Did you know that over 30 million Americans struggle from diabetes? And from those 30 million, 7.5 million will experience diabetic neuropathy? Diabetic neuropathy deteriorates ones quality of life, and poses a huge financial burden for patient and patient’s caregivers. It causes many complications and can be very painful for the individual. With recent studies, there is hope at the end of the tunnel for those who fight diabetic neuropathy.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. Some people have mild symptoms. But for some, patients might struggle with tingling, burning, stinging type pain. These painful symptoms can interfere with one’s ability to walk or to sleep.
Management
Unfortunately, diabetic neuropathy has to be managed and is never completely cured. It is very important that you work with your doctor to establish a treatment plan to slow the progression of the disease and find ways to relieve the pain.
How to help slow the progression
- Keep your blood sugar within your target range
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Keeping your blood pressure within your target range
Considering these tips to slow the progression of the disease, it is most important to make sure you are working with your physician on a treatment plan that fits you best.
Nevro HFX
For years, conventional medical treatment of Diabetic neuropathy has involved tight blood sugar control, therapy for balance problems, and a small number of medications for the painful symptoms. Unfortunately many patients still struggle with pain and functional limitations despite treatment.
Recently in 2021, a study was published in JAMA Neurology showing that spinal cord stimulation (Nevro HFX) provided relief from painful diabetic neuropathy. 85% of patients received significant pain relief. Spinal cord stimulation has been used for years to treat back pain, and now the FDA has approved it for treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.
Who to Call
When you are experiencing some of these symptoms, it is time to call a physician.
- Tingling, burning, or stinging type pain
- Sharp pains for cramps
- Sensitivity to touch (some patients experience pain with even a light bedsheet)
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
Dr. Ryan A. Wetzel has seen diabetic neuropathy in many different patients, and has had great success on keeping them to be pain free. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wetzel to discuss different treatment options for painful diabetic neuropathy.