Orthotics for Alcohol Neuropathy: How They May Provide Relief, Common Questions, and Where To Find Help For Alcohol Addiction

If you’re a chronic alcohol consumer who suffers from tingling sensations in your feet, balance issues, muscle weakness, and more, you might be suffering from alcohol neuropathy. Excessively drinking alcohol might already make it difficult enough to walk, now you have painful feet symptoms to deal with, too. 

Luckily, using orthotics and committing to a sober lifestyle may not only reduce your pain but also allow for a safer and easier lifestyle. 

Learn how orthotics for alcoholic neuropathy may provide relief and how reducing your alcohol intake can stop the progression of your symptoms.

Table of Contents

• What Is Alcoholic Neuropathy?
• Will Orthotics Help Alcohol Neuropathy?
• 5 Ways Orthotics May Help Alcohol Neuropathy
• Commonly Asked Questions About Alcohol Neuropathy
• Clear Steps Recovery: New England’s Choice for Therapeutic, Compassionate Alcohol Rehabilitation

Alcohol-related nerve damage — or alcoholic neuropathy — is when alcohol has a toxic effect on the nerve tissue. This peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord, creating damage that leads to several symptoms, including:

• Tingling
• Pain
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Balance disorders
• Muscle spasms
• And more

The exact reason behind why alcohol neuropathy occurs is unknown, but it’s believed to be a combination of nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, and toxic effects of alcohol. It’s estimated that 25-66% of chronic alcohol users in the United States experience some form of neuropathy.

Yes, orthotics can help manage some symptoms related to alcohol neuropathy. Although they won’t cure the underlying nerve damage, they can help improve comfort and function by supporting the weakened muscles and correcting misalignments. 

For the best chance at improvement in symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional to be fitted for custom-made orthotics tailored to your specific needs and neuropathy.

Beyond orthotics, the top step for minimizing symptoms of alcohol neuropathy is to stop drinking alcohol. Clear Steps Recovery offers customized treatment plans to help you overcome your addiction. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.

#1: Improved Stability

If muscle weakness or instability is a symptom of your alcohol neuropathy, orthotics can help to redistribute the weight, correct any misalignments, and enhance your overall balance to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. By helping to control abnormal foot motions, lower limb alignment is enhanced and weight is distributed more evenly across the foot, reducing pressure points and improving balance.

#2: Increased Mobility

When nerves are damaged from alcohol-related neuropathy, there’s an interference with your body’s signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. This makes it difficult for your body to send and receive the signals needed to move easily. 

When weakened muscles are supported by orthotics, overall mobility and balance can improve, making it easier to walk and perform regular day-to-day activities. Orthotics act as a stable foundation so you can move safely and comfortably throughout your day.

#3: Pain Relief

Orthotics help address alignment and weight distribution issues, which are big alleviators of pain and discomfort associated with foot conditions caused by nerve damage. By correcting foot and ankle alignment and providing cushioning, orthotics can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy.

#4: Decreased Risk of Injury 

In addition to affecting muscle control, nerve damage from alcohol-related neuropathy also affects sensation, adding to the difficulties of moving safely and reacting to hazards. 

With better support and stability, orthotics can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries, which are a concern for individuals with alcoholic neuropathy.

#5: Reduced Risk of Foot Ulcers

Orthotics help provide the necessary support and pressure on the foot, which is important for preventing foot ulcers. If you have reduced foot sensation — a big concern for those with neuropathy — orthotics are highly beneficial. 

By providing adequate support and pressure distribution, orthotics can help prevent foot ulcers, which are a concern for individuals with reduced sensation due to neuropathy. 

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How Does Alcohol Cause Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage is believed to be caused by alcohol from a combination of issues — namely, nutritional deficiencies and direct toxic effects of alcohol on nerves. 

Alcohol and its byproducts can damage the structure and function of nerve cells, which disrupts the transmission of signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the body. If you’re an excessive alcohol consumer, your body may not absorb and utilize essential vitamins and nutrients from your diet well because of interference from the alcohol. These vitamins — particularly B vitamins and vitamin E — are vital for nerve health.

What Is the Best Type of Orthotic for Alcoholic Neuropathy?

Seeking professional help from a podiatrist is recommended for a custom-made orthotic. Ensuring you use an orthotic that addresses the specific needs of your neuropathy allows for the greatest chance of minimizing symptoms, improving gait, preventing pain, falls, and injury, and more.

Is Alcoholic Neuropathy Temporary or Permanent?

Unfortunately, the nerve damage caused by alcohol neuropathy is not considered to be fully reversible. However, with custom-made orthotics, seeking alcohol abuse treatment and related therapies, and committing to lifestyle changes, some recovery of nerve function may be possible, and further nerve damage may be minimized.

Alcohol neuropathy affects movement, balance, and comfort, making it difficult to live with. Unfortunately, long-term alcohol use can make daily activities painful and difficult, subjecting you to a high risk of falls and injuries. 

While orthotics may be greatly beneficial for reducing pain, restoring balance, and strengthening muscles, abstaining from alcohol consumption and committing to lifestyle changes is the best way to prevent symptoms from worsening.

At Clear Steps Recovery, our team of committed professionals will guide you through a customized alcohol abuse treatment program using holistic approaches and evidence-based therapies. We offer many treatments and programs, including:

• Women’s Rehab Program
• Men’s Rehab Program
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• VA Rehab Program
• Aftercare Program
• And more

Learn how our team can help you achieve recovery and live a more enjoyable lifestyle. Contact us today.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.