Medical conditions that affect your nerves can cause a type of foot pain which is also called neuropathy. It may feel like burning and it may feel like a lack of sensation or numbness.
The drug Lyrica caused uncomfortable side effects for a reader and she asked for natural suggestions.
I am really biased about the benefits of massage therapy. But sometimes it’s hard to reach your own feet and lower legs so I’ve come up with some other self-help ideas, below.
Also, massage always feels better and more effective when someone else does it for us. But even when we do our own massage there are benefits.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
- Massage increases circulation of blood and lymph fluid.
- It helps create healthier tissues.
- It promotes healthier nerves.
- It acts as exercise. You don’t get the aerobic benefits but when your muscles are being massaged it is as though they are exercising.
- It creates a sense of feeling good even if you can’t feel it well in your feet and lower legs (or hands and arms.)
- Massage can move swelling away from the ankles and help relieve ‘stiffness’ in the muscles.
Some years ago, I was aware of a local doctor who was successfully treating patients who had neuropathy (nerve pain in feet) with a vibrational device or therapy machine.
Vibration is a form of massage. It has the benefits of massage BUT hands-on is always better than a mechanical tool.
Here are my suggestions:
1. If possible, have someone massage your lower legs and feet. If you can reach your own feet you can do this yourself. This is not deep, deep massage. Massage would start with some lubricant (typically oil) and the intent would be to warm and soften the tissue and move the layers of tissue and muscle as they begin to soften.
This process may take from 5 to 10 or 15 minutes on each leg. Adding lavender essential oil to your massage oil may have additional relaxation benefits.
2. You can use a tennis ball or similar ball as a massage tool. Roll a leg or foot on the ball without applying much pressure. Roll back and forth on the same area 3 to 5 times.
3. Use a vibrational device on the soles of your feet and the calf muscles.
4. Massage your legs in bed by rocking one foot from side to side. Do this ten times and then rest for ten seconds. Alternate legs. This will move the muscles all the way from foot to hip.
5. If you are diabetic, follow the diet recommendations closely.
6. Walking moves all of the muscles, too, and that helps them relax. It increases blood flow and lymph flow just as massage does. If you have comfortable shoes that don’t rub, you can walk. Walking also reduces pain because it kicks in the ‘feel good’ hormones if you walk far enough.
7. Using a topical analgesic may help, too. For one thing, when you apply it by hand you are actually massaging the tissues. For another, the sensation of the cream or lotion can distract you from the nerve pain. People who use capsaicin cream for several weeks often report a lessening of symptoms. But some people do NOT like the sensation of the capsaisin (hot peppers.)
8. I would also suggest supporting your muscles and nerves with a good, potent multi-vitamin and mineral supplement from a health food store.
9. Moving through the water in a swimming pool also acts like a massage for your legs and feet. Water also helps support your body weight and you may find it much easier to walk and move your legs and feet in water than on dry land.
Remember, I’m not a doctor.
Always try a new therapy thoughtfully and carefully. Pay attention to how your body is responding. I truly do enjoy seeing people feel better by using natural treatments.
But you do have to take action!
Just knowing what to do isn’t enough. Take action.
It is possible to feel some benefit with the first treatment. But treatments add up and you may feel even more benefit if you stick to it.
So there you have my suggestions on natural remedies to get rid of the nerve pain in your feet.
