Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is a common complication of diabetes. It’s estimated that about a half of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy (affecting the legs and feet, sometimes also the arms and hands), and about a third develop autonomic neuropathy (affecting the nerves that control internal organs). People with diabetic neuropathy can either lose sensation or experience unpleasant sensations, such as pain and tingling, in the affected body parts.

Depending on the degree of nerve damage, diabetic neuropathy can interfere with your daily activities and lead to anxiety and depression. To avoid further nerve damage, take your diabetes medicines as prescribed and follow your general treatment plan. Also, you can try a few home remedies to relieve the symptoms caused by diabetic neuropathy.

Below we list six home remedies for diabetic neuropathy and a few additional tips to help you manage the condition.

6 home remedies for diabetic neuropathy

Here are a few home remedies that may work to ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy:

1. Massage

Gently massaging your limbs can help improve blood circulation and relieve the pain associated with diabetic nerve damage. Massage the affected areas for 5-10 minutes a few times daily. You can use massage oils or coconut oil to make the experience more pleasant and relaxing.

2. Capsaicin cream

Capsaicin, an active substance found naturally in some hot peppers, can help relieve diabetic nerve pain and other kinds of pain. Apply the cream on the affected areas a few times daily. You should use an applicator to apply the cream, as some amount of it can linger on your hands even after washing, and it can cause burning pain if you accidentally touch your eyes. Also, you shouldn’t apply the cream on broken skin.

3. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplement

There is evidence that taking 600 to 1,800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid can help relieve the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and improve nerve function. Ask your doctor whether it’s OK for you to use this supplement, and what is the amount of the supplement you can take.

4. Increasing your intake of B vitamins

Vitamin B complex (especially vitamins B12 and B6) help your nerves function properly. Review your diet to make sure you’re eating enough of these vitamins. Also, you can take a vitamins B supplement.

5. Warm baths

Taking a warm bath can improve circulation in the affected body parts and relieve the pain. Soak in a warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes daily to ease your symptoms, just make sure that the water is warm, not hot. Also, you can add Epsom salt to your baths for more benefits.

6. Ginger

Ginger root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can relieve diabetic nerve pain to some extent. Drink a few cups of ginger tea daily or take a ginger supplement. If you have any concerns about this remedy, consult your doctor before using it.

A few additional tips to manage diabetic neuropathy

In addition to conventional treatments and home remedies, you can take measures to keep diabetic neuropathy under control:

• check your blood sugar levels regularly and make sure they stay within your target range;
• exercise regularly to improve blood circulation, stay at a healthy weight, and lower your blood sugar;
• eat a diabetes-friendly diet to avoid dramatic spikes in your blood sugar levels;
• don’t smoke, as smoking can further damage your nerves and blood vessels;
• drink alcohol only in moderation if at all;
• always wear comfortable footwear that fits you well;
• examine your feet (especially the soles) and legs regularly to check for any wounds and sores;
• try acupuncture (administered by a certified practitioner), as it’s one of the complementary treatments that has been proven to relieve diabetic nerve pain.

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.