At times, diabetic pain can be immense. It can come from a number of different sources, but for the most part it involves the legs and feet. Diabetic pain from these sources often comes as a result from nerve damage. Staying active and keeping a healthy diet can keep these types of complications from occurring.
Diabetic Foot Pain
What is diabetic foot pain? There are several different types of foot pain in diabetic people. They are as follows:
- Diabetic pain caused by sensory neuropathy. The majority of foot pain in diabetes is due to sensory nerve pain. In sensory neuropathy the pain is not proportionate to the action causing it. So, even placing a sheet on the foot may be extremely painful.
- Diabetic pain caused by motor neuropathy. This type of nerve damage mostly affects the shin muscles and the small muscles of the foot. It impacts a person’s ability to balance when walking. This can lead to calluses and inflammation. Foot exercises and supportive shoes are helpful in this type of diabetic pain.
- Diabetic pain caused by circulation problems. Poor circulation in feet can create severe pain. The foot may feel numb to the touch, but occur under the skin. The reason for this is because capillaries and veins are not receiving enough oxygen. In addition, if veins become swollen and blood doesn’t flow properly, blood may pool in the foot.
- Diabetic pain caused by infections. Diabetics are more susceptible to problems with infections because they don’t have as strong of an immune system to fight them. Plus, changes in nutrition and medical treatment can trigger infections.
- Diabetic pain caused by muscle problems. When muscles are affected by nerve or circulation problems, the tendons may become stiff and contract. This can become very painful and affect a person’s balance as well.
Diabetes Nerve Pain
It is estimated that 26% of diabetic patients have nerve problem;, this comes out to be 6.1 million Americans. In peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, and there may be no signs at first. Tingling and numbness in the feet is one sign, but that does not normally occur until there is already some damage done. Signs of nerve damage are:
- Tingling
- Burning
- Prickling
- Numbness
- Sharp pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Extreme sensitivity
- Pain, ulcers, or infections
Related articles: Pre Diabetes Symptoms in Women | Gestational Diabetes Symptoms | Diabetic Glycemic Index | Diabetic Attack | Diabetes Nerve Pain | Diabetes and Temperature | Signs of a Diabetic | Diabetes Seizure | Diabetes and Nerves |