When having a chronic condition like diabetes, you develop low immunity, and you are prone to getting other infections and conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. The condition is common to patients with diabetes. Proper management of diabetes can help lower your risk of the disease. American Foot & Ankle Specialists specialize in various foot and ankle problems, including diabetic neuropathy in Naperville. If you have diabetic neuropathy that affects your daily life, consider consulting the podiatrist specialist in Illinois for the help you deserve. Call the office today or book your appointment online.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve damage condition that occurs due to increased blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. High levels of blood sugar destroy the nerves, usually in your legs and feet.
Symptoms
The symptoms include pain and numbness, among others depending on the type of diabetic neuropathy and the nerve affected. They develop slowly, and it may be hard to notice the symptoms until it is too late. Diabetic neuropathy occurs in four types, including;
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the most regular type of diabetic neuropathy. It harms the nerves in the feet and legs then develops to the hands and arms. The symptoms become worse at night and may include;
- Numbness
- Sharp pains.
- Increased sensitivity.
- Inflammation.
- Foot infections, ulcers, or joint pain.
Autonomic neuropathy
This type of diabetic neuropathy injures the nerves of the stomach, heart, bladder, intestines, eyes, and sex organs. When having autonomic neuropathy, you may experience:
- Bladder and bowel issues
- Unable to notice low blood sugar levels
- Low sexual response
- Changes in the eyes’ ability to sense light
- Slow stomach emptying leading to nausea and vomiting
Proximal neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy usually affects the nerves in the legs, hips, buttocks, thighs, and chest and abdominal parts. You may experience symptoms on one body side, including:
- Severe pain in your stomach, hips, thighs, or buttocks
- Weak and shrinking thigh muscles
- Difficulty standing
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Mononeuropathy
This type of diabetic neuropathy involves damage to a specific nerve. Symptoms include:
- Numbness in your hands and fingers
- Double vision
- Paralysis on one side of your face
- Hand weakness may lead to dropping things
Causes of diabetic neuropathy
There is no definite cause of diabetic neuropathy; however, some factors may increase your risk of developing the condition, including;
- Excessive weight
- Smoking
- Kidney disease
- Poor blood sugar control
- Having diabetes
Treatments for diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy has no cure. The treatments focus on alleviating pain, lowering the risk of complications through:
- Healthy lifestyles
- Managing your blood sugar levels
- Regular exercise
- Healthy weight
Your provider at American Foot & Ankle Specialist may recommend medications such as antidepressants, antiseizure to minimize nerve pain. Over-the-counter pain killers may also be helpful.
Alternative medicines include acupuncture, TENS machine, capsaicin cream, and antioxidant foods. Dr. Puthenpurakal will guide you with all your prescriptions and alternative therapies.
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy occurs due to high blood sugar levels causing nerve damage. The condition has no known cure, but you can manage it through a healthy lifestyle. At American Foot & Ankle Specialists, the team provides effective solutions to ease your pain and improve your daily living, as well as your overall health.
Contact their offices today to schedule your consultation.