Sole Support: Exploring Orthotics To Help With Alcohol Neuropathy
If you have noticed tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet after years of drinking, you are not alone, and it is something that you should not ignore. This could be alcohol neuropathy, a condition that damages the nerves and can turn everyday into a struggle.
The good news – you don’t have to live in pain forever.
In this article, we will discuss more about alcohol-induced neuropathy, how treatment for alcohol- induced neuropathy and orthotics can support healing, and what type of orthotic is best. Let’s explore the right foot support to get you back to walking and living better.
Table of Contents
- What Is Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy?
- Can Orthotics Help Alcohol Neuropathy? 5 Benefits of Added Foot Support
- Causes and Risk Factors of Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy
- What Is the Best Type of Orthotic for Alcohol Neuropathy?
- Seek Professional, Therapeutic, and Compassionate Alcohol Rehab at Dove Recovery
Alcohol-related nerve damage is a type of nerve damage that occurs due to long-term use of alcohol. When alcohol is consumed over a long period of time, it will damage the peripheral nerves, which are outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms can develop over time and can impact both sensory and motor nerves. Some symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and coordination
- Pain
- Changes in reflexes
- Difficulty walking
- Bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction
Can Neuropathy from Alcohol Be Reversed?
Fortunately, neuropathy from alcohol can be reversed or significantly improved. To reverse it, it requires immediate and complete abstinence from alcohol and sometimes medical treatment. Some recovery factors include:
- Nutrition
- Severity of damage
- Early intervention
- Overall health
Will Orthotics Help Neuropathy?
Will orthotics help alcohol neuropathy and provide relief? It may seem too good to be true, but yes!
While orthotics can help alcohol neuropathy, they cannot heal the overall nerve damage that was done. Orthotics can improve comfort and function by supporting the weakened muscles and correcting misalignments. To obtain better results, combine orthotics with additional treatments, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
While orthotics can help alcohol neuropathy, refraining from alcohol is an integral part of your recovery. At Dove Recovery, we can support your path to relief with personalized care. Our compassionate care team can support you through any of our programs with medical and emotional support. We offer:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
- Outpatient Programs (OP)
- Detox Programs
Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery and pain relief.
#1: Pain Relief
Orthotics may help with pain relief by cushioning sensitive areas and reducing pressure on painful spots on the feet.
They may help absorb shock and redistribute body weight more evenly, reducing burning, stabbing, or aching sensations that damaged nerves can cause.
#2: Increased Stability
Neuropathy can cause poor coordination and unsteady walking, but orthotics can provide a stable base for the feet, helping improve balance. This can help correct foot alignment and reduce the risk of falls. By evenly distributing the weight, your body can feel more controlled and secure.
#3: Increased Mobility
Orthotics can support mobility with those suffering from alcohol neuropathy by allowing them to walk longer and more comfortably. Orthotics may reduce fatigue in your feet and legs while improving your gait. By improving foot alignment and providing cushioning, you may minimize strain on your muscles and joints.
In addition, orthotics can help maintain proper posture while walking, helping avoid additional pressure or pain.
#4: Reduced Risk of Foot Ulcers
Orthotics can provide the support needed to reduce the risk of foot ulcers. Because those who are suffering from alcohol neuropathy experience numbness, loss of sensation, and poor circulation, it can be challenging to know if minor injuries or pressure points are causing ulcers until it is too late. With orthotics, your feet can have the proper support needed to avoid these painful problems.
#5: Decreased Risk of Injury
Orthotics can significantly decrease the risk of injury in those suffering from alcohol neuropathy due to the support they provide. Orthotic foot supports can provide protection, stability, and better walking control to help prevent injuries such as falls, sprains, or other wounds.
Alcohol abuse and neuropathy are linked through a few interconnected mechanisms. Let’s take a look at some of these mechanisms and the risks they pose for neuropathy.
Direct Nerve Toxicity
Alcohol itself is a neurotoxin, as it causes damage to nerves. With repeated exposure, alcohol can block communication between nerves and the brain. This toxicity damages the long peripheral nerves, leading to numbness, burning, and weakness in the legs and feet.
Poor Circulation
Alcohol causes the circulatory system to not function well due to blood vessels constricting and blood pressure fluctuating. Over time, reduced blood flow can limit the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to peripheral nerves, worsening problems. When nerves are deprived of an adequate blood supply, they cannot repair themselves well, which can cause more damage. These effects can cause burning, tingling, and/or numbness in the feet.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Chronic drinking can deplete the body of essential nutrients, which are necessary for nerve health, such as:
- Folate
- Niacin
- Thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B12
Alcohol can also impair the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients. These nutrients are beneficial for maintaining the protective sheaths around nerves, which means they are more vulnerable to damage if they are broken down.
Liver Damage
The liver plays an essential role in detoxifying harmful substances from the bloodstream. Long-term, excessive alcohol use can lead to health issues such as fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. These conditions limit the liver’s ability to filter toxins, potentially causing even greater damage to your body. If toxins are not filtered out, they can circulate in the body, contributing to systemic inflammation and directly damaging nerve tissue.
When it comes to orthotics for alcohol neuropathy, there is no one-size-fits-all option. While over-the-counter orthotics can provide temporary relief, they often lack the specific support needed.
Suppose you are considering orthotics as part of your treatment for alcohol neuropathy. In that case, it is recommended to seek a professional podiatrist who can create a custom orthotic tailored to your specific needs.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol neuropathy, you know that recovery can be complex. A combination of substance abuse rehab, support from orthotics, medication, and lifestyle changes all play a role in pain relief.
The first step to recovery is refraining from alcohol, which can be easier said than done. At Dove Recovery, we are here to support you with a compassionate and experienced team of people who can help you through our alcohol rehabilitation program.
Our alcohol rehabilitation program includes:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication management
- Peer support groups
- Other evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Our team of counselors understands the complexities of substance abuse and can provide the support you need and teach new coping skills to help you through your journey.
Taking this one step could be just what you need to get back on your feet and feel like your best self again. Contact us today to get started.