Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires constant vigilance to stay on top of symptoms. The feet and toes are especially susceptible to the ravages of long-term high blood sugar, and this can lead to various levels of diabetic nerve pain in the feet. Your diabetes may cause pain in one foot, one or more toes or both feet at the same time. One thing is for sure; when the pain comes, it can be extremely unpleasant, and it may even be debilitating.

Managing diabetic foot pain when it occurs is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You want to be able to nip this pain in the bud as quickly as possible so that you can get back to doing the things you enjoy. The following useful information can help you discover various types of diabetic foot pain treatment for an at-home self-care plan.

Common Foot Pain Symptoms

Recognizing the most common types of foot pain caused by high blood sugar is a part of understanding when treatment is necessary. You may experience any of the following symptoms:

Increased foot sensitivity. You feel pain in your foot with the slightest touch or when you put weight on it.

Numbness. You notice that your feet can barely feel any sensations of cold, hot or pain.

Burning or tingling. Your feet feel like they are being burned from the inside or there is tingling throughout the foot or toe.

Cramps or pain. Putting pressure on your feet causes painful cramping or you feel sharp pains.

Infections. An area of the foot turns red and there is a feeling of warmth along with painful swelling or red streaks.

Ulcers. A reddish crater forms on the side of the foot, bottom of the foot or on a toe. Callused, thick skin may border the ulcer and a foul-smelling discharge may ooze from the ulcer.

Remedies for Managing Diabetic Foot Pain

There are various ways to approach diabetic foot pain treatment, and your choice of home remedies for diabetic nerve pain, or ulcer pain, may involve using more than one type of remedy.

Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in your body. It can also be found in certain foods such as red meat, organ meat, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach and rice bran. Studies show that ALA lowers blood sugar levels. Supplements containing this fat and water-soluble acid are also available and if you choose to take them it’s best to follow dosage recommendations.

Pain-Reducing Creams

Diabetic foot pain relief comes in the form of formulated creams that can be relied upon to reduce or eliminate pain and other symptoms. Look for homeopathic foot cream formulas that absorb quickly into the skin and treat several symptoms at the same time.

Soothing Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a timeless home remedy for all sorts of foot issues. Typically, this treatment involves soaking one or both feet in a foot basin filled with Epsom salt and water. If you don’t want to deal with foot soaking, you can get the same kind of soothing relief with a foot rub containing Epsom salt.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.