It’s 11 p.m. and your feet feel like you’ve been walking around all day. You haven’t. You’ve been in bed for an hour.

If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably looked up a TENS unit for neuropathy pain at some point. Maybe a friend has one, like a Touch Stim Ultra. Maybe your physical therapist used one on you once. It won’t cure anything. Some people still think it’s worth a try.

What It Might Do

You stick the pads on your skin and turn the unit on. Most people feel a light buzz. That buzz can crowd out some of the pain signals going to your brain.

Does it work for everyone? No. Some people say their feet calm down while it’s on. Others don’t notice much at all. Studies on TENS for nerve pain have had mixed results.

People with diabetes ask about this a lot. Ask your doctor before you get a TENS machine for diabetic neuropathy. Your skin is the main reason why.

Where the Pads Go

With a TENS unit for foot nerve pain, one pad can go on top of your foot. The other goes by your ankle. Skip the toes. They won’t stay on.

Pain that runs up your leg is a little different. You can move the pads to your shin or the back of your calf. That’s why some people look for a TENS machine for feet and legs instead of a small one made for a single spot.

Most manuals have a picture of where the pads go. Check yours before you guess.

Numb Feet

When your feet are numb, you can’t always tell if it’s turned up too high. Sometimes you only find the red mark later, when you take the pads off.

Start on the lowest setting. Look at your feet when you’re done. If you have diabetes, even a small burn is a big deal because it can be slow to heal.

Anyone with a pacemaker or other implant needs their doctor’s OK before using TENS.

Using TENS for neuropathy in feet also won’t fix the nerves themselves. It may help with how the pain feels, and that’s about it.

When to Call Someone

Call your doctor if you’re losing more feeling than you used to. Falling more often is another good reason to call.

Call 911 or go to the ER if you suddenly can’t feel or move your leg. The same goes if you can’t walk. Get help right away if a numb spot turns red and warm. Swelling or anything leaking from it counts too.

Thinking about a TENS unit for neuropathy pain? Bring it up at your next visit. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you. They can also show you where the pads go.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for information and more tips to keep you operating at your peak.