Neuropathy Relief to Sleep Well at Night

When you can’t fall asleep you can start at 100 and count backwards, turn the light on and read, get up and watch TV for a bit, or get a snack. Difficulty sleeping can be very frustrating and affect your lifestyle, causing fatigue during the day and affecting your mood and ability to concentrate. There are many reasons for insomnia, but if you live with nerve damage, neuropathy relief may increase your ability to get a good night’s rest.

As we mentioned above, lack of sleep can greatly affect your overall health and your general alertness and productivity, making it important to get to the bottom of it. Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, occurs as a result of nerve damage. It can happen in many areas of the body, and at our office we often see it as a condition among our patients with diabetes. High levels of blood sugar can lead to nerve damage and result in pain, tingling, numbness, burning, and extreme sensitivity to touch.

There a few reasons neuropathy tends to affect sleep patterns. First of all, the symptoms alone can be enough to keep you from falling asleep. While you are busy during the day, you may not be as aware of your discomfort as when you are lying quietly. You may find that you focus more on the pain while trying to fall asleep, and sleep deprivation may even lower your tolerance level.

Improving your daytime habits is the best place to start for a good night of rest. Take good care of your feet, maintain a healthy diet, and monitor your blood sugar levels. Limit your caffeine intake and avoid smoking. Create a comfortable sleeping environment and develop a relaxing bedtime ritual—maybe a warm bath, light reading,  or some breathing exercises. It may help to elevate your bed sheets so they aren’t in direct contact with your legs and feet.

Whether you have diabetes or not, Dr. Powers has specialized training for treatment and a cure for the burning pain of neuropathy. If your symptoms are not improving and you need neuropathy relief to regain your quality of life, we can help. Contact Kevin J. Powers, DPM at our office in Bloomington, IN by calling (812) 333-4422.

Protect Your Feet from Neuropathy and Other Complications

When the body experiences high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes, the nerves in the feet and ankles can be damaged. While certain individuals will not experience any of the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, some will develop tingling, burning, sharp pain, cramps, extreme sensitivity when touched, and a loss of coordination and balance. By taking the proper precautions and protecting your feet, you can reduce your risk for developing neuropathy, poor circulation, and other complications.

Let no sore go unnoticed. If left untreated, small problems can lead to disastrous tribulations associated with infection and even amputation. Diabetes leads to poor circulation and numbness in the feet, which means that ulcers and infections take longer to heal. You can protect your feet by following these preventative measures:

• No smoking. Smoking is known for decreasing blood flow in the small blood vessels of your lower limbs. This slows the healing process.
• Daily self-examinations are a must! Check your limbs for anything out of the ordinary. Have you noticed any redness or changes in temperature? Has the cut been taking an abnormally long time to heal? Check for swelling, tingling, and numbness. These are all things that should be noted and discussed with your podiatrist.
• Be careful when exercising! Stay away from running or jogging and opt for an exercise bike or pool exercises instead.
• Avoid the use of harsh chemicals such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, astringent, and iodine on your feet. Instead, wash your feet with lukewarm water. Gently pat them dry and apply moisturizer daily.
• Socks and shoes are your friends. Your shoes should be sturdy and comfortable. Nothing should be too tight or apply too much pressure or friction. Be sure to check them before placing your feet inside, as there may be a stone or pebble that could scratch your skin. Opt for white fabric socks that show blood spots or other fluid to alarm you of something is awry.

Avoid anything that can hurt your feet. If something does happen, our office in Bloomington, IN, can help. If you’re experiencing the neuropathy symptoms described above, make an appointment with Dr. Kevin Powers by calling (812) 333-4422 today!