According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, over 100 million Americans are currently afflicted with diabetes. This widely prevalent condition is characterized by an inability to respond to or produce the hormone insulin, and can result in a wide array of serious health-related complications. There are numerous forms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes), though the most common form is peripheral neuropathy; nerve damage of the feet, legs, arms, and hands. There are three additional types of diabetic neuropathy: autonomic neuropathy, mononeuropathy, and radiculoplexus neuropathy. The autonomic nervous system controls the heart, stomach, lungs, sex organs, intestines, bladder, and eyes. Diabetes can damage or affect the nerves within these specific areas, leading to a host of unpleasant symptoms (including changes in blood pressure, constipation, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction). Mononeuropathy concerns the damage of one specific nerve, leading to sudden and severe pain (most commonly in the leg, abdomen, or face). Radiculoplexus neuropathy is far more common in adults who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This specific condition typically affects one side of the body, and symptoms typically worsen in severity before the resolve. Regardless of what type of diabetes you suffer from, recovery is possible.
Symptoms of Diabetes Pain
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy tend to worsen at night. Though symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition, they may include:
- Sharp pains
- Intense cramping
- Dramatically increased sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Inability to feel temperature changes
- Inability to feel pain
- Issues with the digestive tract (such as indigestion and constipation)
- Heart problems
- Issues related to the blood vessels (such as increased blood pressure)
Fortunately, the majority of these symptoms can be prevented with adequate medical care and ongoing treatment.
Treatment for Diabetes Pain
Peripheral neuropathy can be somewhat difficult to treat, seeing as it can be widespread and almost constant (in some cases). Fortunately, the symptoms of diabetes-related pain can be regulated. In most cases, peripheral neuropathy treatment consists of two major factors. First, adequately controlling blood sugar levels plays a huge roll in pain regulation (and overall quality of life). Secondly, certain pain medications can vastly improve pain-related symptoms, allowing a quick return to normal functioning.
How Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Heals Diabetes Pain
The first thing we at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches do is look at blood sugar levels. If levels are not where they need to be, we will recommend that insulin is utilized on a regular basis. Insulin injections are commonly used to regulate blood sugar in individuals suffering from diabetes. Of course, relying on insulin alone will not help prevent worsening symptoms – it is crucial that those struggling with pain related to diabetes also make major lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise, diet, medication, and meal planning. Once in an individual is taking every step possible to regulate blood sugar, we may prescribe a medication specially designed to alleviate pain associated with nerve damage. As always, we will determine which course of treatment is right for each individual client based on a detailed and comprehensive evaluation.
If you are suffering from diabetes pain, we can help. Call (561) 434-7577 and let the caring staff at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches get you on the path to healing.
