Have you felt a persistent tingling or numbing in your feet? These could be signs of neuropathy, a nerve condition that disrupts daily life.
It often co-exists with other diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and many others that you could be having simultaneously, which makes finding the right treatment a great challenge.
In this article, we will discuss the disorder and find some of the best neuropathy in feet treatment options available.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, often known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to several conditions that damage the peripheral nervous system–the network of nerves linking the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
This system transmits sensory signals like touch. When these nerves are damaged, communication with the central nervous system is disrupted, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain and numbness.
Types of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be classified into several categories based on the number of nerves affected, the underlying causes, and the specific nerve types involved. The primary categories include:
- Mononeuropathy involves damage to a single peripheral nerve and is often caused by physical injury, compression, or trauma.
- Polyneuropathy, in contrast, affects multiple peripheral nerves at the same time and is usually linked to conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy. In general, the nerves it affects are:
- Sensory nerves detect sensations like touch, temperature, and pain signals.
- Motor nerves control physical activities we consciously use, such as walking and running.
- Autonomic nerve fibers regulate organ functions that we don’t think about like heart rate and blood pressure. Impacts autonomic nerve fibers
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected and the severity of the damage. Some people may only feel mild discomfort, while others may face severe pain.
Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a sharp burning sensation in the affected areas. These signs often begin in the toes or fingers and can spread upward over time.
In severe cases, muscle weakness and poor reflexes can make walking difficult, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
How Does Neuropathy Affect the Feet?
Peripheral neuropathy often affects the feet first since these nerves are the longest in the body. When a weakened sense of touch affects the feet, patients usually don’t feel any pressure or injuries, which leads to sores, blisters, and even foot ulcers.
The leading cause of neuropathy in feet is diabetes, which often leads to diabetic neuropathy. A study showed that 50% to 66% of people with diabetes will develop diabetic neuropathy at some point in their lives.
The same study found that patients who developed diabetic foot ulcers face a much higher risk of death than those without one. Within five years, their risk of death is 2.5 times higher.
Kidney disease can also cause nerve damage by allowing toxins to build up in the blood, affecting the lower limbs.
A study conducted on pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney diseases showed that 70% of patients experienced at least one neurological symptom.
The most common symptom was paraesthesia (tingling, numbing sensation), affecting 63% of patients, primarily in the lower limbs.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a 50% chance of developing peripheral neuropathy. Causing discomfort in feet, this develops as a secondary complication of arthritis.
How Peripheral Neuropathy Is Diagnosed
Peripheral neuropathy diagnosed by healthcare professionals starts by reviewing the patient’s medical history to identify links. Family history is also considered since genetic factors can contribute to certain types of neuropathy.
After this, physicians perform neurological tests to assess reflexes, muscle strength, sensory response, and coordination. These tests help pinpoint the type and severity of nerve damage.
Additional diagnostic tools are often needed for confirmation. Blood tests check for conditions like vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy diagnosed
In some cases, a nerve biopsy is done to examine structural damage under a microscope. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, help identify structural issues that may compress nerves.
Best Treatment Options for Neuropathy in Feet
Treating neuropathy in the feet focuses on managing symptoms and addressing underlying causes. The following sections will discuss the best procedures in detail.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments
Managing neuropathy in the feet often starts with medical treatments to control pain and limit nerve damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to ease mild discomfort temporarily.
Trigger point injections can also provide targeted relief by directly applying numbing agents such as corticosteroids to a specific area.
Physical Therapy to Relieve Muscle Weakness
Physical therapy helps improve mobility and manage discomfort from neuropathy. Exercises focus on building muscle strength in the feet and legs, which enhances balance and lowers the risk of falls.
A pilot study tested a 10-week supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Participants showed significant improvements in pain levels and neuropathic symptoms.
Foot braces are often recommended for added support, helping stabilize weak or unsteady feet. These braces reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Endovenous thermal ablation, also known as vein ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat incompetent veins. It targets veins like the great saphenous vein that contributes to venous insufficiency.
65% of patients with chronic venous insufficiency and neuropathy reported symptom improvement after the successful closure of an incompetent vein. This shows the potential of vein ablation as a viable treatment option.
Regenerative Medicine for Nerve Repair
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets into the affected areas to promote healing. A study has shown that PRP therapy effectively relieves pain and numbness in diabetic neuropathy. It also improves peripheral nerve function, offering a promising treatment option.
This therapy is also being studied for its potential to reduce inflammation in damaged nerves. Stem cell injections are another area of research aimed at regenerating nerve tissue in the feet.
Acupuncture for Nerve Pain
Acupuncture is thought to stimulate nerve pathways and improve blood circulation, thus easing discomfort in the feet.
Fifteen studies were reviewed, including 13 original randomized control trials that examined acupuncture for neuropathy caused by diabetes, Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, HIV, and idiopathic conditions.
Most RCTs showed acupuncture was more effective than control treatments (sham acupuncture and conventional medical treatment) for diabetic neuropathy, Bell’s palsy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes for Symptom Management
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the feet, and regular exercise helps strengthen muscles and boost nerve health. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is critical if you are diabetic.
Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage symptoms and improve balance. While these therapies don’t replace conventional treatments, they work as complementary ones.
Let Wellness and Pain Help With Your Neuropathy
At Wellness and Pain, we are committed to helping you manage the challenges of neuropathy in your feet. Our experienced team takes a patient-centered approach.
We focus on identifying the root causes of your symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today at (844)-588-3732 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. Let Wellness and Pain guide you toward effective solutions for your foot neuropathy.
FAQs About Neuropathy in Feet Treatment
What is the new treatment for neuropathy in the feet?
Innovative treatments include laser and radio frequency energy stimulation therapies, like vein ablations, and regenerative options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
How to reverse neuropathy naturally?
Complete reversal is not possible, but neuropathy can be managed naturally. It involves maintaining a balanced diet, addressing vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins), and exercising regularly to improve blood circulation.
Is Vicks VapoRub good for neuropathy feet?
Some individuals find that applying Vicks VapoRub can provide relief due to its menthol content. However, it is not a treatment for neuropathy and is only temporary relief.
Can neuropathy go away?
Neuropathy caused by reversible conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or temporary injuries, may improve with treatment. However, conditions like diabetic neuropathy often require long-term management to control symptoms rather than a permanent cure.
