How to Improve Mobility with Chronic Foot Neuropathy?

October 3, 2024
Restore Podiatry Staff

Chronic foot neuropathy can greatly impact the quality of your life. Even people who have battled neuropathy for years can manage their symptoms and increase their range of motion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore strategies to help you regain function and independence.

What is Chronic Foot Neuropathy?

Chronic foot neuropathy refers to the long-term injuries to the nerves in the feet. In addition to being a common consequence of diabetes, it can also be brought on by infections, accidents, or autoimmune illnesses. The main signs and symptoms consist of:

Numbness or reduced sensation
Tingling or burning sensations
Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness and loss of balance
Changes in foot shape or ulcers

These symptoms can make it difficult to move around, which raises the possibility of falls and accidents. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 50% of people with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy, with diabetic peripheral neuropathy being the most common type.

Conventional Treatments vs. Innovative Approaches

The objective of treating chronic foot neuropathy has been to control pain and stop more nerve damage with drugs, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy.

The traditional treatments might offer you some relief, however, you can still experience chronic pain and restricted movement.

On the other hand, new treatments are providing fresh hope, even for individuals with chronic neuropathy. Low-level laser therapy is one such innovative approach which stimulates cellular regeneration and repair by using particular light wavelengths.

How Does Laser Therapy for Neuropathy Work?

Laser therapy uses photons. These are delivered to injured nerves and surrounding tissues as part of low-level laser therapy. Cells absorb this light energy, which sets off a series of advantageous effects:

Increased ATP production, providing more energy for cellular repair
Improved blood flow and microcirculation
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
Stimulation of growth factors that support nerve regeneration

A 2017 study discovered that LLLT dramatically reduced pain and enhanced nerve function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. When compared to placebo treatments, the researchers found that nerve conduction velocity improved and neuropathy symptoms decreased.

Strategies to Improve Mobility with Chronic Foot Neuropathy

When it comes to restoring mobility in patients with chronic foot neuropathy, a multifaceted approach frequently produces the best outcomes, even though cutting-edge therapies like laser therapy can be revolutionary. These are important tactics to think about:

1. Explore Laser Therapy Options

If your neuropathy hasn’t improved much after years of suffering, it might be time to look into laser therapy. In contrast to pharmaceuticals, which frequently have adverse effects, laser therapy is painless and non-invasive.

Advanced laser treatments for persistent neuropathy are the area of expertise for Restore Podiatry. Their strategy goes beyond treating symptoms; it seeks to strengthen nerve function and enhance general foot health.

2. Practice Proper Foot Care

Protecting your feet is essential when dealing with neuropathy. This includes:

Daily foot inspections to check for cuts, blisters, or sores
Wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes
Keeping feet clean and moisturized (but not between toes)
Regular toenail trimming to prevent ingrown nails

For those with severe neuropathy, custom orthotics or specialized footwear may be necessary to redistribute pressure and prevent ulcers.

3. Manage Blood Sugar Levels

For diabetic neuropathy, tight glycemic control is crucial. A landmark study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, showed that intensive blood sugar management reduced the risk of developing neuropathy by 60% in people with type 1 diabetes. Work closely with your healthcare team to optimize your diabetes management plan.

4. Take into Account Nutritional Support

Some nutrients are essential for the proper health and normal functioning of the nerves. Although further studies are required, certain studies indicate possible advantages to:

Alpha-lipoic acid: An effective antioxidant which enhances the function of nerves
B-complex vitamins: Critical in response to the health and repair of the nerves
Omega-3 fatty acids: Can be effective in reducing inflammation

These and other supplements should only be taken after talking first to your healthcare provider since they may affect how other medications work.

How Can Laser Therapy Help in Long-Term Neuropathy Management?

Laser therapy is an encouraging alternative for enhancing your ability to move and quality of life if you have endured chronic foot neuropathy for several years. In contrast to conventional therapies which often emphasize only on relief of symptoms, most especially pain which is the major complaint, laser therapy aims at correcting the damage of nerves.

Among the various advantages seen with the use of laser therapy to treat neuropathy damage include:

Treatment sessions that are safe and do not involve any invasive techniques or painful tissues.
When done correctly, there are no adverse effects associated with the procedure.
Ability to restore nerve functioning rather than just relieving the signs.
They may also be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment and lifestyle modification.

Conclusion

Living with chronic foot neuropathy does not need you to accept limited mobility as the new normal. With improvements in therapies such as laser therapy and a more complete approach to care, folks who have been battling for years now have new hope.

Schedule your consultation with Restore Podiatry to learn how laser therapy and personalized care can help improve your mobility. Visit us online to book your appointment now!

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Have any questions or concerns? Our team at Restore Podiatry is here to help! Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be happy to assist you with expert advice and personalized care.