What is diabetic nerve pain? It is caused by peripheral neuropathy, when an excess of blood sugar in the body damages the nerves. For diabetes sufferers, this happens first in the hands, arms, legs and especially feet. Symptoms range from burning or tingling sensations, sudden and sharp pain, muscle weakness and numbness, extreme sensitivity, foot infections, and even loss of balance. The numbness that can occur is of special concern, because those with diabetic nerve pain and numb hands or feet often don’t know if there’s an infection or injury, because they can’t feel it. Those at the highest risk are people who have poorly managed diabetes and high blood sugar levels, especially if this has continued for many years. Diabetes sufferers who are overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, and who smoke or drink alcohol are at greater risk.
Diabetic Nerve Pain in Foot – Learn to Protect Your Feet
The feet are especially vulnerable to diabetic nerve pain. However, if you care for your feet regularly, you can save yourself from this misery. You should check your feet every day for any blisters, cuts or infections. It is best to wear good shoes (with special inserts, if necessary) and thick socks to cushion your feet. Going barefoot is not a good idea for someone who has diabetes and is at risk of diabetic nerve pain, because there is too great a chance of injury or infection. Wash the feet daily with warm water and dry them carefully. Low-impact exercise such as yoga, cycling or swimming is beneficial, and make sure you take care of any issues with your toes, such as corns and bunions. Above all, keep your blood sugar well-balanced.
Diabetic Nerve Pain Treatment
If you see a doctor for your diabetic nerve pain, they may prescribe an anticonvulsant, antidepressant, or narcotic analgesic (opioid) for more severe, chronic pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a topical cream may also be used. While these drugs may be somewhat effective in relieving pain, they are not without possible side effects, and they will only mask the pain, rather than address the cause. Consult your doctor for more information before taking these medications.
Diabetic Nerve Pain Relief: Prevention is Best!
If you want to cure the problem instead of just masking the symptoms, the best treatment (and prevention) for diabetic nerve pain is to keep one’s blood sugar level balanced, eat healthy, nutritious foods, and regularly exercise. In this way, you can not only treat the problem, but you may even be able to lower your risk and prevent it from happening in the first place.
