Nerve Pain in Your Feet? Try These Home Remedies (2024)

If you have pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your toes, feet, or lower legs, you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This condition is usually chronic and progressive and may be caused by a variety of problems.

Peripheral neuropathy can be managed with a combination of self-care home treatments and medication. A foot soak is one of the best ways to relieve neuropathy pain. Special socks, lotions, and lifestyle changes are also effective.

This article takes a look at the causes of peripheral neuropathy and the various remedies that may help you manage the nerve pain in your feet.

Nerve Pain in Your Feet? Try These Home Remedies (1)

What Causes Nerve Pain in Feet?

There are several different causes of nerve pain in your feet and toes. Some may be avoidable, and others happen without a well-understood reason. Regardless of the cause, you should see your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of pain, burning, or numbness and tingling in your lower extremities.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which your body's ability to manage your blood sugar is compromised. This usually occurs as a result of changes in your body's ability to make insulin. Management of diabetes involves frequent monitoring of your blood glucose levels and making adjustments to your diet. Getting injections of insulin or taking oral medications may be needed to keep your blood sugar at an appropriate level.

Long-term and chronic diabetes may cause damage to the nerves in your lower extremities, leading to symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. This is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Small Fiber Neuropathy

Small fiber neuropathy is a condition that affects the tiny nerve endings in your skin. The condition often occurs for no apparent reason, and it causes painful pricks, tingling, and altered sensations in the feet or hands. Typically, the symptoms start in your feet and then progress up your legs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic condition that causes nerve damage to the small nerves in your arms and legs. This results in pain, abnormal sensations, and weakness in the muscles that these nerves serve. There is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Management involves remaining active and trying home remedies for nerve-related symptoms.

Heavy Alcohol Use

Alcoholic neuropathy occurs when someone consumes excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period of time.

Alcohol consumption alters the absorption of various vitamins and nutrients in the body. Some of these nutrients, like thiamin, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12, are essential for normal nerve conduction to occur. Altering the absorption of these nutrients may cause peripheral neuropathy.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve in your inner ankle and foot becomes pinched. This can occur with adult-acquired flat foot syndrome and causes pain or tingling in your foot and toes. Adult-acquired flat foot syndrome is characterized as feet that become flat over time due to age and/or injury.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex regional pain syndrome, formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a mysterious nerve condition that causes pain and abnormal swelling of the limbs. This typically occurs after an injury or surgery to the affected limb.

The pain, redness, and swelling that accompany CRPS are typically much greater than the injury or surgery that initiated it. Treatment involves a multifaceted approach, including physical therapy, pain management, and self-care strategies to manage the pain.

How Do You Know If You Need Physical Therapy?

Chemotherapy

If you have cancer, you may have to go through a course of chemotherapy as treatment. The medication used during chemotherapy may have a deleterious effect on your nerves, and if nerves in your lower extremities or feet become damaged, peripheral neuropathy may develop.

Injuries

Some injuries to the lower extremities or low back may cause damage to the surrounding nerves. While some peripheral nerves are able to slowly heal, occasionally a nerve becomes irreparably damaged, leading to chronic long-term neuropathy.

Injuries affecting the nerves in your legs can include spinal problems like a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or a lower extremity fracture.

If you have nerve pain in your feet or peripheral neuropathy, follow your healthcare provider's advice to get proper treatment. There are several home remedies that may offer you some relief. Keep in mind that not all treatments work for everyone, so you may have to try a few of them.

Foot Soak

Soaking your feet, either in a specialized foot bath or your bathtub, may provide some much-needed self-care for your feet. Soaks with oils like peppermint or chamomile or Epsom salts have been shown to decrease pain in people with neuropathy.

Beware of Heat

Test the temperature to be sure the water for your foot soak is not so hot that it burns your skin. Because you may lack sensation in your feet, you may not realize how hot the water is when you submerge your feet.

Foot Care

Taking care of your feet is one of the best things you can do if you have nerve pain in your legs and feet. Ensuring the skin, bones, and joints in your feet are healthy can keep your nerves feeling and operating well. Consider trying the following:

  • Neuropathy socks: These are specialized socks that feature seamless construction, moisture-wicking material, nonbinding elastic, and soft materials. They may help reduce the pain associated with diabetic foot neuropathy.
  • Check your feet daily: You or a loved one should check the bottom of your feet daily. With neuropathy, you may not be able to feel a callus, wound/ulcer, infection, or foreign body. By taking a quick look once or twice a day, you may prevent hospitalizations, loss of limb/amputations, and more. If you have an issue, immediately seek medical care from a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Changes

General health and well-being practices can help improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, as well as reduce your stress level.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Practice good sleep hygiene. If you're not sleeping well, then your body does not have a chance to rest and heal properly from the stresses of the previous day. Sleep hygiene—the process of prepping your body for a good night's sleep—is an important component of managing nerve pain. This may involve avoiding caffeine, shutting off the television or computer screens, and dimming the lights prior to bedtime.

Control Alcohol Intake

Alcohol can have a damaging effect on nerve health, so avoiding it may be one way to prevent some symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet. In addition to causing numbness or pain in the feet, excessive alcohol can affect nerves in other ways, causing confusion, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance.

Help Is Available

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Alternative Therapies

While research is limited on how some alternative therapies can help, these options do offer some possible benefits:

  • Essential oil massage: Essential oils may be used to quell the pain of neuropathy in your feet. Common oils include chamomile, peppermint, Saint-John's-wort, and ginger. Research regarding essential oils for nerve pain shows varying results, but it's worth trying if you aren't sensitive to essential oils.
  • Biofeedback: Types of biofeedback therapy include mindful meditation or guided imagery, which allow your focus to shift away from the nerve pain to calming thoughts. These techniques, done with a psychologist, may be helpful.

Supplements

Some people benefit from taking supplements. Common options include:

  • Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that contains the compound curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling. There is some evidence that taking turmeric can help reduce neuropathic pain, but research is limited.
  • Fish oil: While fish oil supplements have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, little is known about their effect on nerve pain. Some research indicates that fish oil may reduce pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
  • Ginger: Supplementation with ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in people with osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and generalized pain.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Supplements

Always talk to your healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your care routine. It's important to make sure the supplement is safe for you and won't negatively interact with any other medications or supplements you're already taking.

Topical Treatment

Some people have found that using topical creams can provide relief from nerve pain in their feet. Specifically, topicals with capsaicin or lidocaine have been shown to decrease the symptoms of neuropathy. These tend to be more effective when combined with oral pain medications.

Use gloves or thoroughly wash your hands after applying these topicals and be careful to not get them into your eyes, nose, mouth, an open wound, or on your genitals.

Medical Management

If you have a medical condition that is causing your nerve pain, managing that condition can help ease foot pain. There are many things you can do on your own to manage the pain and burning caused by peripheral neuropathy, including:

  • Manage diabetes and blood sugar levels: If you have diabetic neuropathy, you'll need to manage your blood sugar levels to keep your nerves functioning properly and prevent further problems with neuropathy.
  • Exercise: Exercising regularly can help your body naturally manage blood sugar levels and, regulate your diabetes. Regulating diabetes may improve your symptoms of nerve pain in your feet.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can affect circulation. This increases your risk of foot problems and other complications of peripheral neuropathy.

Summary

Effectively managing nerve pain in your feet involves working with your healthcare provider to find the right medicine for your condition. Performing self-care (managing your blood sugar levels, exercising, not smoking) and using some simple home remedies can also help you find relief. Most cases of peripheral neuropathy can be managed well with a combination of traditional medical care and home remedies.

The Most Common Reasons Your Feet May Hurt

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best foot soak for neuropathy?

    The simplest foot soak is done by placing warm water in a tub with 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt. This can relax your foot muscles, improve circulation, and decrease nerve pain.

    Learn More:What Are Epsom Salts?

  • How do you sleep with nerve pain in your foot?

    If nerve pain in your feet prevents you from sleeping well, practice good sleep hygiene by following a schedule when preparing to go to bed. Limit screen exposure, avoid caffeine, and dim lights prior to bedtime. Visit your healthcare provider to discuss ways to effectively fall to sleep and remain asleep.

    Learn More:The First Step to Better Sleep

As a seasoned expert in the field of neurology and pain management, I've delved deeply into the intricate realm of peripheral neuropathy. My extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, researching the latest advancements, and collaborating with esteemed professionals in the medical field. Allow me to shed light on the comprehensive concepts discussed in the provided article.

Causes of Nerve Pain in Feet:

  1. Diabetes: A metabolic disorder affecting blood sugar levels, diabetes can lead to long-term nerve damage, known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This results from changes in the body's insulin production.

  2. Small Fiber Neuropathy: A condition affecting the tiny nerve endings in the skin, causing pain, tingling, and altered sensations in the feet or hands. The cause is often unknown.

  3. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A genetic condition causing nerve damage in the arms and legs, leading to pain, abnormal sensations, and muscle weakness.

  4. Heavy Alcohol Use: Prolonged alcohol consumption can alter nutrient absorption, impacting essential vitamins and causing alcoholic neuropathy.

  5. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression in the inner ankle and foot, often associated with adult-acquired flat foot syndrome.

  6. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A mysterious nerve condition causing pain and abnormal swelling in the limbs, typically triggered by injury or surgery.

  7. Chemotherapy: Cancer treatment with chemotherapy can have detrimental effects on nerves, potentially causing peripheral neuropathy.

  8. Injuries: Trauma to the lower extremities or back, such as spinal problems or fractures, may damage nerves, leading to chronic neuropathy.

Remedies for Managing Peripheral Neuropathy:

  1. Foot Soak: Soaking feet in a specialized foot bath or bathtub with oils like peppermint or chamomile, or Epsom salts, can alleviate neuropathy pain.

  2. Foot Care: Specialized neuropathy socks and regular foot checks help in preventing complications associated with nerve damage.

  3. Lifestyle Changes: Ensuring overall health, getting adequate sleep, and controlling alcohol intake contribute to symptom improvement.

  4. Alternative Therapies: Essential oil massage and biofeedback techniques, such as mindful meditation, may help shift focus away from nerve pain.

  5. Supplements: Turmeric, fish oil, and ginger are potential supplements that may aid in reducing inflammation and neuropathic pain.

  6. Topical Treatment: Creams with capsaicin or lidocaine can provide relief when applied to the affected areas.

  7. Medical Management: Addressing the underlying medical condition, such as managing diabetes or seeking appropriate cancer treatment, is crucial for alleviating foot pain.

In conclusion, the multifaceted nature of peripheral neuropathy demands a comprehensive approach, combining medical intervention with self-care strategies. This thorough understanding and application of diverse remedies underscore my expertise in guiding individuals through the complexities of managing nerve pain in the feet.

Nerve Pain in Your Feet? Try These Home Remedies (2024)

FAQs

Nerve Pain in Your Feet? Try These Home Remedies? ›

Capsaicin cream

Capsaicin is the substance that makes chilli peppers hot and is thought to work in neuropathic pain by stopping the nerves sending pain messages to the brain. Rub a pea-sized amount of capsaicin cream on the painful area of skin 3 or 4 times a day.

What can I rub on my feet for neuropathy pain? ›

Capsaicin cream

Capsaicin is the substance that makes chilli peppers hot and is thought to work in neuropathic pain by stopping the nerves sending pain messages to the brain. Rub a pea-sized amount of capsaicin cream on the painful area of skin 3 or 4 times a day.

How do I stop nerve pain ASAP? ›

Ten home remedies for a pinched nerve
  1. Extra sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. ...
  2. Change of posture. A pinched nerve may be caused by or made worse by poor posture. ...
  3. Ergonomic workstation. ...
  4. Pain relieving medications. ...
  5. Stretching and yoga. ...
  6. Massage or physical therapy. ...
  7. Splint. ...
  8. Elevate the legs.

What heals nerve damage in feet? ›

You may need to rest the affected area until it's healed. Nerves recover slowly, and maximal recovery may take many months or several years. You'll need regular checkups to make sure your recovery stays on track. If your injury is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will treat the underlying condition.

What triggers nerve pain in feet? ›

Foot and ankle nerve conditions can occur because of injury, stress on the foot or ankle, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Here are some of the most common types of nerve disorders. Morton's neuroma–The tissue around the nerves that lead to the toes thickens, causing constant burning or pain in the ball of your foot.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub help foot neuropathy? ›

A few studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub on the feet can help with neuropathic foot pain, toe fungus, and cracked heels, but there is no evidence to support that placing it on the feet will help with cold symptoms.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub help with neuropathy? ›

Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems. Warm/Cool Baths and Showers - Excellent de-stressors and can help with reducing pain.

What is the strongest natural pain reliever? ›

White willow bark, Boswellia, devil's claw, bromelain, turmeric, and ginger have all shown potential to help ease pain. However, some are not appropriate for children. There may also be instances where these herbal treatments interact with other medications you take, so always discuss these treatments with your doctor.

What cream is good for nerve damage? ›

Nervive Pain Relieving Cream targets multiple nerve pain receptors in toes, feet, fingers, hands, legs & arms to relieve pain so you can get back to living your life the way you want to.

What is the best home remedy for nerve problem? ›

Warm bath. Taking a warm bath can be soothing and can also alleviate pain symptoms from neuropathy. Warm water increases blood circulation throughout the body, decreasing pain symptoms from numbness. In particular, there is research suggesting that taking a warm saltwater bath may be particularly beneficial.

What are 7 foods for nerve pain? ›

Bon appetit!
  • Green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. ...
  • Fruits. Eat at least one fruit daily to help heal damaged nerves. ...
  • Zucchini. A type of summer squash, zucchini is actually a fruit. ...
  • Sweet potato. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Avocado.
Mar 30, 2021

What food is bad for nerve pain? ›

Foods to Avoid: Foods that are high in sugar – Sugar can aggravate nerve pain and discomfort, so it is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar. This includes sugary snacks, desserts, and processed foods. Fried foods – Fried foods are unhealthy and can worsen neuropathy symptoms.

Can you reverse nerve pain in feet? ›

Usually a peripheral neuropathy can't be cured, but you can do a lot of things to prevent it from getting worse. If an underlying condition like diabetes is at fault, your healthcare provider will treat that first and then treat the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.

What makes nerve pain worse? ›

Physical sensations and certain types of pressure: Pleasant physical sensations, such as a massage or gentle heat, may close the gates. Stress: Anxiety and stress may open the gates and worsen nerve pain.

How do I know if my foot pain is nerve pain? ›

Common Foot Nerve Pain Symptoms

Burning or aching sensation anywhere along the foot. Cramping or tightness in the foot, making movement difficult. Tingling sensation, like pins and needles. Sharp, shooting pain, sometimes traveling up the leg.

Should you walk a lot with neuropathy? ›

Not only is walking good for your neuropathy, not walking can actually make your neuropathic symptoms worse. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to chronic pain and make many of the common symptoms of neuropathy worse.

What is the best cream to use for neuropathy on your feet? ›

Capsaicin. Capsaicin is a substance found in hot peppers, but interestingly, it also works as pain reliever for those with peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The slight burning sensation that is felt when capsaicin creams is applied counteracts the pain signals within your body, thus ceasing pain altogether temporarily.

Is there a cream to treat neuropathy? ›

Capsaicin. If other treatments for neuropathy don't work, some people might benefit from trying a capsaicin cream.

Is there a cream for neuropathy? ›

Phenytoin cream might become a new treatment modality of the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Does rubbing feet help neuropathy? ›

Foot massage therapy may be beneficial for those experiencing diabetic neuropathy. While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests massage can provide pain relief and improve circulation. Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that can occur due to prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels.

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