Can Neuropathy Be Cured Or Treated
There are a number of different options available for the treatment of neuropathy in the legs and feet, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as managing the underlying condition that is causing neuropathy.
For example, if neuropathy is caused by diabetes, treatment will focus on keeping blood sugar levels under control. In other cases, more specific treatments may be necessary.
Controlling Blood Glucose Levels
Getting blood glucose levels under control cant reverse nerve damage but can prevent further damage from occurring. Your doctor will give you specific blood sugar goals. Managing these levels includes eating a healthy diet high in protein and low in carbs. When you eat carbs, try to choose food with a higher fiber content, avoiding chips and soda.
Regular exercise can help keep blood sugar levels manageable by increasing insulin sensitivity, meaning youll need to take less insulin each day. Getting enough sleep is also important, as we often crave high-carb foods when overly tired.
How Can I Prevent Diabetes
If you have diabetes, itâs important to manage your:
- Blood glucose .
You can decrease your risk of diabetes complications and diabetes-related nerve pain by:
- Following a healthy meal and exercise plan.
- Limiting your alcohol intake to no more than one to two drinks per day.
- Visiting your healthcare provider for a checkup and foot exam at least once per year.
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Pain Control In Pregnancy
During pregnancy, prescribing medicine for pain control is difficult. The best hope for pain control in rare cases of young women with severe neuropathy is to control their blood glucose diligently and try to control pain with acetaminophen. At the end of the third trimester, the physician can prescribe amitriptyline, gabapentin, and other medications as indicated if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk to the fetus. Physical therapy may be effective in pregnant patients by increasing their circulation.
To see complete information on Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy, please visit our main article.
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy
Although the exact causes of diabetic neuropathy are unknown, several factors may contribute to the disorder, including:
- High blood sugar . High blood glucose causes chemical changes in nerves and impairs the nerves ability to transmit signals. It can also damage blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
- Metabolic factors. In addition to glucose levels, high triglyceride and cholesterol levels are also associated with increased risk of neuropathy. Patients who are overweight or obese are also at increased risk of developing neuropathy.
- Inherited factors. There are some genetic traits that may make some people more susceptible to nerve disease than others.
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Diagnosis Of Diabetic Neuropathy
The diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy may include:
- taking a medical history for symptoms typical of neuropathy
- checking your feet and legs for responses to stimuli such as temperature, light touch, pain, movement and vibration
- checking the reflexes at your ankles and knees
- tests to exclude other possible causes of neuropathy .
Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy In India Proactive Steps You Can Take To Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels In Check
Research states that there is no diabetic neuropathy treatment. But there are proactive steps one can take to prevent the disease.
Here is a list of preventive measures for the right treatment for diabetic neuropathy:
Controlling your diabetes
A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals together with physical activity can delay problems and be seen as effective steps to control diabetes. It also helps your balance, so youre less likely to fall. Brisk walking is a great way to start.
Regularly monitoring your Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar over time damages nerves. When your blood sugar level is consistently in the normal range the chances of you developing diabetic neuropathy is lesser than usual. Therefore, it is important to understand how often should one check their blood sugar and hba1c levels and maintain them in a healthy range.
Getting adequate Vitamin D and B12 in your diet
If you dont get enough Vitamin D and B12, you are at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. Natural light, egg yolks, cheese, mushrooms, tuna, mackerel and salmon could boost Vitamin D. Red meat and fish could help with Vitamin B12. Also, vitamin D supplements can be preventive.
Taking Antioxidant-Rich Supplements
Although there is more research required, early studies suggest that the antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine may protect nerves. They might also lessen the pain. But it is recommended to check with your doctor before you start taking these.
Lifestyle changes
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Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Management
Many medications are available for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. Oral agents include antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs. According to the 2011 guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology , American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation guideline for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy , pregabalin is recommended for treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. The drug has been proven effective and can improve quality of life. However, physicians should determine if the drug is clinically appropriate for their patients on a case-by-case basis. Gabapentin and sodium valproate should also be considered for diabetic neuropathy pain management.
According to a Cochrane review evaluating gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, gabapentin leads to significant pain relief in patients with chronic neuropathic pain when compared with a placebo. Although patients frequently experience adverse side effects, these are usually tolerable, and serious side effects were not increased when compared with side effects associated with the placebo.
According to the 2011 AAN/AANEM/AAPMR guideline, dextromethorphan, morphine sulfate, tramadol, and oxycodone should be considered for PDN treatment. No one opioid is recommended over another.
Treatment For Neuropathy In Feet And Legs
Neuropathy refers to when the nerves are damaged. This can happen for a wide number of reasons including accidents, trauma, disease such as diabetes and sometime the reason cannot be discovered. In fact, some form of nerve damage is very common as many as two in three adults will experience nerve damage during their life.
Although there are many causes, the most common cause, by far, is from diabetes. In these cases nerve damage is caused by high levels of blood sugar for an extended period of time. This can cause a calcium overload in the nerves which causes them to behave under their own initiative.
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Causes And Risk Factors Of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes itself does not inevitably lead to diabetic foot disease. Chronic high blood sugar levels, demonstrated by hemoglobin A-1 C levels higher than eight over many years, lead to nerve damage to the feet.
Among those with diabetes, your risk for diabetic neuropathy is greater if you:
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are older than 40 years of age
- Have high blood sugar levels
How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed
A doctor will determine whether or not you have neuropathy, starting by asking about your symptoms and medical history. Youll also have a physical examination. Theyll check your level of sensitivity to temperature and touch, heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tone.
A doctor may do a filament test to test the sensitivity in your feet. For this, theyll use a nylon fiber to check your limbs for any loss of sensation. A tuning fork may be used to test your vibration threshold. A doctor may also test your ankle reflexes.
In some cases, they may also perform a nerve conduction study, which can assess nerve damage by measuring the speed and strength of nerve signals.
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What Is The Outlook For People With Diabetes
Although reversing nerve damage is difficult, you can still live a high quality of life. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to keep pain at bay.
Lifestyle adjustments can be effective, such as:
- Using a cane to help you move easier.
- Wearing special shoes to try to protect feet from injuries and skin breakdown.
- Getting help from a wound clinic to treat and heal foot and leg wounds.
- Removing throw rugs and other tripping hazards to prevent falls.
Are There Any Risk Factors For Diabetic Neuropathy
The most important risk factor is uncontrolled diabetes as it can lead to nerve damage over time. Being obese or overweight with a body mass index over 25 is thought to play a role.
The longer you have diabetes you are at a higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy too.
Smoking also can be a risk factor as it contributes to poor circulation. Finally, if you have kidney disease you are at a greater risk for diabetic neuropathy as it may allow toxins in your blood that can also damage your nerves.
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When Should I Seek Treatment
You should definitely consider talking to your healthcare provider if youre seeing any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected, but the most common symptoms associated with legs and feet are listed below:
- Numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of balance and coordination
- In some cases, people may also experience changes in blood pressure or temperature in the affected area.
Neuropathy is often caused by diabetes, but it can also be the result of other conditions such as alcoholism or certain medications. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but may include pain relief medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions On Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment In India
Where does diabetic neuropathy usually start?
Diabetic Neuropathy shows symptoms of tingling and numbness in the feet and legs first. It may occur in the hands or arms later. But there is no specific diabetic neuropathy treatment.
What is the best treatment for diabetic neuropathy?
The best treatment for diabetic neuropathy can vary from individual to individual. Hence, it is recommended to consult a neurologist who will be able to determine the best diabatic neuropathy treatment suited to your symptoms, stage and diagnosis. Some painkillers, anti-seizure medicines and antidepressants have helped with pain management for diabetic neuropathy patients however, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any painkiller or medication of your own.
How do you stop diabetic neuropathy?
While diabetic neuropathy cannot potentially be stopped, there are ways in which you can manage the pain and slow down its progression. Here are a few measures that can help if not in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy but at least in preventing the condition from worsening:
- Manage your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
- Follow Diabetic Neuropathy Diet
What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in the feet?
Here are a few signs and symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy:
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What Should I Drink If I Have Leg Cramps
Consume Water Because muscle cramps are often caused by dehydration, drinking adequate water throughout the day might help keep them at bay. Consuming drinks during a cramp assists the muscles in contracting and relaxing. Maintaining proper hydration ensures that your muscle cells remain hydrated and are less irritated or painful.
Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy In India Useful Pain Management Tips And Techniques For A Positive Outlook
Is diabetic neuropathy curable? In reality, diabetic neuropathy has no cure. However, by relieving pain and managing complications it can be gradually suppressed over time.
How can we manage pain in diabetic neuropathy?
Painkillers and pain-relieving medications may be prescribed by your doctor however, not all prescribed medicines work for all diabetes-related nerve pains and on every patient. They might also have many side effects. Some other medicines that your doctors may prescribe are:
Anti-seizure Drugs Several diabetic neuropathy medications that are prescribed as a painkiller for nerve pain. The side effects that you can expect include swelling, dizziness and drowsiness.
Antidepressants Some antidepressants can be prescribed to help reduce nerve pain. In some cases, anti-seizure and antidepressants may be combined. Your doctor may also suggest other therapies like acupressure, acupuncture or TENS if suitable for your case.
How can we manage diabetic neuropathy complications?
Different healthcare experts in their field might need to be put in charge to treat diabetic neuropathy complications. These might include a urologist, cardiologist and even a neurologist, who can help prevent or treat complications.
The different types of diabetic neuropathy treatment guidelines for complications that arise out of diabetic neuropathy might include:
How to care for a loved one dealing with diabetic neuropathy?
Additionally, to prepare for the appointment you may want to:
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Symptoms Of Sensory Neuropathy In Feet Legs Hands And Arms
- tingling and numbness
- loss of ability to feel pain
- loss of ability to feel changes in temperature
- loss of coordination when you cant feel the position of your joints
- burning or shooting pains these may be worse at night
People with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital with a foot ulcer than with any other diabetes complication. Weve got lots of information on taking care of your feet when you have diabetes.
If you have neuropathy, youre more at risk of developing Charcot foot. This is one of the serious foot complications caused by diabetes. We’ve got more information about what causes Charcot foot, as well as how to treat and prevent it.
Sound & Proven Treatment For Neuropathy In Legs And Feet
An exclusive and effective treatment for neuropathy in the legs and feet, The Combination Electro-analgesia Therapy has been highly influential in relieving pain and discomfort, reversing your numbness, and restoring your sensation while improving your acuity, balance, and strength in your hands and feet.
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Diagnosing Diabetic Foot Disease
The American Diabetes Association recommends a yearly total foot exam for all those with diabetes.
Your doctor or other specialist can conduct the exam. He or she will check for bone skin imperfections and abnormalities, which are often precursors to diabetic foot disease or diabetic neuropathy.
To confirm a diagnosis of diabetic foot disease, your doctor will fully review your:
- Results of a number of tests and exams
Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Prevented
The best way to prevent diabetic neuropathy is by consistent blood sugar management.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking your medications as prescribed, and monitoring your blood sugar levels closely to ensure they are in the target range can all help you manage your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic neuropathy.
Quitting smoking will also improve your chances of not getting diabetic neuropathy as it causes poor blood flow.
You also need to keep your feet healthy by practicing proper foot care which includes washing them every day with a mild soap, keeping them dry, wearing comfortable closed-toed shoes that fit well, and checking your feet regularly for any cuts, sores, or other problems.
See your doctor right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
If you already have diabetes and are starting to experience numbness in your feet, ankles, or legs be sure to talk to your doctor so they can treat the neuropathy before it gets worse and schedule regular appointments for a foot exam to avoid foot complications caused by diabetic neuropathy.
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Fructosamine To A1c: How Are They Related
Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It can be difficult to manage, but with the right tools and information, it is possible to live a healthy life with diabetes. One of the most important tools for managing diabetes is understanding fructosamine levels and hemoglobin A1C levels. In this article, we will explain what fructosamine and hemoglobin A1C are, and discuss the relationship between these two measures. We will also provide tips on how to test your fructosamine and hemoglobin A1C levels correctly.
Why Neuropathy In Feet And Legs
The body works hard to protect the vital organs first this is true whether you are in an extremely cold survival situation or dealing with high blood sugar levels. The feet and legs are important body parts but not vital organs. As the furthest away from the heart they will be the ones that suffer first. See The Neuropathy Solution for more information .
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Why Is Diabetic Neuropathy So Painful
The nerves carry chemical messages to and from the brain about what we can feel. When the nerves are damaged these messages cannot be sent properly which leads to a change in sensation or feeling. This can lead to feelings of numbness, tingling, burning, discomfort or shooting pains. Sometimes these sensations can be worse at night. We are not sure exactly why this is, but could be to do with cooler temperatures in the evening, stress at the end of a long day and fewer distractions in the evening meaning you notice the pain more. Living with any type of long-term pain , can be very distressing and have a negative impact on your mental health and general wellbeing. If you are experiencing regular or frequent pain which you are struggling to cope with you should contact your GP for advice and support. You can also contact our helpline or reach out on our forum.
Diabetic Nerve Pain In Ankle Feet And Legs
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves due to high blood sugar levels and nerve damage can cause a wide range of symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious complications such as diabetic foot ulcers.
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