Trauma, infections or other health conditions may cause neuropathy that often affects your lower limbs. The symptoms may include pain, tingling, burning, muscle weakness, or an electric sensation. Although more advanced and serious cases may be permanent, it’s often possible to repair damaged nerves in your feet with the proper treatment.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to manage the symptoms of neuropathy. Exercises will strengthen the muscles and increase joint flexibility in your feet. Your physical and rehabilitation therapist may also suggest hot/cold packs, medication, assistive devices, and other techniques to improve recovery. For more information on the most common ways to restore foot function after nerve damage, keep reading.
Repair Damaged Nerves in Your Feet
According to experts, lifestyle changes may repair nerve damage and improve its symptoms 1. These alterations include dietary changes to improve nervous system function, proper sleep habits, and medication to manage pain. Advanced conditions may need also need surgical procedures, such as direct nerve repair, nerve grafting, or nerve transfer 2. However, the following options are most commonly recommended to restore function.
Exercise
Studies show that the nerves in the body are highly vascularized, requiring steady blood flow for development 3. When the nerves in your feet are affected, restoring circulation helps repair the damage. Blood flow carries the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote regeneration.
Walking, swimming, cycling, and other low-impact exercises increase circulation to help improve neuropathy in the feet 4. Your doctor may also recommend hamstring stretches, toe curls, toe and heel raises, and other exercises targeting the foot and leg muscles 5.
Treat the underlying cause
Neuropathy has several possible causes, including medical conditions, trauma to the nerves, inflammation, and even alcohol use 6. Some of these issues are temporary, while others may be lifelong problems.
However, you may be able to repair damaged nerves in your feet by treating the condition causing it. For instance, halting the use of alcohol and incorporating lifestyle alterations often restores nerve function 7. Managing your blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure often reduces nerve damage in the feet caused by diabetes 8.
Massage
Massage is another possible treatment to repair the damaged nerves in your feet. Experts state that neuropathy compromises circulation by obstructing the blood vessels 9. Doing so slows the supply of blood and oxygen to the nerves, preventing nerve regeneration.
Massaging the feet and legs restores circulation to the affected area, reducing pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Trained massage therapists use various techniques to relax the muscles in the foot with minimal pain. With their guidance, you may also try massaging your feet at home to improve your recovery.
Stimulating the nerve
Recent studies show that electrical stimulation is beneficial for repairing damaged nerves in your feet 10. They state that these devices increase nerve tissue growth and accelerate sensory and motor function. Stimulation also reduces muscle atrophy, preventing further damage to the feet.
Electrical stimulation isn’t invasive and targets the feet directly. It may also offer long-term function restoration and pain relief. According to experts, many people see such results after only a few weeks. In some cases, stimulation is combined with other treatments for a faster recovery.
Resources:
- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, Pain Management & Treatments for PN
https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/ - Johns Hopkins Medicine, Surgical Repair of a Nerve
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/surgical-repair-nerve - Frontiers, April 19, 2022, Incorporating Blood Flow in Nerve Injury Regeneration Assessment
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.862478/full - LLUH, 4 Exercises to Reduce Chronic Nerve Pain
https://lluh.org/services/neuropathic-therapy-center/blog/4-exercises-reduce-chronic-nerve-pain# - OSUMC, Exercises for peripheral Neuropathy
https://healthsystem.osumc.edu/pteduc/docs/ExercisesPeripheralNeuropathy.pdf - NHS, Causes – Peripheral Neuropathy,
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/causes/ - MedlinePlus, Alcoholic neuropathy
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000714.htm - Health Direct, Diabetic Neuropathy
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diabetic-neuropathy - AMTA, Jan. 17, 2012, A Massage Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-today/massage-peripheral-neuropathy/ - PMC, Feb. 24, 2023, Electrical stimulation therapy for peripheral nerve injury
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9998520/
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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