Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the nervous system, excluding the brain and spine. It affects the limbs, i.e., both hands and feet. It is often referred as “glove and stocking” distribution of syndrome.

Peripheral neuropathy is also called foot neuropathy as its prime target is the foot. The three types of nerves, i.e., motor, sensory, and autonomic, are involved. The severity of foot neuropathy depends on the size of the nerve affected.

The symptoms of foot neuropathy may start with numbness and pain. A person can experience loss of balance and weakness in the limbs. The autonomic nerves control involuntary functions like digestion and heart rate. A person with foot neuropathy shows symptoms like high blood pressure and diarrhea.

Diabetes is another cause of foot neuropathy. Thus, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels at regular intervals. Alcohol and kidney problems lead to foot neuropathy. Foot neuropathy is caused due to vitamin deficiencies and shingles too.

Foot neuropathy treatment
Development in medical science has exposed us to advanced foot neuropathy treatment.

Exercise
Research has proved that proper exercise routine helps in strengthening the muscles. This has found to be an effective treatment. Regular exercises reduce the pain and control blood sugar level. A four-level exercise regime has helped cure foot neuropathy.

Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercises help increase heart rate and improve breathing. It keeps your muscles active and working. Experts recommend a 30-minute routine spanning 3 to 5 days a week. You can start with 10 minutes daily and keep increasing the duration.
Apart from this, taking a brisk walk or using the treadmill works wonders. You can join aerobic classes in the vicinity or join a swimming club. Aerobics is one of the best foot neuropathy treatments.

Flexibility exercises
Flexibility exercises are like warm-up exercises. They make the muscles flexible and ready for heavy aerobics. You also reduce the risk of injury when indulging in other physical activities. Stretching your body for 10 to 15 minutes every day will fetch you great results.

Flexibility exercises such as

• calf stretches
• seated hamstring stretches
• plantar fascia stretch and
• flexibility exercises are worth a try as foot neuropathy treatment.

Strength training
Strength training is a tougher level of flexibility exercise. It gives more power to your peripherals in strengthening the weak muscles. Calf raises and chair squats are popular strength training exercises.

Balance exercise
A common symptom of foot neuropathy is losing balance. Balance exercise can help in reviving the lost balance of the body. This is truer for the old people as they are vulnerable to falling.
Balance exercises are effective in overcoming stiffness and dizziness. It also helps to sustain stiffness and unsteadiness. Hip flexion, extension, and side raises are some balance exercises.

Medicines
A lot of medicines are available in the market for foot neuropathy treatment. Some popular options are listed and discussed below.

Pain Relievers
Pain is a major symptom of foot neuropathy; some painkillers offer instant relief. For mild pains, you can try some over the counter medicines like anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are nonsteroidal, so side effects are minimum.
For acute pain, the doctors prescribe painkillers. Tramadol and oxycodone are drugs that contain opioids. Though they are good relievers but can be addictive if consumed on a regular basis.

Anti-seizure medications
Anti-seizure medicines were introduced to treat epilepsy. They have been a boon as pain relievers. Their contribution to foot neuropathy treatment cannot be ignored. It does have some side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

Topical Treatments
Creams and ointments are other plausible options for foot neuropathy treatment. Creams and lotions containing capsaicin are recommended to soothe the pain. Capsaicin is a substance found in hot peppers. The initial application of the cream can trigger a burning sensation, but it heals eventually.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants are another set of medicines that help relieve uneasiness. They target the area of the brain and spine that sets out pain sensation. Thus, they act as a pain reliever. However, the effect is temporary and has side effects.

Alternative therapy
People are sometimes reluctant to use drugs for foot neuropathy treatment. Therefore, they are delving into non-medicinal treatment that includes specific therapies. Sometimes the therapies are supplemented with mild drugs for better results.

Biofeedback
A biofeedback therapy involves an electrical machine that helps interpret the physiology of your body. You can manage the functions of the autonomic nervous system like heart rate and breathing. It reduces stress, anxiety, and tension. You gain control over the brain functions and regulate them with ease.

Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese acupuncture therapy is used widely by people today. It is where the pain is relieved by pricking needles at acupuncture points. The therapist identifies the affected nerve and works thereupon. Acupuncture is a safe therapy for foot neuropathy treatment.