NEUROPATHY
Diabetic neuropathy refers to several nerve damage types that are associated with diabetes mellitus.
This debilitating condition is the greatest and most common source of morbidity and mortality in diabetics. Diabetic Mellitus is the leading cause of neuropathy, especially in developed countries.
Diabetic neuropathy can affect any of your peripheral nerves including motor neurons, sensory neurons, and your autonomic nervous system.
However, this condition often causes damage to the nerves in your legs, feet, arms, and hands. This is referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Our experts at Frederick Foot and Ankle are aware of the debilitating effects of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. That is why we provide the latest diagnostic techniques and diabetic neuropathy treatment options. Our main goal is to help you get back on your feet and improve your quality of life.
You do not have to worry if you have this condition. We offer the best mechanical, medical and surgical treatment for your extremities. If you or your loved ones in and around Frederick are afflicted with this disorder, Frederick Foot and Ankle is the right place to take control of the condition. Herein you are going to learn more about the disorder including its causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Symptoms &
Causes
Extensive research suggests that uncontrolled high blood glucose can cause significant damage to your nerves and affect their ability to send neural signals. High blood glucose levels can also weaken your small blood vessel (capillaries) walls, which supply your nerves with nutrients and oxygen.
There are four main diabetic neuropathy types. It is possible to have more than one type. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and you may not notice until significant nerve damage has occurred. The different types include:
- Peripheral Neuropathy – Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type. It usually affects your legs and feet first, then your arms and hands. The signs and symptoms include numbness, burning or tingling sensation, cramps or sharp pains, increased touch sensitivity, muscular weakness, loss of coordination and balance, loss of reflexes as well as serious foot conditions, such as infections, ulcers, joint pain, and bone pain.
- Autonomic Neuropathy – Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves in your autonomic nervous system including your heart, stomach, bladders, and intestines. The symptoms include low blood sugar unawareness, bladder problems, slow emptying stomach (causes nausea, bloating and lack of appetite), problems controlling your body temperature and erectile dysfunction.
- Diabetic Amyotrophy – Affects the nerves in your hips, buttocks, thighs, and legs. The symptoms include severe pain in your hip, thigh or buttock, weak thigh muscles, difficult mobility, and weight loss.
- Mononeuropathy – Affects specific nerves in your face, torso or legs. The symptoms include pain in your foot, chest or abdomen, lower back or pelvis, double vision or difficulty focusing.
Visit Frederick Foot and Ankle immediately if you exhibit any of the above signs and symptoms.
Neuropathy Treatment & Prevention Options
The most important step in diabetic neuropathy treatment is getting your blood glucose levels under control. Shifts in your blood glucose levels may accelerate nerve damage. Other treatment options focus on reducing pain and other symptoms.
Frederick Foot and Ankle offers pain management through medications, topical agents and medical devices. In some cases, our specialists may recommend a combination of medications to reduce the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy is also a great option that may reduce your dependency on pain managing pharmacological therapies. We utilize various physiotherapy techniques as treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet.
The techniques help alleviate some symptoms including deep pain in legs and feet, burning or tingling sensations, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, neuropathy feet and loss of coordination and balance. Our physical therapies also include posture training and gait training. These peripheral neuropathy treatment options help to stabilize and prevent foot complications like foot ulcers.
Note that you have the ability to prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy and the arising complications. You can achieve through blood sugar control and taking proper care of your feet. It is good practice to have regular foot inspections. Visit our offices immediately if you notice redness, swelling, cuts, lesions, blisters, bruises and peeling on your feet.
If unchecked, even minor sores can become serious infections. Always wear cushioned shoes that fit you properly allowing your toes to move freely. Ensure that you visit your podiatrist regularly for examinations that can save you from diabetic neuropathy complications.
The multidisciplinary team at Frederick Foot and Ankle will work with you every step of the way. From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and prevention. We know that diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that can lead to amputations.
We offer you evaluation by experienced and skilled professionals, state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment plans, physical therapy and access to the latest pain management services. Contact us or request an appointment TODAY at Fredrick Foot and Ankle to access a one-stop center for comprehensive diabetic neuropathy care.