Many individuals who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy can often experience both depression and anxiety. The predictors can often present in a variety of manners, such as psychological variables and social variables.
Many patients choose to dwell and live in a world of “what might have been.” They also tend to suffer from self-pity, resulting in the ruminating on those better times in years gone by, which does not help provide an escape from the stress-inducing state of the illness.
However, with the proper management and coping with neuropathy symptoms, one may be better able to function in their day-to-day life.
Managing Your Peripheral Neuropathy
- Feet Health
This is especially necessary for those individuals who are also dealing with diabetes. You should set a routine of checking your feet each day, looking for the presence of any blisters, calluses, or cuts. Forgo the wearing of tight-fitting shoes, and socks, as these will tend to worsen associated pain and tingling, which can cause sores to develop that will not heal. Loose, cotton blend socks, and padded shoes are your best option. If you are experiencing feet that are hot or sensitive at night, you can employ the use of a semicircular hoop available at most medical supply stores that will hold your bed covers above your feet.
- Toss Those Cigarettes
Cigarettes have long been known to affect the circulation system of the body, and as such, can significantly increase the number of foot problems, and even possibly result in amputation.
- Eat Healthy
For those individuals that are known to be in the high-risk group for neuropathy or present with a chronic medical condition, engaging in a healthy diet is especially vital. An emphasis needs to be placed on low-fat meats and dairy products, with the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well. If drinking alcohol, make sure to do so in moderation.
- Massage
Take time several times a day to massage not only your feet but your hands as well. If you are not able to massage them yourself, have someone do it for you. Massage is an excellent way to improve the body’s circulation while stimulating the nerves as well. It is also known to be a fantastic means of temporarily relieving pain.
- Avoid Physical Pressure
Try to remain mindful of how much time you spend at keeping your knees and legs crossed, or that of leaning on your elbows. Performing these motions for extended periods of time can result in creating new nerve damage.
Coping With Your Peripheral Neuropathy
When living with chronic pain, or any type of a disability, there are undoubtedly challenges to be faced on a daily basis. However, there are tips that can help make it easier for you to cope.
- Prioritize
Make a list of which tasks needing done, and assign them to a specific day. This can include paying the household bills or going grocery shopping. Decide which are needing to be done now, and which can wait for another day. Remember, it is important that you try to stay active, but vital that you do not overdo it.
- Acceptance
Once you accept the existence of the illness, you will then be better able to make a plan to move forward. You will find, once you find what works for you, you will have a somewhat more positive outlook.
- Look To The Positive
Although trying to draw positivity from PN is not the first idea that pops into your mind, it can still be achieved. With a more positive outlook, not only will you be better able to handle your PN, but it can go a significant way to helping you to maintain a more balanced schedule and a much healthier lifestyle.
- Get Out
More often than not, when we experience severe pain, we are prone to wanting to be alone. But, that only serves to allow us to focus even more on that pain. To help get it off your mind, try visiting family or friends, taking a walk, or checking out the latest movie.
- Get Moving
Through the process of maintaining an exercise program, you will be able to work through some of the pain you are experiencing. Not only is the exercise an activity you can control, but it adds extra beneficial side effects to both your physical and emotional well-being.
- Seek Out Support
The most important thing to remember is that asking for and accepting help when needed is not a weakness. Along with the support of both family and friends, consider joining a chronic pain support group with individuals that can relate to what you are going through. Granted support groups aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they can be beneficial in hearing about various cooping techniques or treatments from another individual’s perspective.
- Be Prepared
If you know that an situation is coming up that will be especially stressful on your system, making preparations ahead of time will aid in your being able to cope and get through. It is always better to be prepared than not. When trying the above techniques, don’t expect results overnight. It may take as many as three to four weeks before you begin to see an improvement.
In most cases, peripheral neuropathy is not reversible. However, if care and dedication are taken, it can be manageable. Coping with PN is a marathon, not a sprint, and as such, remember you are in it for the long run.
