Foot Neuropathy

Different doctors classify the types of neuropathy, but they are all classified according to the pathological features and the clinical syndrome. Neuropathy can either be diffuse, that which affects different parts of the body; or focal, that which affects only a specific nerve or part of the body. Among the many classification of neuropathy, there are several well-known types.

Sensory neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy. This type is usually referred to as just neuropathy and which is one of the most common. Sensory neuropathy affects the nerves that carries that goes to the brain about sensations like hotness or coldness, or pain due to something. Sensory neuropathy is most commonly caused by many conditions that cause damage to the peripheral nerves. When the peripheral nerves are damaged, it in turn damages the communication of the central nervous system from the rest of the body.

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy. It affects both legs and the patient usually feel numb and have that tingling sensation. Some patients may feel the pain in their toes only or in the feet. A serious case can result to patients not being able to walk properly because of the pain. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy only develops after years of poor blood sugar control. On the other hand, a strict glucose control can prevent most cases of distal symmetric polyneuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves. The autonomic nerves conrtol the intestinal tract, bladder, genitals, and other organs. Unfortunately, it’s still one of the most common types of neuropathy, with more than a quarter of diabetics affected. Currently, scientists are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of autonomic neuropathy and are still looking for better treatments.

Femoral neuropathy is also common. It mostly affects people who have type II diabetes or those who are non-insulin dependent. Pain may develop coming from the front of one thigh, and when weakness of the muscles follow, it usually just wastes away.

There are more types of neuropathy, but those are more specific ones and depend on the condition of the patient. Listen above are the more common one which may or may not affect someone with diabetes.

Even if you are suffering from neuropathy, there are certain things you can do to alleviate the pain, either through massages or through some feet exercises. A really good foot massage can do wonders for you aside from alleviating the pain you feel from your neuropathy. It could also decrease your blood pressure, and improve the blood circulation in your feet. Below are just some of the feet exercises and massaging techniques you can do.

Exercises
Ankle rotations – this exercise stimulates feet circulation and warms and relaxes the feet. Just take turns rotating one foot clockwise then counterclockwise.

Toe pulls and squeezes – this exercise calms the feet muscles. Just hold on to the big to and slowly pull it away from the body and hold for a few seconds. Then pull it towards the body then hold the position again.

Massages
Footsie roller massage – all you need is a roller to roll on the arch of your foot back and forth gently.

Foot flexes – flexes will release the tension in your feet muscles. Just point your feet downwards then hold for a few seconds. Next, point it upwards then hold the position again for a few seconds.

Heel raise – it’s exactly how it sounds. You just raise both your heels at the same time and hold the position for a few seconds. This will strengthen your Achilles tendon while also relieving the pain.

Keep in mind that apart from massaging your feet and doing feet exercise, it’s also very important to always keep your feet clean by having a proper hygiene. All these things go hand in hand in keeping the overall health of your feet.

The term neuropathy means disease of the nerve. It means that the disease is in the nerve tissues in different parts of the body, and in the case of foot neuropathy, nerves from the skin (sensory nerves) and nerves from the muscles (motor nerves).

What happens in neuropathy is that the nerve endings are damaged, so the cells sometimes fail to transmit information. The results is that the affected area has a weakened sensation or a tingling pain, as what happens normally to diabetic patients.

Some patients are reported to recommend reflexolgy to help ease the pain of the patients. In reflexology, the body can be healed by applying pressure to specific points in the body. However, according to experts, this cannot be verified medically as an effective medication or remedy.

Other options that are also believed to be effective treatments to symptoms of neuropathy and prevent any further damage are acupuncture and acupressure. There is also a treatment called magnetic treatment where the patient puts magnetic shoe insoles in his shoes to alleviate and manage the pain in their feet.

No matter how you decide to treat neuropathy, whether through natural remedies, or through medication, it is always advised to consult with a doctor first to make sure that the condition is properly managed.