How Physiotherapy May Benefit Neuropathy Patients

Today's post from bpositivemagazineblog.wordpress.com (see link below) gives you an idea of what you might expect if your doctor recommends a course of physiotherapy for your nerve damage problems. We all know we need to exercise in order to prevent our symptoms from becoming worse and keeping our body in shape to deal with neuropathic problems but we're rarely told how and why we need to do that. A physiotherapist seems to be an obvious port of call but is rarely used for nerve damage problems. Yet if the physio knows what he/she is doing regarding neuropathy, then you can be sure that the exercises you're given will be the right ones. That said, the physiotherapist must have some experience with nerve damage because neuropathy patients can be peculiarly limited in what they can do and easily put off if they experience too much pain during exercises. This article shows how a physiotherapist may not be such a bad idea when it comes to managing your exercise regime but once again, make sure you're getting a qualified person to help. Apart from this, hopefully your doctor is recommending physiotherapy as part of a wider holistic approach to your nerve damage, including drugs and other therapies. Neuropathy should not be treated by therapies in isolation - they rarely work on their own.
 

Managing Leg Nerve Damage With Physiotherapy November 1, 2018  bpositivemagazine

 Leg nerve damage commonly referred to as peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs, results in tingling and a painful or burning sensation in the lower extremities.

Signs And Symptoms Of Nerve Damage
** Gradual occurrence of prickling, numbness, or tingling in your feet which can spread upward into your legs
** Sharp, freezing or burning pain
** Sensitivity to touch
** If motors nerves are effected it may lead to muscle weakness or paralysis

If autonomic nerves are affected, heat intolerance, altered sweating, bowel problems, bladder problems, changes in blood pressure and dizziness may occur

Causes Of Leg Nerve Damage
** Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins
** Infections, such as Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, HIV
** Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in which the immune system attacks its own tissues
** Kidney, liver, thyroid disorders
** Exposure to toxins
** Repetitive motion, such as those performed for certain jobs
** Family history of neuropathy
** Trauma, fractures

Treatment Options
** Pain medications
** Corticosteroid injections
** Antidepressants



Physiotherapy Intervention
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping people improve and maintain functions that become limited due to nerve damage. And skilled and purposeful use of physical therapy methods and techniques produce tremendous outcome for leg nerve damages. Common interventions in the physiotherapy treatment include:

Manual Therapeutic Technique
Manual techniques include care given – including soft tissue massage and manual stretching by a hand therapist to regain mobility and range of motion of the foot and lower leg. There are few therapeutic exercises too that include stretching and strengthening exercises, to regain range of motion and strengthen the leg and affected
muscles.

FLEXIBILITY Exercises
** Hamstrings stretch
** Calf stretch
** Plantar fascia stretch

Neuromuscular Re-Education
This technique restores stability, retrains the upper extremity and improves movement and mechanics like running, stepping, or jumping that involves daily use of the affected leg. Sensory stimulation for sensitizing or de-sensitizing the affected area is also applied, as appropriate.

Other Modalities
These include the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, TENS, ice and cold laser to decrease pain and inflammation of the foot, ankle and leg.

AEROBIC Exercises
** Taking a brisk walk
** Taking a low-impact aerobics class
** Aquatic aerobic exercises
** Stationary bicycle indoors

These exercises help to improve the patient’s strength and physical function.

Nerve Gliding Activities
Nerve gliding focusses on allowing the nerves to move more easily, as the patient bends and straightens his/her joints.

Supportive Devices
Ergonomic casts, splints, braces, canes help provide support for the leg and can manage pain.

Balance And Coordination Activities
Improving balance and coordination can help decrease the risk of falling.
** Move slowly, lifting your heels off the floor. Once it becomes easy try lifting your heels and toes off the floor as you walk. When your balance improves, gradually lift your feet higher off the floor.
** Rise slowly up on the tip of your toes and then back on your heels. Keep your knees straight, but not locked.
** Step to the side with your right foot and then bring your left foot next to your right foot. Step to the side with your left foot and then bring your right foot next to it. Repeat several times. As your balance improves, take larger steps to each side.

FOOT SOMATOSENSORY Exercise
Roll a tennis ball under one foot for few minutes and change the foot. This is a good self-massage for the feet and also stimulates the receptors. You can get relief from leg nerve pain by doing this exercise.

Prevention And Home Remedies
** Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters and cuts. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly
** Regular exercise like walking three times a week can reduce leg nerve pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels
** Say no to smoking. Cigarette smoking can affect circulation, thereby increasing the risk of foot problems and other neuropathy complications
** Eat healthy meals. Good nutrition is important to ensure that you get essential vitamins and minerals. Include fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains in your diet
** Avoid alcohol as it can worsen peripheral neuropathy

https://bpositivemagazineblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/01/managing-leg-nerve-damage-with-physiotherapy/