Diabetic leg pain is of great concern for diabetes sufferers. According to The American Diabetes Association, about 50% of diabetics experience nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy, which can be caused by high blood glucose levels. The legs and feet are typically affected first. Since diabetics can develop this complication at any time, it is important to be aware of prevention, early symptoms, and treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [http://www.cdc.gov] recommend steps that can prevent neuropathy, a leading cause of amputations among diabetics. More than half of all lower-limb amputations in the U.S. occur in diabetics, accounting for 86,000 per year. It is important to: monitor glucose levels, keep feet and legs healthy with frequent exercise, have regular doctor visits, wear proper shoes and socks, protect feet from heat and cold, and examine feet daily. Diabetics should not smoke, as smoking causes decreased blood flow and the hardening of arteries.
Diabetic Leg Pain Symptoms, and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Diabetic foot and leg pain can be accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling or burning, an inability to feel heat or cold, and numbness. Your feet might change color, temperature or shape, or the skin might be dry and cracked. There can be a toenail fungus infection, or newly appearing sores, ulcers or blisters. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and are experiencing diabetic leg pain, you might have Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), caused by a decrease of blood flow. Approximately one of every three diabetics over the age of 50 has this condition (American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org). Symptoms of PAD can also include tingling or coldness in the lower legs or feet; and slow-healing sores or infections. Testing is recommended for diabetics over the age of 50.
Treatments for Diabetic Leg Pain Relief
While it is best to prevent diabetic foot and leg pain, there are several treatments. Exercise is used to prevent and treat diabetic leg pain. For PAD, surgical procedures such as angioplasty may be used. Doctors may prescribe medications, although the antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opiods that are used run the risk of side effects, and are not recommended for older adults or those with heart disease. Topical treatments including capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches, and nitrate sprays are also used. Natural remedies that have been shown to relieve diabetic leg pain symptoms and may even improve nerve function are alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant) and evening primrose oil. A bed cradle keeps sheets and blankets from touching sensitive legs and feet, and alternative treatments like acupuncture, biofeedback, and physical therapy may also help with diabetic leg pain. Laser and light therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, and magnetic therapy may be helpful, but require further study.
