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Diabetes is a condition that can affect multiple bodily systems. One common complication is nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition develops over time due to high blood sugar levels, which may damage nerves throughout the body. While it can manifest in various ways, its impact on the nerves in the legs and feet, known as peripheral neuropathy, may substantially affect a person’s mobility and overall quality of life.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur as a result of diabetes. Sustained high blood glucose may damage the small blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients, leading to nerve injury. This damage may affect nerves in any part of the body, but it most often affects the nerves leading to the feet and legs.
There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, each affecting different nerves and causing different symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy impacts the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Proximal neuropathy is another type, which causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks. The progression and severity of symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another.
How Does It Affect Daily Life?
The effects of diabetic neuropathy on daily life can be extensive, particularly concerning mobility. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the extremities. A person might also experience sharp pains or cramps. A significant concern is the loss of sensation in the feet. This lack of feeling means that minor injuries, like sores, may go unnoticed. Without proper attention, these minor wounds may become infected and lead to serious complications. Simple activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even standing still, may become challenging. The pain associated with neuropathy can also be debilitating, making it difficult to wear shoes or even tolerate the weight of bedsheets, which may discourage physical activity.
How Is It Treated?
Diagnosing diabetic neuropathy begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. A physician may check your muscle strength, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to touch and pain. To confirm a diagnosis, a doctor might recommend specific tests. A filament test uses a soft nylon fiber to check your sensitivity to touch. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) are other tests that measure how well electrical signals travel through your nerves and how your muscles respond to them.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy focuses on two main goals: slowing the progression of the condition and relieving its symptoms. A primary method for slowing nerve damage is to manage blood sugar levels. Pain management is another component of treatment. Various medications, including certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs, have been found to be effective in alleviating nerve pain. Physical therapy can also be beneficial, helping to improve balance, strength, and function, which may reduce the risk of falls.
Seek Professional Pain Management Services
Working with specialists in pain management can provide access to advanced treatments and personalized strategies designed to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to perform daily tasks. These professionals can work closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Taking proactive steps to manage symptoms can help you maintain and enhance your mobility and well-being.
