{"id":836,"date":"2021-11-14T23:22:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-14T23:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seniorhomecarehq.com\/?p=836"},"modified":"2021-11-14T23:22:50","modified_gmt":"2021-11-14T23:22:50","slug":"seniors-managing-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy-in-the-legs-and-feet-while-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/?p=836","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way To Manage Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in the Legs and Feet As An Elderly Senior Living at Home."},"content":{"rendered":"

[su_highlight]Seniors Managing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in the Legs and Feet While at Home.[\/su_highlight]<\/h1>\n

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious medical condition that requires great amounts of attention and care.<\/p>\n

Seniors living with peripheral neuropathy can still perform daily activities but may need some lifestyle changes and adaptations.<\/p>\n

We are going to review peripheral neuropathy as a diagnosis and discuss modification options for seniors to maintain functional performance at home.<\/p>\n

[su_highlight]What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n

Peripheral neuropathy is actually an umbrella term that describes multiple medical conditions that negatively impact or damage the peripheral nervous system.<\/p>\n

To minimize confusion, let\u2019s clarify that the body is made up of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the rest of the body).<\/p>\n

The central nervous has a two-way communication with the peripheral nervous system. For example, if your foot hurts that signals to the brain that your foot is in pain which causes a reaction (\u201cOuch\u201d).<\/p>\n

There are over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, ranging from mild to severe symptoms such as loss of sensation and impaired movement. The most common form of peripheral neuropathy is linked to diabetes (NINDS Institute, 2021).<\/p>\n

High glucose levels cause damage to peripheral nerves over time resulting in a multitude of problems in the limbs: numbness, tingling, stabbing pain, weakness, discoloration, inaccurate temperature perception, trouble with balance and walking<\/a><\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\n

\"Peripheral<\/p>\n

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[su_highlight]How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?\u00a0[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n

There is no cure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, so what is left is managing the symptoms.<\/p>\n

Options include better managing diabetes, changing diet, increasing exercise, prescribing nerve pain medications, and managing complications (high blood pressure, infections, digestive issues).<\/p>\n

[su_highlight]Best Way to Perform ADLs at Home if You Have Peripheral Neuropathy in Your Legs and Feet.[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n

Seniors living with diabetic peripheral neuropathy can still complete activities of daily living (ADLs) at home with as much independence as possible.<\/p>\n

Use lifestyle modifications that limit the following: unnecessary pain and possible skin damage.<\/p>\n

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  • Wear comfortable shoes and socks everywhere you go. Make sure that you avoid footwear that cuts or rubs the feet the wrong way to prevent possible sores.<\/li>\n
  • Use a cane or a walker if your neuropathy is compromising your balance.<\/li>\n
  • Frequently elevate your feet and take sitting breaks to regenerate the blood circulation through your feet.<\/li>\n
  • Stay updated on pain medication and skin checks to minimize soreness while completing ADLs.<\/li>\n
  • Ask for help when needed. You do not have to do everything in one day, and you certainly don\u2019t have to do it all on your own.<\/li>\n
  • Make your best efforts to keep an uncluttered living space. This will help prevent tripping hazards that you may not feel coming and reduce the risk for injuring your feet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [su_highlight]Things to Avoid or Preventative Tips While Performing Functional Activities of Daily Living.[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n

    One of the key concerns for seniors with peripheral neuropathy is protecting the feet. Neuropathy caused by uncontrolled diabetes results in decreased sensation and a reduced ability to heal.<\/p>\n

    This makes individuals very susceptible to foot wounds (diabetic ulcers) that can get infected due to a weakened immune system.<\/p>\n

    Seniors living with peripheral neuropathy in their feet need to do everything to protect the feet from damage.<\/p>\n

    This includes wearing comfortable socks with sturdy shoes, avoiding dropping items on the toes, watching wear you step to avoid stubbing toes and cracking toenails, etc. Seniors should also improve their foot hygiene habits.<\/p>\n

    Keep the skin clean, brush the feet generously with every shower or bath, regularly use lotions to prevent drying and cracking, keep the toenails trim, and attend regular podiatry check-ups for common foot infections and minor abrasions.<\/p>\n