Neuropathy: An Uncomfortable Complication of Diabetes

Nerve damage called neuropathy is often present in those with diabetes. A condition of uncontrolled blood sugar can damage nerves and interfere with their ability to transmit signals properly.

Neuropathy causes pain and numbness in the feet and legs. Other symptoms include loss of balance, cramps and muscle weakness.

In addition to diabetes, other causes of neuropathy include repetitive injury, certain drugs, physical trauma, toxin exposure and infections.

How We Diagnose Neuropathy

In addition to blood tests, we will take a full medical history including symptoms and a family history of neurological diseases. Our physical exam will look at muscle strength and tone, coordination, tendon reflexes and your ability to feel certain sensations.

A nerve induction study can measure your nerve’s responses to a low electric current.

We will also take a skin biopsy to measure the nerve endings in your lower extremities.

Treating Neuropathy

Managing your diabetes and controlling blood sugar can help slow the progress of neuropathy. The risk of nerve damage can be reduced by bringing blood glucose levels into a healthy range.

Pain relievers taken with your doctor’s permission, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, can help relieve the discomfort of neuropathy. Neuropathy symptoms may also be helped with capsaicin cream, a topical treatment that may cause serious side effects in some patients. Local anesthetic patches can ease pain by preventing the nerves from sending pain signals.

In stubborn cases, surgery can help release swollen and compressed nerves.

Let Us Know If You Have Any Foot or Ankle Pain

The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.