Best Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Creams (Review & Guide)

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If you live with diabetic neuropathy, you may be familiar with the tingling and burning sensations inside your feet.

This sensation is a common symptom of neurological disorders, and most people with this pain want some form of relief.

Doctors often prescribe oral medications for these problems, but can be accompanied by side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and drowsiness.

Also, it is not known when the drug will be effective. This can be a problem for those who want to instantly relieve the pain.

One way to solve this problem is to use a topical neuropathic cream. These can be applied to painful areas such as the feet to help relieve pain quickly and effectively.

These creams are generally affordable, readily available and painless to apply.

However, with so many pain relief creams available, it can be confusing to figure out which one is best for neuropathic symptoms.

Formulation, non-prescription, herbal or medicinal, each has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to know more about these creams before you buy.

In this article, we’ve listed the best creams for foot-related neuropathy to make it a little easier.

We also included a detailed purchasing guide that includes all the information you need to purchase.

Learn more about the pain-relieving ingredients within these treatments and guidance on applying the cream to your feet.

You’ll find everything you need to know about the diabetic neuropathy foot cream below!

Why do I get painful feet?

Our cells require glucose for energy, but too much glucose is not good for the body, especially for diabetics.

High glucose levels can harm the protective coatings surrounding our nerves. If this coating is damaged, this can cause pain that feels like a “pin or needle” around the body.

Pain can be felt as sharp as burning or stinging.

This can occur in the hands, but usually occurs in the lower half of the body, under the lower limbs and feet.

This condition is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also known as DPN.

Doctors usually prescribe oral medications to treat DPN, but topical treatment may also help relieve some of the pain. These treatments are explained in more detail below.

Topical cream for neuropathic feet

Topical creams for neuropathic pain include substances that relieve pain absorbed by the skin. It is applied to the skin wherever the patient feels pain.

Before trying these creams, it is important to note that most of these treatments require more healthy research to support their effectiveness.

There are generally two types of neuropathic creams: analgesia and anesthesia. Both of these work differently to target pain.

One prevents the nerves from sending pain signals, and the other numbs the skin to stop the wearer from feeling the pain.

What is an analgesic cream?

The term “painful pain” refers to pain relief. You do not need to obtain a prescription from a medical professional to use analgesic cream.

Many painkiller creams contain capsaicin, a substance supplied by hot chili pepper seeds.

Capsaicin makes it difficult for the body’s nerve cells to deliver pain signals to the brain.

Scrubbing capsaicin cream on painful areas of your body may relieve some of the pain.

What is an anesthetic cream?

Anesthesia is a drug that prevents the user from feeling pain. Anesthetic creams can help relieve pain by numbing desired areas of the skin.

Most anesthetic creams contain lidocaine. When the cream sinks into the skin, lidocaine prevents nerves in that area from supplying pain signals to the brain.

You can also find paralysis patches containing lidocaine. These have sticky backings, so they can be applied directly to painful areas.

Some anesthetic creams can be purchased without a prescription, but if the pain is particularly severe, your doctor may prescribe prescription-level anesthetic creams, such as EMLA.

They work much faster than non-prescription varieties and within the same time as commonly applied.

Substances in topical neuropathy creams

Topical neuropathic creams contain a variety of substances known to relieve pain.

These contain a variety of pain-relieving ingredients, such as capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol and natural herbs.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is located in Hot Chili Peppers. It works by reducing the pain transmitter within the nerve known as substance P.

Several studies have evaluated whether capsaicin can help people with neuropathy.

A 2012 study found that topical creams containing 0.075% of capsaicin helped people who felt neuralgia after surgery.

The same cream helped some people with diabetic neuropathy. In this 2017 review, researchers looked into studies that investigated capsaicin products.

Participants in the study had a variety of conditions in which pain was a side effect. These included HIV neuropathy, post-herpes neuralgia, and peripheral diabetic neuropathy.

Some participants told researchers that capsaicin cream significantly improves pain, but some participants found the cream not that useful.

Because the findings are mixed, capsaicin creams may help relieve pain in some people, but they may not do the same thing as others.

Nevertheless, it can be assumed that some people may benefit from trying capsaicin creams, especially if other neuropathic treatments are not successful.

You can purchase capsaicin cream at the counter at drugstores and local pharmacies.

Most of these have a small amount of capsaicin inside. Anyone who needs a stronger cream should contact their doctor for a prescription.

Things you need to know before applying capsaicin cream

Before you begin applying capsaicin cream, consider the following advice:

Do not use creams near the eyes and mucous membranes. Capsaicin cream is very stimulating when exposed to these areas.

Do not apply cream to cut, broken skin or open wounds. Keep the cream away from children and pets, so you can’t see it.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine relieves pain by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.

Lidocaine ointments and creams are applied topically and paralyze the areas that are applied temporarily.

Lidocaine products can also be applied to other injuries, such as insect bites, common scuffs, and mild burns.

A 2017 paper found that topical lidocaine drugs alleviated peripheral neuropathic pain in people who were unable to take oral medicine.

It also helped people who received negative reactions to other drugs.

You can purchase over-the-counter lidocaine medications at your local pharmacy. Some examples include Anestacon, Lidoderm, Senatec, and Lidorx.

Some injuries can be too painful for over-the-counter creams. In this case, you may need to relieve more severe pain from prescription creams that contain more lidocaine.

Your doctor can prescribe these creams if you think it is necessary. The popular formulated lidocaine cream is EMLA.

EMLA can usually numb the skin very quickly within the same time that it is applied.

Things you need to know before applying lidocaine cream

Like other drugs, topical lidocaine treatments can cause side effects. These include:

• Allergic reactions, e.g. Skin rash
• headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Chills and fever
• vomiting
• nausea

Take care after applying lidocaine cream. Lidocaine cream will paralyze the area of ​​your body you apply.

This increases the chances of injury to your body parts without realizing it.

menthol

Menthol is a substance found in mint plants, but can also be made synthetically in the laboratory.

Menthol is often used in mint gum and mouthwash and provides a refreshing and cool feeling. Menthol is also used in skin creams to relieve mild pain.

Several important cancer centers recommend menthol treatment for people experiencing cancer-related neuropathy.

Menthol cream has several benefits. They are affordable, readily available, work quickly and effectively relieve pain. Usually you can buy it at the counter at your local pharmacy.

Some examples include Bengay and Absverbine Jr. You don’t need these prescriptions.

Those who need more severe pain relief can get a prescription from their doctor for a more powerful menthol cream.

These treatments may also include other pain relief medications. For example, diclostream is a topical treatment that involves diclofenac.

This is an NSAID, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Dicrostream also contains menthol.

People usually use diclostream for osteoarthritis pain in the knee, but studies have shown that the drug is suitable for neuropathic pain.

Things you need to know before applying menthol cream

When applying menthol cream, be careful as many menthol-containing products can cause burns.

In some cases, these can be as serious as a second or third degree burn. If your treatment contains more than 3% menthol, apply it carefully.

This is the same advice as whether menthol is the only ingredient or is mixed with another substance.

Always notify your doctor before considering any type of topical pain relief treatment, including menthol cream.

Herbs and natural ingredients

Topical creams can also contain natural ingredients that can relieve the pain of neuropathy. Some herbs are said to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

These ingredients work by making the brain think that it cools the skin and relieves inflammation, fever and swelling.

It can also dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to the affected area, resulting in faster healing.

Various natural plants and herbs can treat neuropathic pain by bringing about other effects.

Besides its anti-inflammatory effects, it may contain antioxidants that prevent cell damage, prevent cells from dying, and protect the structure of the nervous system and brain from harm.

More research is needed, but some studies have found that herbs and natural ingredients can relieve pain.

These include ginger, turmeric, willow, bark, boswellia and demonic claws.

Many herbal products can be purchased at the counter at your nearest pharmacy, but can also be found at health and grocery stores.

Some common examples include Biofreeze, Capsin, Tiger Balm, and Trixaicin.

Herbal products have disadvantages. Because you don’t know if they’ll work for you until you give it a try.

The study investigated their effectiveness, but it is not at the same level as actual drugs.

Everyone is different, so your body may react differently to the same drugs than others.

Things you need to know before applying herbal therapy

Herbal pain treatments are available immediately at pharmacies and health stores without a prescription. Still, you should always consult your doctor before using these products.

Herbal products may be natural, but they can affect other medications you are already taking.

Some products may not be safe to use if you live with other medical conditions.

Herbal therapy can have side effects, such as allergic rashes, blood thinning, and effects on the heart and liver.

Consider the following tips before starting to apply the neuropathic cream to your feet.

• Do not apply lotion between the toes. This is because it can lead to infections later.
• Be careful when standing after applying cream to your feet. Creams can make your legs slippery and increase the risk of falling.
• Massage your legs can relax your muscles and improve circulation. This works well with the cream and can relieve pain.
• As mentioned above, creams containing numbing ingredients like lidocaine reduce the sensation of your feet. Be careful about the duration after applying the cream, as you may not notice an injury to the affected area.
• Never wrap your feet in plastic or bandages in cream. This can reduce circulation. This is extremely dangerous for people living with diabetes.
• Do not place your feet in cold water. Cold water constricts blood vessels to reduce circulation. Very hot water can burn or hurt the skin of your feet, increasing the risk of infection later on.

Neuropathy creams can help relieve pain in your feet, but remember that prevention can help more than treating.

Diabetes-related foot and skin problems are usually associated with hyperglycemia, and many skin problems disappear when hemoglobin A1C returns to normal levels.

DCCT (diabetic control and complication test) also found that returning glucose levels to near normal levels reduced the likelihood of neurological damage by 60-69%.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing your blood sugar levels can go a long way in preventing foot problems.

Here are some things you can do to keep your feet healthy.

• Check for blisters, wounds and pain every day.
• Wearing comfortable shoes with good arch support will help prevent pain.
• Wearing socks made from cotton rather than synthetic materials helps keep your feet dry and moisture free.
• Trimming your nails regularly will help prevent root nails. Creams and lotions will keep your feet moisturized, but don’t forget to avoid applying them between your toes.
• Avoid scratching at any cost.
• Always consult your doctor about diabetes-related skin and foot problems to prevent complications later.

FAQ

What is the difference between regular skin lotions and diabetic lotions?

“diabetic” creams and lotions are not present. There are no skin care products designed to cure diabetes-related skin problems.

The price of creams with the “diabetic” label is higher than usual. However, there are creams designed to relieve the pain of neuropathy.

You can find creams that contain pain relief ingredients, especially if you live with peripheral neuropathy in your feet.

Why do people with diabetes don’t put lotion between their toes?

People with diabetes need to take care of their feet, but should not apply lotion between their toes. Lotion adds moisture to the skin.

Water accumulates in small spaces between your toes, which can lead to fungal and bacterial infections.

It’s okay to apply cream on the skin of your feet, but make sure the area between your toes remains dry.

All neuropathic creams come with application instructions. Most often, foot creams are usually applied to dry, clean feet.

People with diabetes recommend that they wash and dry their feet carefully every day. After doing so, you can apply the cream of your choice.

After drying your feet, apply a neuropathic lotion, cream, or balm to the skin of your feet. Gently massage your feet, focusing on painful or dry areas.

Massages, along with cream, can help relieve the pain. Do not apply lotion between the toes. This area should be dried to avoid infection.

Other products for diabetic neuropathy

You can also consider using compression socks to help treat diabetic neuropathy and reduce pain and swelling.

We have a comprehensive guide to the best socks for diabetic neuropathy.

Foot massage also helps relieve pain by improving blood flow and circulation. You can read the best foot massager guide for people with diabetes to learn more.