Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar and diabetes. It leads to numbness, loss of sensation, and often pain in your feet, legs or hands. It is one of the most common complications of diabetes.
The key to prevention and managing Peripheral Neuropathy is to effectively managing your diabetes. Over and above this there are many things that can be done to improve and manage the condition:
Balance
Practicing balance and increasing the difficulty of certain tasks can result in very good benefits for those with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. Improved balance also allows one to exercise
- Balance on one leg – stand next to a stable object in case balance falters. Attempt to balance on each leg for 30 seconds without holding on to a stationary object.
- Practice getting out of a chair slowly by using your arms to help steady yourself. This exercise can be easily repeated several times to build confidence and strength
- Tippy Toes – standing close to a stable stationary object (a desk or a chair), slowly rise up on your toes and hold that position as long as you can (eventually without using your arms). Repeat 3 times a day to slowly increase time on your toes
- Walk a tight rope – okay perhaps not. But the principle is the same. Practice walking heel to toe along a line of tiles.
Exercise
For many diabetics with peripheral neuropathy, a regular exercise programme is something you haven’t done for a while. It greatly improves the condition though so is important to introduce into daily life
- Start slow to overcome fear – start gradually and build up the exercise time each session. Choose something fun that you enjoy so that it is less daunting. Working out with a friend is great for motivation
- Low impact – exercise such as as swimming, water aerobics, yoga, or tai chi which help you improve balance and relaxation
- Keep consistent. Even if you are only doing very small amounts, keep regular and you will see improvement in strength
Foot Care
Caring for your feet is one of the most important aspects in preventing and managing peripheral neuropathy
- Ensure you wear a pair of good-fitting shoes to avoid foot problems such as cuts, abrasions, and/or blisters
- Check your feet every day and apply a good natural cream such as Recharge your FEET designed specifically for Diabetic Feet, which
- a) increases circulation
- b) moisturises and hydrates the feet
Recharge your FEET is the only Herbal Foot Cream that is specially formulated for Diabetic Feet because it contains a combination of ingredients that work specifically on increasing circulation, and another group which ensure feet are kept hydrated and dry cracked feet are prevented.
Recharge DIABETICARE, a vitamin, mineral and herbal supplement, takes care of the unique nutrient requirements of diabetics thus promoting wellbeing and assisting with the symptoms associated with diabetes