Brain & Nervous System Health Center

continued...

You may have physical therapy to increase muscle strength and help build muscle control. Over-the-counter medicine can relieve mild nerve pain. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to help with severe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Adopting healthy habits can reduce the effects of peripheral neuropathy. Be sure to eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking.

It's also a good idea to take care to avoid injury.

• When your feet or legs feel numb, it's easier to lose your balance and fall. At home:
  • Remove throw rugs and clutter.
  • Install sturdy handrails on stairways.
  • Put grab bars near your shower, bathtub, and toilet.
• To protect your hands:
  • Use pot holders, and avoid hot water when you are cooking.
  • Always check your bath or shower using a part of your body that can feel temperature normally, such as your elbow.
• Check your feet every day (or have someone else check for you) using this checklist:
  • Look at all areas of your feet, including your toes.
  • Use a handheld mirror or a magnifying mirror attached to the bathroom wall near the baseboard to inspect your feet.