What Helps Neuropathy in Feet? 10 Things That Help

What is neuropathy in the feet?

Peripheral neuropathy means damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. In the feet it usually starts as tingling or burning in the toes, and can lead to numbness, deep pain, and not noticing when you step on something sharp (MedlinePlus, Peripheral neuropathy).

NINDS says peripheral neuropathy affects millions of people in the U.S. Diabetes is the leading cause, and about two thirds of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve problems that can cause numb, tingling or burning feet (NINDS, Peripheral Neuropathy).

10 things that help neuropathy in feet

1. Find the cause. Treating the cause can sometimes improve symptoms (MedlinePlus). Ask for blood sugar, B12, thyroid and kidney tests if you have not had them.

2. Check your vitamin B12. NINDS names B12 deficiency as one of the best-known vitamin-related causes of neuropathy. It is a simple blood test, so ask your doctor to check it, especially if you take diabetes medicine long term.

3. Keep blood sugar steady. NINDS notes that managing diabetes, healthy eating and exercise can help prevent neuropathy and reduce symptoms in people who already have it.

4. Check your feet every day. When feet are numb, small cuts can go unnoticed. The NIDDK suggests checking your feet every evening when you take off your shoes, including between the toes (NIDDK, Diabetes and foot problems).

5. Wear shoes and socks at all times. Even at home. Choose soft, well-fitting shoes with room for your toes.

6. Do balance exercises. Neuropathy can make you unsteady. A 2025 review of 21 trials in older adults with diabetic neuropathy found balance exercise and multi-part exercise programs improved walking speed, balance scores and standing on one leg (Wang et al., 2025).

7. Keep the blood flowing. Walk daily, wiggle your toes and move your ankles when sitting, and avoid crossing your legs for long periods.

8. Protect your feet from heat and cold. Numb feet cannot always feel a hot water bottle or bath that is too hot. Test water with your elbow.

9. Ask about pain relief options. NINDS lists medicines used for nerve pain, and braces or orthopedic shoes can help with walking. Your doctor can go through what suits you.

10. Look at the tissue around the nerves. Nerves in the feet and ankles run through tight tunnels of fascia. When that tissue is stiff, it can add pressure. More on this below, and on our neuropathy research page.

Why does neuropathy hurt more at night?

Many people find burning feet worse at night. With fewer distractions, the brain notices pain more. Lying still also means less movement and circulation, and bedsheets can rub on sensitive skin. A short walk before bed, a bed cradle to keep sheets off your feet, and a cool (not cold) room can help.

What helps neuropathy in feet and legs?

Neuropathy often starts in the toes and slowly moves up the feet and lower legs. The same steps help: treat the cause, walk every day, and do simple calf raises and ankle circles to keep the muscles working. If your legs feel weak or you trip more often, ask for a referral to a physical therapist, who can give you a balance and strength plan.

What helps neuropathy in hands?

When tingling is in both hands and both feet, it is often the same body-wide cause, such as diabetes or low B12. When it is only in some fingers of one hand, a trapped nerve like carpal tunnel syndrome is more likely. NINDS notes that wrist splints can help position the wrist to reduce pressure on the nerve (NINDS).

Can neuropathy in feet be reversed?

It depends on the cause. When the cause is found and treated early, such as low B12 or a pressure problem, symptoms can improve. Nerve damage from long-term diabetes is harder to reverse, but good blood sugar control can slow it down. Your doctor is the best person to tell you what to expect.

The fascia link

Not every burning foot is pure nerve damage. Fascia, the connective tissue wrapped around every muscle and nerve, is full of pain-sensing nerve endings (Tesarz et al., 2011). And NINDS explains that when tissues around a nerve swell, the pathways the nerve travels through get narrower.

In the foot, a nerve near the heel called Baxter's nerve can get trapped, and a 2025 review called it "the hidden culprit" of chronic heel pain (Tedeschi, 2025). We explain this in more detail in can fascia cause nerve pain.

This is why researchers are interested in keeping fascia hydrated and supple, and why our neuropathy page looks at it as a missing piece for people who still burn and tingle.

Frequently asked questions

What helps neuropathy in feet?

Finding and treating the cause, checking vitamin B12, keeping blood sugar steady, daily foot checks, good shoes, balance exercises and pain relief your doctor recommends. The health of the fascia around the nerves may also play a part.

Why does neuropathy hurt more at night?

With fewer distractions the brain notices pain more, lying still means less circulation, and bedsheets can rub sensitive skin. A short evening walk and a bed cradle can help.

Can neuropathy in feet be reversed?

It depends on the cause. Some causes, like low vitamin B12 or a trapped nerve, can improve when treated. Long-term diabetic nerve damage is harder to reverse, but good blood sugar control can slow it.

What helps neuropathy pain in feet at home?

Daily walking, toe and ankle movement, well-fitting shoes, keeping feet away from very hot or cold things, and a bed cradle at night. Always check your feet for cuts.

Why does neuropathy cause balance issues?

Damaged nerves send less information from your feet to your brain about where they are and what they are standing on. Balance exercises can improve steadiness and lower the risk of falls.