Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, often due to diabetes, resulting in nerve damage. This damage leads to numbness, loss of sensation, and sometimes pain, primarily in the feet, legs, and hands. It is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Consistently high blood sugar harms nerves not only in the extremities but throughout the body. Damaged nerves struggle to transmit signals between the brain and other areas, affecting sensation.
As a result, you may have difficulty feeling heat, cold, or pain in your feet, legs, or hands. This can be dangerous because injuries such as cuts or sores may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of infection. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can also lead to foot ulcers without you realizing it.
Symptoms of nerve damage vary among individuals. Some experience tingling that progresses to pain, while others develop numbness in their fingers and toes. These changes occur gradually over the years, often making them hard to detect.
Because symptoms develop slowly and often coincide with aging, many people dismiss them as a natural part of getting older, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet include:
- Numbness or loss of feeling (inability to sense pain, heat, or cold)
- Tingling, burning, or "pins and needles" sensation
- Sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain
- Hypersensitivity to touch (even light pressure may feel painful)
- Muscle weakness in the feet
- Loss of coordination or balance (difficulty walking)
- Slow-healing wounds or ulcers
Since symptoms develop gradually, many people may not notice them until significant nerve damage has occurred.
Treatment
Managing diabetic neuropathy involves a comprehensive approach focused on preventing complications, managing pain, and preserving foot function. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist are essential, as early detection and intervention help prevent severe conditions like Charcot foot and amputations.
• Pain Management – Medications for
diabetic neuropathy focus on
pain relief and nerve protection. Common options include
gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and amitriptyline. Topical treatments like capsaicin and lidocaine may help, while
alpha-lipoic acid and B vitamins support nerve health.
• Skin friendly socks- Diabetic socks help people with
neuropathy, poor blood circulation, or foot problems by keeping feet healthy when used with proper care and regular check-ups.
Bamboo socks are a great choice for diabetics as they are
soft, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial. They help
keep feet dry, prevent infections, and reduce friction with a seamless, comfortable design, making them ideal for those with
diabetic neuropathy.
• Footwear & Orthotics – Custom diabetic shoes, cushioned insoles, and offloading devices help redistribute pressure and prevent ulcer formation.
• Moisturization & Skin Care – Proper hydration of the feet prevents dryness and cracking, reducing the likelihood of infection and complications.
• Diabetic neuropathy cream-
L-Arginine improves
blood flow and insulin sensitivity by boosting
nitric oxide (NO) production, which helps dilate blood vessels. It may aid in
circulation, wound healing, and reducing insulin resistance in diabetes.
•
Patient Education – Teaching proper foot care, daily inspections, and the use of diabetic socks to prevent injury.
A proactive approach, combining protective footwear, proper wound care, and consistent podiatric evaluation, plays a critical role in managing diabetic neuropathy and preventing long-term foot-related complications.
For assistance to overcome ‘foot, ankle and biomechanics’ related issues, contact Orthofit at 8454920321 or doctor@orthofit.in.
Live Life Pain free!!!
