Peripheral Neuropathy - How To Avoid It?

The sensation of pain and numbness are quite common in patients suffering from high blood sugar. If you are suffering from nerve damage from high blood sugar, chances are you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The discomfort can affect your mood and overall quality of life. But with some easy to follow steps can help you keep peripheral neuropathy under control.

1. Keep your blood sugar levels under control: Your first task is to manage your blood sugar levels under control and with the passage of time it will damage the peripheral nerves and pave the way for diabetic neuropathy. If you can keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, you will be able to reduce the risk of nerve damage by about 60 percent. You should talk to your doctor first since a rapid drop in the blood sugar levels can prove to be even worse.
2. Get the right level of Vitamin D: Your skin functions by producing Vitamin D in response to sunlight and it is immensely helpful in shielding against nerve pain. It has been found people who have lower levels of this nutrient are more likely to suffer from more pain. In case it is hard to get the recommended daily intake from food only, you will have to take supplement pills.
3. Keep away from smoking: We all know that smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict which hampers circulation. If you don’t quit smoking, your peripheral nerves may not be able to nutrient-rich blood which would make pain worse.
4. Take a warm bath: Warm water is not just relaxing, it can also improve circulation all through the body. It can provide instant relief. But it is worthy of mention here that since diabetic neuropathy leads to loss of sensation, you should ensure that the water isn’t too hot before you jump in.
5. Seek resort to over the counter medications: There is a host of painkillers available for easing mild to moderate ache stemming from diabetic neuropathy. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and acetaminophen. But before taking any of these pills, you should consult with an expert who can choose the right medicine for you.
6. Get up and move: Exercise can combat pain in a variety of ways. It helps in keeping blood sugar levels under control which, in turn, can hinder nerve damage. Workout increases blood flow to the extremities while also uplifting your mood. It will help you get rid of stress so that you can better deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. In a study conducted by the University of Kansas, it was found that people who exercise regularly didn’t face any trouble in doing daily activities.
7. Consider carpal tunnel surgery: When the patient is suffering from localized peripheral nerve compression that affects the hands, carpal tunnel surgery can be considered as a last resort to achieve pain relief, reduced incidence of ulceration, increased range of movement and balance, preservation of limbs and improved quality of life.

With these few tips, you will be able to manage the peripheral neuropathy better.