“Good sleep habits, regular exercise, and a healthy diet are all part of a comprehensive neuropathy treatment program,” says A. Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN, chair of neurology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Because symptoms vary widely, it's imperative that patients set up appropriate exercise programs with their physicians.
Dr. Smith and Anne Louise Oaklander, MD, PhD, FAAN, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, make these additional recommendations.
See your doctor
Schedule regular assessments with your neurologist. Research is always progressing, and new treatments and clinical trials may be available.
Watch your diet
Talk to a nutritionist about foods that help control blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar and cholesterol levels is good for nerve health and may prevent neuropathy-triggered conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, says Dr. Smith.
Exercise
Get moving for at least 30 minutes a day. This helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps arms and legs active. It also improves cardiovascular health, which not only promotes general health but also benefits the nerves, says Dr. Oaklander. Take brisk walks, cycle, swim, or practice yoga. Pick something you enjoy and will stick with.
Don't smoke
Smoking increases the risk of neuropathy just as it significantly increases the risk of vascular disorders like stroke and heart attack, says Dr. Smith.
Care for your feet
Protect your feet by wearing well-cushioned walking shoes or sneakers, and examine your feet for cuts to prevent infection. This is especially important if you experience numbness in your feet or have diabetes, which can impair blood flow and wound healing, says Dr. Smith.
Address sleep and mood disorders
Patients with painful neuropathy often have sleep disturbances, as well as depression and anxiety. Addressing these conditions is just as important as treating the pain, says Dr. Smith.
