Footnotes / Blog

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy? 

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is damage to nerves in the hands and feet, which is caused by chronically high blood sugar and Diabetes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy include numbness, loss of sensation, tingling, pins and needles, and occasionally pain in the feet and hands.

Diagnosis

A diabetic peripheral neuropathy diagnosis is made base on the evaluation of a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical exam. At Innovative Foot and Ankle, one of our licensed podiatrists will assess your muscle strength and tone, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to touch, temperature and vibration.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Diabetic Neuropathy. The best way to reduce symptoms and and prevent progression of the disease is to keep blood sugar at good levels.

Topical creams such as “Capsaicin” can relieve the burning and pain of nerve damage if used daily. Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in chili peppers, therefore care must be taken to thoroughly wash hands after application to prevent burning and irritation of the eyes.

Oral medications include Neurontin (Gabapentin) and Lyrica (Pregabalin). These medications are made to treat seirzures, however they decrease diabetic neuropathic pain by slowing the nerve impulses. Oral medications do have side effects, your doctor will decide if this treatment is acceptable for you.

Patients can also benefit from physical therapy to maintain strength and motion in their lower extremities, and may also slow the loss of sensation.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is painful and difficult disease, if you would like to be evaluated and see what treatment options are best for you, visit one of the doctors at Innovative Foot and Ankle. We have offices conveniently located in the New Jersey towns of Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry, and Montclair.