Diabetes can cause damage to nerves resulting in neuropathy, or nerve dysfunction. This occurs most commonly in patients with poorly controlled blood sugars for prolonged periods of time. The result is often sensation loss in the feet and may progress to involve the legs, hands, and arms. A portion of these patients also develop pain over these areas described as a burning, aching and/or sharp pain. This can profoundly affect many aspects of a patient's life including sleep, mood and activity level. Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy involves coordination with your endocrinologist or primary physician to ensure tight glucose control and if necessary ruling out other possible sources of neuropathy.
Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
Multiple different classes of medications have been used effectively to help control pain in these patients. Other treatments such as acupuncture, physical therapy or TENS units can also be tried. In some patients spinal cord stimulation (neuromodulation) can be used to decrease the pain signal and produce a more pleasant sensation over the previously painful area. An advantage to this treatment option is it can be trialed prior to implantation to determine effectiveness.
All symptomatic treatment must be combined with continuing efforts to control the patient's blood sugar to prevent further progression. Our highly trained Diabetic Neuropathy pain treatment physicians care about improving your pain and quality of life. For more information on how Pain Specialists of Orange County and the treatment of your Painful Diabetic Neuropathy, please contact us at 949-297-3838.