What Can Be Done for Neuropathy in the Feet?

Neuropathy impacts an estimated 25 to 30 percent of Americans. And as for neuropathy in the feet? This proves the most common complaint among patients. Are your patients experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness? Or perhaps they feel throbbing, stabbing, or burning pain that affects their quality of life? It’s time to empower them to take healthy steps to prevent further nerve damage. ​

​Here’s what your patients need to know about addressing peripheral neuropathy in their feet. 

Neuropathy in the Feet

Patients experiencing the discomfort of neuropathy have many questions. Top-of-mind queries include:

• What are these abnormal sensations?
• Why are they happening?
• What steps can I take to stop them?
• Which long-term pain management solutions are available?

These are all valid questions. Of course, answers will vary depending on an individual’s underlying health and other potential conditions. For example, between 60 and 70 percent of people who develop neuropathy have diabetes. But there may also be other causes, including exposure to toxins, injury, alcoholism, arthritis, or other neurological disorders.

Helpful Lifestyle Adjustments

Identifying and treating the underlying causes of neuropathy represents step one. But patients shouldn’t stop there. Other lifestyle adjustments may also support nerve health and function. Some of these changes may prove easier than others. For example, wearing the right shoes and socks can make a big difference. Patients should opt for non-constricting shoes with a broader toe box and extra padding. (The same goes for socks.) 

​Encourage patients to follow a consistent exercise routine. Why? Because exercise can improve overall health. And it may also reduce nerve damage from neuropathy. It’s also excellent for those diagnosed with diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels while increasing circulation. Developing healthy new habits is vital to improved outcomes. This starts with proper nutritional support. Counsel patients to adopt better eating habits combined with proper supplementation. 

​The Importance of Proper Nutrition

Unfortunately, some physicians and medical organizations still tout the use of amino acids. These include L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. What’s the matter with this approach? It fails to account for how nitric oxide pathways actually work. As a result, these supplements often make the problem worse. 

How? They ramp up oxidative stress while increasing inflammation. Especially in folks over 40. Here’s what you need to know about breaking this cycle. Patients should focus on consuming nitrate-rich foods, which contribute to the body’s natural production of nitric oxide. These dietary suggestions can help your patients get started. 

​The Right Therapeutic Approach

Regular testing (at your clinic) and high-quality supplementation with Berkeley Life Professional’s proprietary nitrate blend will help your patients maintain healthy nitric oxide levels for neuropathy. Coupled with photobiomodulation treatments, your patients may see significant results. Find out how infrared light is revolutionizing therapeutic pain management  in the feet and more.