Those of you who are familiar with peripheral neuropathy know that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. On the other hand, you're probably looking for ways to alleviate your symptoms. OTC pain relievers are just one of many options for coping with discomfort. When nerve pressure is particularly severe, it may require more intensive treatment, such as physical therapy, surgery, or injections. There are a lot of natural remedies that can help with neuropathy in your legs and feet, which is good news for many people who would instead not use pharmaceuticals.
Home Remedies for Neuropathy
It's common knowledge that nerve discomfort can severely hamper your ability to go about your daily life. The good news is that there are simple things you may do at home to alleviate the pain. Most of these treatments may be performed at home without the aid of a medical professional, making them convenient and speedy. If you're experiencing nerve pain, try one of these tried-and-true home remedies.
Vitamins and Supplements
Nutritional deficits are a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. If you don't get enough vitamin B, you risk permanent nerve damage. Most individuals can obtain enough Vitamin B from their diets, but your doctor may suggest a supplement if you're deficient. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for dosing, as exceeding that amount can cause toxicity or exacerbate existing problems.
Vitamin D is another nutrient that can help ward against nerve pain. A lack of this causes neuropathic pain but is generally produced by the skin in response to sunshine. Vitamin D supplements can alleviate these problems.
Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin is the compound in hot peppers that gives them their characteristic spiciness, and it can also be found in cayenne pepper. Its ability to dampen pain signals all over the body is also helpful in topical creams for pain management. Those who can't stand the heat of cayenne pepper can take capsaicin supplements or use ointments containing the chemical.
Warm Baths
A hot bath is a great way to relax and ease muscle and joint pain, even if it isn't specifically meant to treat neuropathy in the legs and feet. However, warm water can help improve circulation and alleviate discomfort when experiencing neuropathic pain. Be careful not to get the water in the tub too hot if you have a condition that affects your ability to feel heat or cold.
Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoking hinders oxygen delivery to the body's tissues because it causes blood vessels to constrict. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as heightened numbness and pain, can become more severe when blood flow is compromised. Quitting smoking can help your symptoms by increasing blood flow to your body.
Essential Oils
Chamomile and Roman lavender are two essential oils that have been shown to improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and reduce inflammation, all of which aid in healing. Mix a few drops of essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. When this concoction is administered to the affected area, it eases the burning and tingling sensations.
Exercise
In addition to its many other health benefits, regular exercise is an effective treatment for lower-extremity neuropathy. Lowering blood sugar through exercise can prevent or lessen nerve damage. Stress is reduced, and blood flow is increased to the arms and legs, both of which alleviate pain.
Meditation
By reducing stress, enhancing coping abilities, and lessening the intensity of any discomfort, meditation can assist persons with peripheral neuropathy in managing their symptoms. By focusing on the relationship between the mind and body, you can gain some agency over your health and find more effective ways to deal with discomfort without resorting to invasive treatments.
Acupuncture
Needles are used in acupuncture to stimulate specific regions of the body, which is said to have a healing effect. When you use this method, your nervous system will release chemicals that can alter how you feel pain and how well you can handle it. Acupuncture's ability to restore energy balance has additional benefits for mental health.