Over the Counter Diabetic Foot Creams Help Manage Neuropathy Pain

One of the most common chronic complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage. It affects as many as half of the people with diabetes. It is the result of high glucose levels and high levels of fats, such as triglycerides, in the blood. Over time, they damage nerves.[1] As a result, the nervous system’s signaling can no longer work correctly.[2]

Diabetic neuropathy results in pain, tingling, numbness or weakness, and burning in feet and legs first, followed by hands and arms. Other factors leading to diabetic nerve damage besides high glucose levels include:

·         Having diabetes for a long time

·         Being overweight

·         Being older than 40 years

·         Having high blood pressure

·         Having high cholesterol

Diabetic foot neuropathy is especially serious because owing to numbness you might not feel a foot injury, cut or even a blister that could result in a diabetic foot ulcer.  Infected foot ulcers can lead to hospitalization and even leg amputation.  Poor blood flow also contributes to the potential for a diabetic foot ulcer.

Diabetic nerve damage is irreversible

Neuropathy caused by diabetes cannot be reversed, since the body cannot naturally repair damaged nerve tissues. [3]  Keeping blood sugar within the target range is critical. The key is healthy eating, which involves eating a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups - vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy (nonfat or low fat) - in the amount established in a meal plan tailored to your specific needs. Also eating healthy means eating foods with heart-healthy fats, which come from: [4]

• vegetable oils like olive and canola
• nuts and seeds
• heart-healthy fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines

Limit fried foods and other foods high in saturated and trans fats, foods high in salt, sweets, and beverages with added sugars.

In addition to eating healthy to keep blood sugars in the target range, check your feet daily for:

o    dry and cracked skin

o    blisters or sores

o    bruises or cuts

o    redness, warmth, or tenderness

o    firm or hard spots

The American Diabetes Association recommends[5] having a foot exam once a year and more often for those with problems. If peripheral neuropathy is detected, focus on keeping feet healthy and managing pain.

·         Get special footwear: Diabetic shoes also have a soft and cushioned insole to reduce pressure and provide comfort and a flexible and springy sole to help prevent pain. A wider toe width or “toe box” gives toes more room to move to help prevent blisters and hot spots that can develop when toes rub against each other or against the shoe. 

·         Exercise carefully: Some physical activities are not safe for people with peripheral neuropathy. If you are suffering from diabetic foot symptoms, you want to be sure to do the right exercises that won’t increase the risk of injury. Feet friendly exercises include walking, swimming and even bike riding. You also want to keep the blood flowing in your feet. Several times a day, when you are sitting put your feet up, wiggle your toes and move your ankles. Avoid crossing your legs for long periods of time. [6]

OTC creams help manage diabetic neuropathy

Fortunately, there are over the counter (OTC) non-prescription topical creams to help ease tingling and nerve pain. The skin absorbs the creams to soothe, nourish and reduce pain and discomfort. Such creams typically include ingredients that hydrate the skin and offer a cooling sensation. They offer relief from pain while also supporting overall foot health.

Many of the OTC diabetic foot creams for neuropathy have capsaicin as their key ingredient. Capsaicin, with its analgesic properties, comes from hot chili peppers and is the active compound that creates their characteristic heat. Capsaicin works by temporarily depleting the neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain to provide effective relief for various pain conditions with repeated use.

A scientific review conducted to provide an update on the efficacy and safety of capsaicin in treating pain from neuropathy found the ingredient can provide prolonged relief from pain in various neuropathies. The review found that one proposed mechanism of capsaicin is its ability to cause degeneration of hypersensitized nerve tissue and cause healthy nerve fibers to regenerate. Reviewers concluded that capsaicin is an effective therapeutic treatment to reduce both diabetic and nondiabetic nerve pain. [7]

Menthol is another ingredient found in many OTC topical creams to manage neuropathy.

Menthol is a chemical found naturally in mint plants but also can be produced in a lab. It seems to activate a channel involved in regulating sensory neuropathic pain. [8]  Menthol creams work fast to provide relief.

Products such as EASE-Z Pain Relieving Foot Cream, Diabetic Safe, provides targeted relief from neuropathy symptoms. The OTC product contains capsaicin and menthol to block pain signals and reduce inflammation. EASE-Z Pain Relieving Foot Cream also features Zinc Acetate, an ingredient recognized for its powerful benefits to protect the skin and enhance the healing of minor wounds and sores.

To help nourish skin and deliver long-lasting relief from dry, cracked, itchy discomfort, EASE-Z Pain Relieving Foot Cream also includes as one of its ingredients Shea Butter, known for its rich moisturizing properties. The result is a fast-absorbing non-greasy foot cream that delivers lasting pain relief to improve daily quality of life.

Prescription diabetic foot creams for neuropathy

Lidocaine is another ingredient used for neuropathy. It works by numbing nerves in a specific area making it less sensitive to pain signals. Low dose lidocaine creams and patches are available OTC for relief from minor pain in shoulders, neck and legs. However, more severe nerve pain may require a higher dose of lidocaine, available in prescription only products.

Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes causing pain and affecting quality of life. Today, non-prescription topical creams can help lessen pain and discomfort.