Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes. The type of neuropathy occurring in the arms, hands, legs and feet is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is different from peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation), which affects the blood vessels rather than the nerves.
Three different groups of nerves can be affected by diabetic neuropathy:
Sensory nerves, which enable people to feel pain, temperature, and other sensations
Motor nerves, which control the muscles and give them their strength and tone
Autonomic nerves, which allow the body to perform certain involuntary functions, such as sweating.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy doesn’t emerge overnight—instead, it usually develops slowly and worsens over time. Some patients have this condition long before they are diagnosed with diabetes. Having diabetes for several years may increase the likelihood of having diabetic neuropathy.
The loss of sensation and other problems associated with nerve damage make a patient prone to developing skin ulcers (open sores) that can become infected and may not heal. This serious complication of diabetes can lead to loss of a foot, a leg, or even a life.
Symptoms
For sensory neuropathy:
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs - including prickly, sharp pain or burning feet
For motor neuropathy:
- Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone in the feet and lower legs
- Loss of balance
- Changes in foot shape that cna lead to areas of increased pressure
For autonomic neuropathy:
Diagnosis
To diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy, East Penn Foot and Ankle Surgeons will obtain the patient’s history of symptoms and will perform simple in-office tests on the feet and legs. This evaluation may include assessment of the patient’s reflexes, ability to feel light touch, and ability to feel vibration. In some cases, additional neurological tests may be ordered.
Treatment
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy centers on control of the patient’s blood sugar level
- Medications are available to help relieve specific symptoms, such as tingling or burning
- Physical Therapy
Prevention
Remember - You play a vital role in reducing complications associated with diabetes
- Keep blood sugar levels under control
- Wear well-fitting shoes to avoid getting sores
- Inspect your feet every day
- Visit East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates on a regular basis for an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes
- Have periodic visits with your primary care physician or endocrinologist. East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates will work with your primary care provider to prevent and treat the complications associated with diabetes
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