Nerve pain in the feet presents in different ways. The most common symptoms include burning sensation, shooting sensation, numbness, tingling, weakness, or temperature sensitivity. Either way, it can get quite intense, making it difficult for you to go on with your normal day-to-day activities.
You definitely should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, this article outlines some home remedies for nerve pain relief.
Soaking Feet in Warm Water
Soaking your feet in warm water improves blood circulation and promotes muscle relaxation, easing nerve pain. Put warm water in a basin or tub up to a level where your feet will be fully submerged. The water should be warm but not hot to prevent burns. You may add Epsom salt or essential oils for added benefits. Lavender or chamomile are particularly relaxing.
Sit on a comfortable chair and gently put your feet in the water until they are fully submerged. Relax and let the feet soak for 15-20 minutes. You may gently move your feet in the water and flex your toes during the soak.
Once done, remove your feet from the water and pat them dry with a soft towel. Apply a mild moisturizer or a prescription topical treatment.
Foot Massage
A foot massage alleviates discomfort and tension. It is a great remedy if you are experiencing foot pain, fatigue, and stiffness. It also stimulates blood circulation. You can give yourself the massage or have someone else do it for you. The massage can be done with the hands or a massage ball or device.
Before starting the massage, ensure that your feet are clean and dry. Find a comfortable chair or surface to sit on. Position yourself in a relaxed position that gives you full access to your feet.
Apply a generous amount of massage oil or lotion to your hands. Begin to stroke your feet, including the top of your foot, the bottom of the foot, the toes, and the heel. Apply light pressure on the different parts of the feet, paying more attention to the areas that feel tight or are in pain.
Gradually increase the massage pressure to get into the nerves. Knead the soles of your feet as you make circular motions. You may also stretch the foot by flexing the toes up and down. Finish by rotating the ankle in both directions.
Elevate the Feet
Elevating your feet can help to relieve nerve pain. It can help to improve blood flow, reduce swelling and pressure, and reduce tension. Sit or lie down in a comfortable place. Position a pillow or cushion and prop your feet at an elevated angle. You want the feet to be elevated at a position above your heart level. Sit or lie back and relax for 15-30 minutes or until you find relief. If your feet tend to swell, it is advisable to sleep with your feet slightly elevated.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is an effective treatment option for managing nerve pain. With a home device, you can administer red light therapy on the targeted area as often as needed. Red light therapy improves nerve function, promotes neuroprotection, and enhances nerve repair. It is non-invasive and low-risk.
Neuropathy Socks
Neuropathic socks have a specialized design to offer comfort and relief for nerve pain in the feet. They provide a gentle compression on the feet that reduces inflammation and swelling. They also improve blood circulation.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy is beneficial for reducing nerve pain in feet in several ways. First, it reduces inflammation. Secondly, it has a numbing effect, alleviating pain.
You can do ice therapy at home using a store-bought or homemade ice pack. Wrap the ice pack with a thin cloth or towel to prevent ice burn or frostbite. Then, place the wrapped ice pack on the area where you are experiencing nerve pain.
Hold it there and gently press the ice pack on the feet, occasionally lifting it from the leg. Continue this cycle for 15-20 minutes. Do not exceed the recommended treatment time to avoid damage to your skin. Once done, remove the ice pack and allow the skin to resume normal temperature.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can help with mild and occasional pain. However, over-the-counter painkillers should be used cautiously to avoid relying on them too much. Follow the dosage directions and do not exceed it.
The painkillers may not work for severe nerve pain. Also, do not take them for more than 10 days. If the pain is severe or you do not see improvement after a few days, see your doctor.
Supplements and Vitamins
Certain supplements can help to manage nerve pain. For example, fish oil reduces inflammation. Some studies show that fish oil can slow down diabetic neuropathy and even reverse its symptoms.
Turmeric supplements can also be beneficial for at-home nerve pain relief. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has soothing properties. You can enjoy the same benefits by adding fresh turmeric or turmeric powder to food.
Vitamin deficiency can worsen nerve pain. Therefore, you must consume adequate amounts of B-complex vitamins, Vitamin E, Alpha-lipoic acid, and glutamine.
Dietary Changes
Your diet plays a crucial role in the management of nerve pain. For instance, one of the top causes of nerve pain in feet is diabetes. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, consume a low-sugar diet that is rich in fiber to prevent or avoid exacerbating neuropathy.
If you do not have diabetes, maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to ensure that you have all the essential nutrients for nerve health and overall well-being. Therefore, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins in your diet.
Also, limit your sodium intake, as excessive consumption of sodium contributes to inflammation and worsening nerve pain. Hydrate adequately throughout the day.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular activity promotes nerve health and can be a beneficial remedy for nerve pain in the feet. It improves blood circulation and nerve function. Exercising can also help in pain management as it stimulates the release of endorphins.
Another benefit of exercising is weight management. Excess weight predisposes you to chronic illnesses such as diabetes. It also puts excess pressure on the nerves, which can lead to nerve damage or worsen nerve pain.
The recommended types of exercises for managing nerve pain include low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, and stretching. Ideally, you should incorporate the three types in your weekly workout plan.
Low-impact aerobics activities improve circulation, strength training improves your strength, and stretching improves your range of motion. If you haven’t been exercising, start slowly with low-impact activities and build up over time.
Conclusion
Nerve pain in the feet can be debilitating. However, if you seek the right treatments and home remedies, it can be manageable. The home remedies recommended above are easily accessible and simple to implement. Try them out to identify which ones work best for you and your nerve pain.