How to Stand With Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy often results in a tingling, numb or painful sensation in your extremities. This is due to nerve damage. If your neuropathy is advanced, you may have problems standing normally. You may also have problems walking because your balance is affected. The healthiest way you can control this problem is to maintain a steady blood sugar level. Blood sugar spikes will worsen your neuropathy. In the meantime, there are a few simple tricks you can try to make standing easier.

Things You'll Need

• Pain relievers
• Capsaicin cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Stretch your feet and ankles slowly for a minute before trying to stand. This will help your blood circulation and may make it easier for you to stand. The Mayo Clinic also recommends that after you stand, you should tense the muscles in your legs. You can do this while placing one leg across the other, which will also increase circulation. You may need to hold onto something to steady yourself while you do this.

• 2

  Stand slowly. Diabetic neuropathy may cause dizziness when you change position suddenly. If you're standing from a prone position, sit up first, and then gradually stand up. Hold onto something, such as the wall, while standing up so that you don't fall over.

• 3

  Combat your neuropathy pain. If pain is keeping you from standing or walking properly, ask your doctor about your medication options. Some pain reliever options include gabapentin, pregabalin, phenytoin and tricyclic antidepressants. You could also try over-the-counter options, such as a capsaicin cream that is applied topically to the painful areas.

• 4

  Wear a shoe that fits properly. If your shoes are too tight, they may be making your symptoms worse by reducing your circulation. Wear shoes that have plenty of "wiggle room" in them. You can also try purchasing a shoe with a rocker bottom sole. This type of shoe controls your movements to make them more natural.

• 5

  Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist. Physical therapy may help you with any balance problems you may have. A physical therapist can show you how to strengthen certain muscles to make standing and walking easier for you. Even though activity can be difficult with neuropathy, exercise can help increase your circulation, which may decrease your symptoms.