood flow and nutrients contribute to increased healing time required when an injury occurs. More time required for healing allows for increased risk of infection as it prolongs the amount of time that a wound is at risk for bacteria to enter the open skin. It is important to check skin on a regular basis to diminish the likelihood of infection as that can lead to a host of other health conditions.
Keep areas clean and be aware of surroundings
- With diminished feeling it can be difficult for your body to determine the height and stability of a surface you are walking over causing it to be easier to trip. Tripping hazards include items such as throw rugs that can get bunched up, uneven surfaces like holes in a yard or stones in a driveway, pet beds or toys, children’s toys or furniture, loose cords, or even items placed on the floor for storage.
- It is important to be cognizant of your surroundings to limit the likelihood of tripping and falling which may cause injury. Remember that cuts and scrapes caused by bumping into things may be more severe for people with neuropathy due to increased healing times and risk of infection.
Exercise and eat healthy meals
- Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels.
- Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help by improving balance, improving motor control, and the connection between your mind and the control of specific muscles to diminish the risk of injury from trips, slips, or falls
- Exercising on a regular basis can keep body weight at an appropriate level to diminish loads being born through joints as well as improve oxygenation of blood supply for improved healing times while also reducing risk for cardiovascular diseases.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important to your overall health and wellness. What we eat and drink can directly contribute to or exacerbate neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage. Your nerves need the right balance of nutrients to function properly. Uncontrolled or poor blood sugar control is the primary factor that leads to nerve damage as well as elevated levels of inflammation.
- Ensuring an adequate intake of B-vitamins is important for nerve health as well as omega-3 fatty acids to help control inflammation levels throughout the body. B-vitamins, especially B-12, are found in highest doses in clams and liver, as well as beef, eggs, and most seafood. Seafood, especially salmon and smaller fish like sardines, mackerel, etc are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. B-12 supplementation should be considered for those following a vegetarian/vegan diet as it is not adequately supplied through plant foods and the “fortified” foods it is present in can negatively affect blood sugar control in most people.
Your Next Move….
Find out what is causing YOUR neuropathic pain. Get a free screen at Robbins Rehabilitation where after 30 minutes of 1-on-1 time with one of our Docs, you will get…
- A diagnosis – what is the cause of your pain
- A Prognosis – How long will it take for you to get back to normal?
- A Plan – A detailed explanation of what needs to be addressed to get you back to normal.
Stop guessing at what is causing your neuropathic pain and get some answers. Call our free screen hotline at 610-295-9256 and schedule your free screen today.
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