Pain and diabetes are related in several different ways. Diabetes can destroy small blood vessels and cause nerve system damage. Neuropathy (nerve damage) is the most common form of pain in diabetes. This nerve damage often begins to manifest itself at the hands and feet; this pain can make it different to even wear socks or gloves. This is because the nerves are now hypersensitive and cause pain which is not proportionate to the source of that pain (Health.howstuffworks.com, 2011).
Peripheral neuropathy is the type of nerve damage that occurs in the toes, feet, legs, hands and arms. Diabetes pain can be caused by other types of nerve damage as well. Proximal neuropathy is nerve damage of the thighs, hips, and buttocks and often leads to weakness in the legs. Finally, focal neuropathy is a type of nerve damage which occurs in one single area, leading to localized weakness or pain.
Normally, pain caused by diabetic neuropathy is treated by pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and topical creams which relieve pain. For cases of severe pain, a short-term prescription of codeine may be prescribed. Hypnosis, relaxation training, biofeedback, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) are also used to treat diabetes and pain (BD.com, 2011).
Diabetes Foot Pain
Pain diabetes symptoms happen at the foot and lower extremities more than anywhere else. As was stated above, pain in diabetes can usually be attributed to nerve damage. Nerve damage often causes numbness, tingling, or severe pain in feet. One problem with diabetes is not the pain from diabetes, but the lack thereof. Diabetics often get hurt because they cannot feel the pain in their feet. This can cause them to become uncoordinated and fall down more, or step on a rock and not know it until it becomes infected.
In cases where diabetes foot pain is felt, there are various solutions to be tried. Massaging your feet with a foot roller or topical creams is one solution some people use. Adding cushioned supports and inserts to your shoes is also helpful. Try to mitigate any type of pressure on the foot. Foot pain with diabetes is often caused by a foot rubbing or chaffing inside of a shoes. This may cause diabetic sores as well, so diabetic socks are often recommended. Finally, work closely with you physician to find more solutions for your pain and diabetes complications (Ezinearticles.com, 2011).
Related articles: Diabetes and Chest Pain | Diabetes and Kidney Pain | Diabetes Symptoms in Men | Signs of Metabolic Syndrome | Diabetic Dysfunction | Diabetes Respiratory | Diabetic Symptoms | Diabetic Rash | Diabetes Episode |
