My elderly neighbor Mimi–she’s in her 80s–suffers from neuropathy and related foot pain. She said the discomfort feels like pins and needles and a little burning. Other people with the disorder also report stabbing, and some numbness. So I thought I would offer some help and do some research on simple home remedies for neuropathy. Mimi is an absolute doll so I wanted to help.
While prescription medications and professional therapies are common treatment options for neuropathy, many people find meaningful relief using safe, science-backed home remedies. If you’re looking to ease the discomfort without depending entirely on medication, here are home remedies for neuropathy foot pain that actually work, and that you can easily try today.
After a doing a bit of research for this post I ran what I found by Mimi and she said foot soaks and gentle massage is what she does and she promised to look into magnesium lotion.
Here are the strategies that seem to work for most neuopathy sufferers:
Warming Foot Soaks for Circulation and Relief
Warm water therapy is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce neuropathic foot pain. A 15- to 20-minute foot soak in warm (not hot) water improves circulation, soothes muscle tension, and may reduce inflammation that aggravates nerve pain.
To make your soak more therapeutic:
- Add ½ cup of Epsom salts to the basin. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt may help reduce cramping and discomfort.
- Add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil for added relaxation and mild analgesic effect.
Important: Always test water temperature with your hand first. Neuropathy can dull your sense of temperature, increasing the risk of burns.
Magnesium Lotion to Soothe and Rebuild
Magnesium is essential for nerve health. Topical magnesium lotion allows absorption through the skin, bypassing the digestive tract and delivering support directly to the affected area.
Magnesium may help:
- Calm overactive nerve endings
- Reduce cramping and foot twitching
- Ease discomfort from restless legs or diabetic nerve pain
Look for magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate-based lotions and apply nightly before bed. This not only helps manage neuropathic pain but can also improve sleep quality, which is often affected in people with chronic foot discomfort.
Proper Foot Positioning to Prevent Nerve Compression
Neuropathy pain often worsens due to poor posture and pressure points. By adjusting your foot and leg positioning throughout the day and night, you can reduce nerve compression and inflammation.
Here’s how to protect your feet:
- Avoid crossing your legs when sitting—this can reduce blood flow and pinch nerves.
- Elevate your feet slightly when resting to promote circulation.
- When sleeping, use a pillow under your calves to take pressure off your heels.
If you’re on your feet often, consider cushioned, orthopedic shoes or neuropathy-friendly socks to reduce impact stress and friction. Even small changes in alignment can result in measurable improvements over time.
Gentle Massage Techniques That Don’t Trigger Pain
Massage increases blood flow and lymph drainage, which helps remove inflammatory waste from nerve-damaged tissues. But too much pressure can worsen the pain—so gentle techniques are key.
Try this simple routine at home:
- Warm a small amount of lotion or oil (such as coconut or almond oil) between your hands.
- Use circular motions around the ball of your foot and heel with your thumbs.
- Gently pinch and release your toes.
- Avoid deep pressure on the arch or heel if they feel tender or numb.
Massage for 5–10 minutes per foot, once or twice daily. For added benefit, use a soft rubber massage roller or a warm rice sock as a gentle prelude.
Additional Tips That May Help
In addition to the remedies above, some users have found relief by adding these habits into their routine:
- Compression socks for light support (avoid tight styles)
- Vitamin B-complex supplementation, especially B1, B6, and B12 (consult a doctor first)
- Avoiding alcohol and excess sugar, which can worsen nerve damage
- Staying physically active—light walking or tai chi encourages circulation. See this book to learn tai chi.
Resources for Long-Term Neuropathy Support
For those dealing with chronic neuropathy pain, these resources may help you manage symptoms and make informed choices:
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Neuropathy Info
Best Products for Neuropathy Foot Pain Relief
These home-use products can help soothe neuropathic foot pain, support circulation, and reduce nerve sensitivity. Each category below links to a live Amazon search using your affiliate tag.
Best Magnesium Lotions for Neuropathy
Topical magnesium helps calm overactive nerves and ease cramping. Try one of these:
Best Epsom Salt for Foot Soaks
Soaking your feet in warm Epsom salt water can help reduce inflammation and pain:
Best Neuropathy Socks
Look for socks that are non-binding, padded, and designed for sensitive feet:
Best Orthopedic Shoes for Neuropathy
Supportive, cushioned shoes help relieve pressure and improve foot health:
- Orthopedic shoes for neuropathy (Amazon)
- Shoes for diabetic neuropathy (Amazon)
- Best cushioned shoes
- Best orthopedic shoes for neuropathy relief
Best Massage Tools for Foot Pain
Gentle massage improves blood flow and relieves tension:
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about neuropathy, including further tips on home remedies for neuropathy.
Neuropathy foot pain is caused by nerve damage, often due to diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, alcoholism, or autoimmune disorders.
Yes, light walking can help improve circulation and may reduce stiffness, but overexertion or walking on hard surfaces can worsen symptoms. Use cushioned shoes.
Yes, diets rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods can support nerve health. Avoiding sugar and processed foods is especially helpful for diabetic neuropathy.
Foot soaks are generally safe, but people with diabetes should monitor water temperature carefully and avoid soaks if they have open wounds or ulcers.
Look for products that use magnesium chloride, like Ancient Minerals or Life-Flo. Always do a patch test to check for skin sensitivity.
Light compression socks may help with circulation and reduce swelling, but avoid tight or high-pressure socks that can restrict blood flow.
If your pain is worsening, if you notice foot ulcers, or if you experience balance issues or new numbness, seek medical attention right away.
Sometimes. If the underlying cause is treated early (like vitamin deficiency or glucose control in diabetes), some nerve damage may be reversible.
Yes, but be gentle. Massage can improve circulation, but avoid high pressure, especially in areas with reduced sensitivity.
Yes. Brands like Orthofeet and Apex offer footwear designed specifically for neuropathy pain. Look for wide-toe boxes and memory foam insoles. See also Best Shoes for Neuopathy.
