There are several reasons for nerve discomfort in your feet and toes, some of which may be preventable while others occur for no apparent reason. If you experience pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your lower extremities, regardless of the source, you should consult your doctor.
It's no secret that nerve discomfort can disrupt your daily routine and become incapacitating. However, alleviating pain does not have to be difficult; you can try home remedies. The next time you experience nerve pain, you can try one of these home remedies.
What can cause nerve pain in feet?
If you experience unusual pain, burning or numbness in your feet and toes, it might be nerve-related. There can be many potential causes, some of which may be preventable and others that occur without warning. If you're experiencing discomfort in your feet or toes – including sensations such as burning, tingling, or numbness – it's best to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional right away. The most common causes for nerve pain in feet are;
Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging, as this metabolic disorder creates issues in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Unfortunately, if overlooked for too long it could lead to diabetic neuropathy – an unwelcome consequence that affects around half of all people living with diabetes and damages their nerves and vessels.
Small Fiber Neuropathy
Small fiber neuropathy is a condition that impacts the delicate nerve endings in the skin, resulting in sensations such as painful pricks, tingling, and altered feelings in the hands or feet. Often, this condition arises without an apparent cause and can cause discomfort. Usually, the symptoms first manifest in the feet and gradually extend up the legs.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Heavy use of alcohol over a lengthy period can have serious consequences on the body, including alcoholic neuropathy. This occurs when vital vitamins and minerals essential for proper nerve conduction are deficient due to changes in absorption caused by drinking too much. Those with long-term heavy use may be at risk of developing this condition and should take preventive steps now to avoid any possible complications down the line.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome, previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a puzzling nerve disorder that triggers pain and abnormal swelling in the limbs. This condition often arises following an injury or surgery involving the affected limb.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome develops when a nerve in the inner ankle and foot becomes compressed or pinched. This condition can be associated with adult acquired flat foot syndrome, resulting in pain or tingling sensations in the foot and toes. Adult acquired flat foot syndrome refers to a condition where the arches of the feet gradually collapse or become flattened over time, often due to aging or injury.
9 easy home remedies for nerve pain in feet that you can try
Nerve pain in the feet can be uncomfortable and even debilitating, making walking or other everyday activities difficult. If you experience this type of pain, there are home remedies that. Some potential home remedies for nerve pain in feet are;
Manage diabetes and blood sugar levels:
Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is essential for managing diabetic neuropathy and ensuring optimal nerve function while mitigating the risk of further neuropathic issues.
Quit smoking
The use of tobacco products, such as smoking cigarettes, can have adverse effects on circulation, which in turn heightens the risk of foot problems and other complications associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Foat soaks
Indulging in a foot soak, whether in a specialized foot bath or your own bathtub, can be a soothing form of self-care for your feet. Soaking your feet with oils like peppermint or chamomile, or adding Epsom salts, has been shown to potentially reduce pain in individuals with neuropathy, providing much-needed relief.
Massage using essential oils
Essential oils may be utilized to relieve neuropathy discomfort in your feet. Chamomile, peppermint, St. John's wort, and ginger are all common oils. The research on essential oils for nerve pain yields promising results, it's worth a shot if you're not allergic to essential oils.
Sleep hygiene
Maintain proper sleep hygiene. If you don't get enough sleep, your body won't be able to recover and repair adequately from the stressors of the day before. Sleep hygiene, or preparing your body for a good night's sleep, is a crucial component of nerve pain management. This might include eliminating coffee, turning off the television or computer displays, and reducing the lighting before going to bed.
Exercise
Physical activity increases muscle tone, which may assist with neuropathy symptoms such as discomfort.
Exercise may also help with a variety of health issues that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, such as diabetes. It also assists in blood sugar management, lowering the risk of diabetes-related problems.
Furthermore, exercise helps lower the pressure on peripheral blood vessels, lowering the risk of neuropathy.
Turmeric
This wonderful spice has several health advantages, including aiding in the relief of nerve discomfort. Turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory qualities, may be added to your diet to help alleviate pain.
Combine 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric with warm milk to include it to your regular diet. While the concoction is hot, drink it. To see benefits, repeat this once a day for approximately a week. Or if there's a better way to add it to your diet, you can do that too.
Vitamin supplements
Some vitamin deficiencies may lead to peripheral neuropathy, and taking supplements if you have deficiency can help treat the deficiency and hence the pain in your feet..
Vitamin B types are essential in protecting your nerves from harm. B9 deficiency may also be detrimental to nerve health. B1, B6, and B12 supplements may help to relax your nerves and alleviate neuropathic pain. If you have a deficiency, seek support from a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosage for you.
Avoid alcohol
Consuming alcohol can negatively impact nerve health, and abstaining from it may be a preventive measure to mitigate certain symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet.
Working with your healthcare practitioner to discover the proper cure for your situation is essential for effectively controlling nerve pain in your feet.
Self-care (controlling blood sugar levels, exercising, and quitting smoking) and applying basic home remedies may also help you find relief. The majority of instances with peripheral neuropathy may be effectively handled with a mix of regular medical therapy and home therapies.
