Diabetic neuropathy pain
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people who have diabetes. It usually affects the feet and travels upward. The peripheral areas of your body are the primary victims of the said condition. The higher your blood glucose levels reach and the longer it is left untreated, the more severe the symptoms become.
Diabetic neuropathy is a very painful condition. It is a common serious complication of diabetes. There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy.
- Peripheral neuropathy – it affect feet and legs followed by your hands and arms.
- Autonomic neuropathy – it can affect the nerves in your heart, bladder, lungs, stomach, intestines, sex organs and eyes.
- Radiculoplexus neuropathy – it is more common in people with type 2 diabetes and older adults. It affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs.
- Mononeuropathy – it involves damage to a specific nerve. The nerve may be in the face, torso or leg. It is most common in older adults.
Medications for Diabetic neuropathy pain
Anti-seizure drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, opioids, anti-depressants and topical anesthetics are usually given as medications for diabetic nerve pain. These medications are used to relieve pain.
Alternative Therapies
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – It delivers tiny electrical impulses to specific nerve pathways through small electrodes placed on your skin. It can help prevent pain signals from reaching your brain.
- Acupuncture – it may help relieve the pain of neuropathy, and generally doesn’t have any side effects. Acupuncture points are inserted with needles on the hands or feet or both depending upon where the pain is felt.
- Biofeedback – it uses a special machine to teach you how to control certain body responses that reduces pain.
- Physical therapy – it will encourage the patient to regain muscle usage and strength by practicing a few daily exercises that can help lessen the pain.
- Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.
Lifestyle remedies
- Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Take vitamin supplements
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your blood pressure under control
- Keep your Blood sugar under control
- Do not smoke
- Wear clean, dry socks
- Keep your feet clean and dry
Diabetic Neuropathy can have a devastating impact on your life. It is not to be taken lightly. It is an awful condition that affects thousands of people every year. You can help prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy and its complications by keeping your blood sugar consistently well controlled, taking good care of your feet and following a healthy lifestyle.
