Diabetic Neuropathy

Common Symptoms

In addition to pain or numbness in the legs and feet, diabetic neuropathy can also negatively affect the urinary tract, blood vessels, heard, and digestive system. There are four types of diabetic neuropathy. Each type has varying symptoms.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy and the symptoms usually begin in the feet and legs and progress to the hands and arms. The symptoms can include:

• Numbness and/or the inability to feel pain or temperature changes
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Cramping or sharp pain
• Extreme skin sensitivity
• Ulcers or infections in the feet
  

Autonomic Neuropathy

Diabetes affecting the autonomic nervous system can affect the stomach, intestines, bladder, heart, eyes, and sex organs. The symptoms can include:

• Hypoglycemia unawareness
• Bladder or bowel problems
• Stomach emptying too slowly (causing nausea and other issues)
• Changes in eye adjustment
• Decrease in sexual response or loss of sex drive
  

Proximal Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy affects the thighs, hips, buttocks, and legs. It can also affect the abdomen and chest. Symptoms usually begin on one side of the body but can spread to the other. Symptoms of proximal neuropathy can include:

• Pain in hips, thighs, or buttocks
• Weak or shrinking muscles of the thighs
• Difficulty standing from a seated position
• Stomach pain
  

Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy is the damage of a specific nerve and the symptoms can include:

• Double vision and/or difficulty focusing
• Aching behind one eye
• Bell’s palsy
• Numbness or tingling in all fingers except for the pinky fingers
• Weakness of the hands
  

Causes

Although the exact cause of neuropathy is unknown, it is probably caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Poor circulation contributes to the problem. There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing neuropathy, including:

• Poor control of blood sugar
• History of diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
  

Prevention

Preventing neuropathy really comes down to monitoring blood sugar levels and foot care. Once developed, neuropathy pain and neuropathy of the feet can be difficult to manage without treatment. Preventing neuropathy is a better choice.

If you have developed neuropathy, you can seek help from a doctor to figure out a treatment and management plan that is right for you. Diabetes can cause a lot of different physical issues. Nerve problems are among the most frustrating. If you feel that you have issues related to your diabetes such as neuropathy, you should consult a professional to get the help that you need so that the pain can be managed and the problem can be resolved.

Neuropathy can have dangerous or debilitating side effects, but if you properly manage your blood sugar levels and take care of your feet, neuropathy can be avoided. If you have foot and ankle problems caused by diabetes, do not wait to address them. In some cases, the longer that you take to address the problem, the harder it will be to resolve.

Get professional advice and treatment at Diablo Foot and Ankle. Their medical specialists will help to get you back on your feet. Call or schedule an appointment today. We are here for you!

Abnormally high blood sugar levels can affect various parts of the body, including the nerves. Poor circulation can also damage the nerves. As a result, many patients with diabetes experience neuropathy, which is weakness, numbness, or pain. The legs and feet are commonly affected because circulation tends to be a problem in diabetic patients and the legs and feet are furthest from the heart. Below is a closer look at neuropathy and how it can affect diabetic patients.

Treatment Option: Sanexas Electrotherapy

Electric cell signaling treatment (EST) is a cutting-edge electrotherapy modality. It works by using electronic signal energy waves along with associated harmonic resonance frequencies, modulating signals through nerve pathways to retrain and reconduct circuitry in damaged nerves. These energy waves and frequencies are used to physiologically tune and stimulate certain functions of nerve fibers.

At Diablo Foot & Ankle, we offer the Sanexas electrotherapy treatment. It is FDA-approved, non-invasive, and produces positive outcomes for many patients who are experiencing pain or circulatory issues. Sanexas has been shown to improve cell-to-cell communication, actively repairing and regenerating nerve fibers at the cellular level. Simply put, this therapy doesn’t just alleviate pain, but it has the potential to heal damaged nerve pathways, leading to long-term relief.

Sanexas Neuropathy Patient Stories

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