Foot nerve pain can cause immense discomfort and frustration. The pain from issues with foot nerves can feel as tingling, numbness, burning, or shooting. You can solve this problem using several at-home remedies and lifestyle changes.
What causes nerve pain in the foot?
There are a few potential culprits behind neuropathic foot discomfort. Common causes include:
- Diabetic neuropathy – When blood sugar levels increase, the nerves in the feet are damaged. Numbness, pain, tingling, and burning are nerve damage symptoms.
- Plantar fasciitis – Pressure on the feet and heel caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia (skin that connects the heels to toes). Heel pain is commonly a symptom of this condition.
- Arthritis – Joint inflammation causes nerve compression in the feet, particularly at the toes. It often causes numbness or tingling.
- Injuries – Fractures, sprains, bone spurs, and nerve entrapments all cause pain in the feet when nerves are irritated.
how to treat nerve pain in foot at home?
- Cold therapy
Applying something cold numbs nerve fibers and dulls pain signals in the brain. Simply placing an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes a few times per day provides noticeable relief. You also soak your feet in an ice bath.
- Hot therapy
On the flip side, heat also helps combat foot nerve discomfort by boosting blood flow and relaxing muscles. Take a warm bath, use a heating pad on the lowest setting, or soak your feet in an Epsom salt solution a few times per week. Just don’t apply anything very hot directly to numb the skin.
- Massage
Gentle foot massages help to relax the plantar fascia and reduce compression on nerve endings. Using your thumbs, massage the center of the arch in circular motions or apply broader pressure near the heel. Even just 5 minutes per foot daily has a meaningful impact. You use topical pain relief creams to enhance the soothing effects.
- Orthotics or night splints
Custom orthotics realign the foot, redistributing pressure points away from irritated nerves. Arch supports and contoured insoles help limit inflammation. Additionally, keeping the plantar fascia stretched overnight with splints prevents it from tightening up and exacerbating discomfort. These devices provide low-level, continual relief.
- Nerve flossing exercises
Flossing the nerves in your feet and lower legs with specific exercises gives them greater mobility, encouraging healing. Activities like pointing and flexing the feet or writing the alphabet with your toes several times a day get nerves gliding smoothly. It diminishes aggravation to the surrounding tissue.
Lifestyle changes and preventative care
Making certain lifestyle adjustments reduces risk factors contributing to neuropathic foot pain long-term:
- Properly managing diabetes through medication, diet regulation, and routine medical care is crucial for minimizing neuropathy. Keeping blood sugar within set parameters preserves nerve health.
- Losing excess weight lowers inflammation levels and pressure in the feet while exercising improves circulation. This combo makes nerves less sensitive overall.
- Practicing good foot hygiene like cleaning properly between toes and drying thoroughly after bathing/swimming prevents bacteria or fungal build up. This guards against potential infections causing neuropathy.
Wearing appropriate footwear helps maintain ideal biomechanics. Look for shoes with ample arch support, cushioning, and protective toe boxes giving nerves some breathing room.
