Diabetes can cause different problems over time. One of the main areas of your body that can be affected by high levels of blood sugar is your feet and toes. While diabetic foot pain can often be overwhelming and scary, the good news is that there are products that can help.

What Does Diabetic Foot Pain Feel Like?

Over 70% of people with diabetes will experience some form of damage called diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Over time, factors like high blood sugar cause this kind of nerve damage, usually in your hands and feet. Symptoms are different for everyone, but you might experience:

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Sharp pains or cramps
• Increased sensitivity to touch (for some, even the weight of a bedsheet at night may be painful)
• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain

Diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed, but there are plenty of products on the market to help manage painful symptoms.

Top 5 Products That Help with Diabetic Foot Pain

Here are some of our favorite products to help with diabetic foot pain:

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin cream can block pain signals using an ingredient found in hot peppers. Capsaicin cream can be applied to the skin where the pain is felt the most and comes as a patch, jelly, or lotion. You can learn more about some of our other favorite diabetic foot creams here.

Epsom Salts

Add Epsom salts to your bath for an extra soothing soak to aid with pain and swelling. Be sure to consult your doctor before you try soaking your feet, as it could irritate some injuries or swelling. Also make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins keep your nervous system running smoothly. Not getting enough vitamin B12 can actually lead to nerve damage, and vitamin B6 may help to keep nerve endings healthy.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement (ALA)

This powerful antioxidant is found in some foods and may help relieve nerve pain symptoms in some people. You can find ALA in drugstores and health food stores.

Diabetic Shoes

Finding the right shoe can protect your feet and reduce the risk of further injury. Diabetic shoes can also relieve foot pain as you walk by reducing pressure at the bottom of your feet and providing arch support.

If you're interested in learning more about how to manage diabetic foot pain, check out our post on "5 Ways to Alleviate Diabetic Foot Pain."

Disclaimer: Diabetic neuropathy symptoms may vary from individual to individual. Please consult with your doctor before pursuing any of the actions listed above.

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