If you have nerve damage in your feet, avoid repetitive, weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, prolonged walking, and step aerobics. Repeated stress on feet that are affected by neuropathy can lead to ulcers, fractures, and joint problems. Choose exercises that do not put stress on your feet, such as: Swimming.
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein in your diet. Avoid excessive alcohol. Alcohol can worsen peripheral neuropathy. Monitor your blood glucose levels.
Why Exercise? While the general benefits of aerobic and flexibility exercises are well-known, increasing movement and heart-rate are particularly important for people suffering with peripheral neuropathy. Physical activity can improve blood circulation, which strengthens nerve tissues by increasing the flow of oxygen.
Smoking constricts the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the peripheral nerves and can worsen neuropathic symptoms. Exercise can deliver more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to far-off nerve endings, improve muscle strength, and limit muscle atrophy.
The body of observational research suggests that being physically active reduces the risk of experiencing neuropathic pain.
Those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy may have a hard time with balance and weight bearing on their feet. If that's the case, stay away from walking and jogging and try working out on an exercise bike or in the pool.
What can slow neuropathy's progression—at least for many patients—is correction of the underlying cause. If the patient's neuropathy is caused primarily by diabetes or prediabetes, strict control of blood glucose levels through diet, exercise and medication can do the trick.
A 2-wk course of tart cherry juice significantly improved nondiabetic peripheral neuropathy in the majority of patients in the study.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with nerve signals and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. This includes beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine if you have peripheral neuropathy.
It's easy to see that because neuropathy impairs sensation in the feet, patients with neuropathy must always protect their feet by wearing shoes. Never go barefoot – even a minor cut or sore on the feet can get infected and worsen into an ulcer if it's not spotted.
Here are a few of the best for neuropathy: Swimming: This is a great exercise that puts little to no impact on the joints and feet. It also will get you in pretty amazing shape. Walking: This doesn't mean a slow stroll but a more brisk walk to get that heart rate up.
Drink lots of water
Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. of water each day.
Wear soft and comfortable socks. The right kinds of socks have shown to help eliminate burning sensations and control the overall foot discomfort that those with peripheral neuropathy experience. Some people even wear these types of socks to bed to keep their feet warm and to prevent irritating contact with bed sheets.
Vitamin B12
It's been shown that even high doses of vitamin B12 can potentially repair damaged nerves. Good sources of vitamin B12 are yogurt, fatty fish such as salmon, cod, and sardines.
Sugary Snacks: Snacks or desserts such as ice cream, cookies, candy, and even excess fruit consumption should be avoided by neuropathy patients. High levels of blood sugar impact nerve damage, especially in those with diabetic neuropathy.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
A study published in Nutrients of people undergoing chemotherapy found that people who had high levels of magnesium in their diet were less likely to experience neuropathy.
Magnesium decreases nerve pain. Clinical experience, as well as research in nerve pain conditions such as pancreatic cancer, has shown that magnesium can be an effective treatment for pain.
PN was strongly associated with earlier mortality. Mean survival time for those with PN was 10.8 years, compared with 13.9 years for subjects without PN.
Peripheral neuropathy is rarely fatal but may cause serious complications if left untreated. These complications may affect a person's life expectancy. A healthcare professional can advise on their condition, their outlook, and how they can manage it.