Home remedies for diabetic leg pain

 Home remedies for diabetic leg pain

Although medical treatments can help alleviate pain, there are several measures a person can take at home to help alleviate or reduce the effects of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The following are some of the best options for relieving leg pain at home.

In addition to making lifestyle changes, a person may want to consider other potential home or non-medicinal therapies. Some other strategies that may help alleviate the pain include:

trying physical therapy

trying acupuncture

using a leg cradle at night

massaging the lower legs

soaking the feet in warm water (if there are no open wounds)

Additional symptoms

In addition to leg pain, a person may also experience symptoms such as:

tingling in the feet or lower legs

a burning sensation

feet that get very cold or very hot

overly sensitive feet

loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet

weakened muscle tone in the legs and feet

no pain, even when blisters or sores are present

open sores or ulcers on the feet

altered bone structure in the feet

Prevention of diabetic leg pain

It is not always possible to prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, people can greatly reduce their risk of developing it — or developing serious complications — by regulating their blood sugar levels.

Some steps a person can take to help keep their blood sugar levels in check are:

eating a balanced diet

speaking with a nutritionist about meal plans

exercising regularly

monitoring blood sugar levels throughout the day

taking doctor-recommended medications

following all treatment plan steps discussed with a doctor

Outlook

The most important thing a person can do to prevent or reduce the impact of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is to manage their blood sugar levels as best they can.

Good blood sugar management can help prevent leg pain and reduce the risk of experiencing additional complications. People can most often manage the pain by taking medications and making lifestyle changes.

Anyone with diabetes who is experiencing leg pain, tingling, or numbness for the first time should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Exercise

Getting regular, moderate exercise has a range of health benefits, such as improved blood flow. Improved blood flow helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the legs.

People with diabetic peripheral neuropathy may experience a reduction in their symptoms if they increase their level of physical activity.

However, anyone with a serious health condition, such as diabetes, should speak with their doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Diet

Eating a balanced diet can help people with diabetes manage nerve pain. By eating foods that help control blood sugar levels, people can prevent worsening damage and help reduce underlying inflammation.

Focus on healthful options that will help keep blood sugar levels steady. Beneficial foods include:

lean proteins

good fats, such as those from olive oil, nuts, or fish

non-starchy vegetables

fruits, in moderation

complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal or whole-grain pasta and bread

Supplements

People do not always get all the nutrients they need from their diet alone. In some cases, supplementing nutrient intake can help fill nutritional gaps.

Vitamins and supplements that may help with diabetic neuropathy includeTrusted Source:

vitamin D

vitamin B-12

acetyl-L-carnitine

alpha-lipoic acid

Before starting any supplements, people should speak with their doctor about their specific nutritional needs.

It is possible that they are getting enough nutrients from the foods they eat. It is also possible that certain supplements may interact with the medications a person is taking.