Diabetic neuropathy can lead to several complications for your daily life, as it creates sharp pain in key areas of your body like wrists, feet, or back. After getting a diagnosis, it’s important to learn all the small ways in which you can make a big difference.
Our experts at Space City Pain have compiled a list of the 5 best tips you can implement right away to help you navigate diabetic neuropathy in Webster, Texas.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Diabetic Neuropathy
While an appropriate treatment plan for diabetic neuropathy will include professional help, there are several routine changes you can implement. These will help you manage your symptoms, get better care of your nerves, and prevent further damage while you also follow your medical plan.
#1 Maintain Optimal Blood Sugar Levels
Since diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common diabetic complications, it’s safe to say that your blood sugar levels play an important role in it. Having consistently high blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and nerves, which leads to neuropathy.
If you already suffer from this condition, your glycemic control will help you reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Consequently, you will be preventing further damage and higher pain levels.
#2 Regular Exercise
While anyone can benefit from a persistent exercise routine, this is particularly important for neuropathy patients. Low impact activity such as walking, swimming, and certain types of yoga, can help improve your circulation, and reduce inflammation and stress, which ultimately leads to less nerve-related pain.
#3 Have a Balanced Diet
We all know that high-sugar and processed foods have negative effects on our well-being and nerve function. However, what specific foods can we add to our daily menu that can help us keep our nerve health on track? Some ideas are:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in B vitamins
- Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines have omega-3 fatty acids
- Berries are high in antioxidants, which protect nerves from oxidative stress
- Bananas have potassium, which helps regulate nerve impulses
- Nuts and seeds like almonds and walnuts are also great omega-3 fatty acids sources
Other ideas are avocados, sweet potatoes, whole grains, citrus fruits, and more!
#4 Manage Your Stress
High stress levels definitely affect your physical health and can exacerbate symptoms from preexisting conditions… like neuropathy, for example. Depending on your preferences and needs, there are several strategies you can try and mix for an improved state of mind. Our favorites are:
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Counseling
- Spending time with your loved ones
- Physical activity
- And any other one that can help you clear your mind!
#5 Live and Work in Comfortable Environments
There are different physical adjustments you can make in your regular life that can prevent your neuropathy from developing further and creating permanent damage. For example, you can have cushioned furniture around your house for added comfort. Improving your working setup with an ergonomic chair or wrist cushions can also make a great difference.
Medical Interventions for Diabetic Neuropathy in Webster, Texas
While routine changes are essential for living with diabetic neuropathy, the truth is that medical help will make the biggest difference for your day-to-day life. After having an initial consultation and getting your diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe you with medications and supplements that can help alleviate pain.
Nonetheless, care doesn’t stop at the drugstore counter: at Space City Pain, we offer cutting-edge treatments so you can eradicate nerve pain and enjoy a more comfortable life. For example, one of our most common procedures is spinal cord stimulation. Its goal is to interrupt pain signals sent to your brain.
Our Approach at Space City Pain
We know how uncomfortable and incapacitating it can be to live with nerve pain. Not only that, but the feeling of having no control over your body and its ailments can lead to increased levels of frustration and anxiety. These tips can help you take the lead in your health and take you further on your recovery path.
Our board certified healthcare providers have made Space City Pain a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff excels at providing pain relief to patients. If you are looking to get back to your old self and a pain-free life, book an appointment by calling 281-338-4443 or send us a message online today.
We don’t manage pain, we treat it.
