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Foot Pain Caused by Diabetic Neurology

One of the complications of diabetes is foot pain. Diabetic neurology typically involves nerve damage. If you do not keep your blood glucose levels under control, you run the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. The longer your blood sugar is not within normal levels, the greater your risk is to develop this painful condition.

  1. Causes Of Foot Pain

    • Diabetes can cause arteries to become narrow leading to poor circulation. Proper blood circulation is necessary for nerves to transmit signals to the brain and oxygen to reach your tissues. When nerves become damaged pain can result. The name of this condition is diabetic neuropathy.

    Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy

    • Symptoms that occur in your feet may start as a numbness or slight tingling. These feelings may progress to burning and stabbing pains in the toes and working their way up to the rest of your foot. In severe cases of diabetic neuropathy feet become completely numb and may feel like they're burning.

    Dangers Of Diabetic Foot Neuropathy

    • The most common danger to people with diabetic neuropathy is injury to their feet, since diabetes can make it difficult for the body to heal properly. Diabetics suffering from diabetic neuropathy may not realize that they have stepped on an object or received an injury to their feet. As a result of this they may end up with an infection. Infections can lead to amputation of a toe or the whole foot if left untreated.

    Prevention Of Nerve Damage And Foot Injury

    • Keeping your blood sugar at a normal level is the best source of prevention. Follow your doctor's care plan for the treatment of diabetes. Protect your feet with closed toed foot wear to prevent cuts and injury. Wear cotton socks to prevent athlete's foot. Keep your feet moisturized by applying lotion. Checking your feet periodically will help you to identify if you have an injury before it becomes infected.

    Treatment Of Diabetic Neuropathy

    • Some types of medications can offer pain relief such as anti-seizure medications (Lyrica and Neurotin), tricyclic antidepressants (Prozac and Paxil), a lidocaine patch, capsaicin creams, and opioid pain relievers. Alternative methods for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy include biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques.

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