Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Should Know

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, also called as distal symmetric neuropathy or sensorimotor neuropathy, is a condition where nerve damage occurs in the peripheral nervous system due to diabetes. This condition usually results to numbness, inability to control muscles and sometimes pain in the feet, legs, or hands. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Signs and symptoms of people suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy depend on the severity of the condition and the specific nerve affected. Sometimes these signs and symptoms do not indicate nerve damage. But this can be considered a signal by the brain that something is definitely wrong.

Signs and symptoms include:

·       Numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet, hands, and legs

·       Muscle weakness or wasting of the feet and hands

·       Loss of balance

·       Disfigurement of the feet

·       Dry feet

·       Cracked skin

·       Erectile dysfunction in men

·       Vaginal dryness in women

·       Weight loss

Diagnosis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

To diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist or foot specialist will have to know the patient’s history and check for any signs or symptoms. The podiatrist will assess the situation, do some laboratory work, plan a treatment strategy and provide medication to the patient. There are some cases where the podiatrist will have to do additional neurologic tests to further assess the situation.

Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Treating this condition focuses on managing the underlying condition. This include controlling the patient’s blood sugar level. The podiatrist will also provide medications to help relieve the patient’s pain symptoms. Depression is one of the symptoms of having diabetic peripheral neuropathy and counselling is usually advised.  There are cases in which the patient may undergo physical therapy due to balance problems.

How to prevent from having diabetic peripheral neuropathy

The patient plays a vital role in managing diabetes and preventing it from developing into diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is advised that people with diabetes undergo feet examination at least twice a year. The feet will be checked for sores, calluses, blisters, cracked skin and bone and joint irregularities. This enables early detection and prompt treatment of the condition.

Preventive measures that can help avoid diabetic peripheral neuropathy include:

·       Checking and keeping of blood sugar in normal range

·       Wearing of foot wears that fit perfectly

·       Avoid drinking of alcohol

·       Quit smoking

·       Good nutrition

·       Healthy lifestyle

·       Proper hygiene

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.