Living with Diabetic Neuropathy

Strategies for Managing Pain and Maintaining Function

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications seen in patients with diabetes. This painful complication results from high blood sugar levels that cause nerve damage throughout the body. At Macomb Pain Management, we understand how tough it can be to live with diabetic neuropathy and are here to help you with the tools and knowledge you need to manage your pain levels. Let’s take a closer look at diabetic neuropathy and some strategies you can use to manage your pain levels.

Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes caused by chronic high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Over time, high blood sugar levels damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the nerves. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, nerves weaken and lose their ability to send signals properly, which can lead to symptoms like:

1. Burning sensations
2. Numbness
3. Pins and needles sensations
4. Difficulty walking
5. Reduced sensitivity to temperature

The first step towards managing diabetic neuropathy is to make sure your blood sugar levels are well managed to prevent further damage. Patients should:

1. Keep their blood sugar levels in the healthy range
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Stop smoking
4. Get regular exercise
5. Regularly check feet for sores

Let’s look at how you manage some of the symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.

At-Home Pain Relief Techniques

While it is always best to have your diabetic neuropathy pain treated by pain management professionals like the Board-Certified physicians at Macomb Pain Management, there are some steps you can take at home to manage your pain levels. Warm baths or heating pads can provide you with some relief from neuropathy pain, but patients must be careful, as reduced sensations to temperature is a common symptom of neuropathy. Other at-home treatment options include:

1. Topical treatments like lidocaine creams or patches
2. Massaging and stretching exercises
3. Relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing exercises

If you find that your neuropathy pain is severe, pain management doctors have tools and treatment options that can help you manage your pain when at-home treatments fail.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy

If at home diabetic neuropathy treatments are failing to manage your pain levels, pain management specialists can help you with minimally invasive treatment options. Some of your treatment options can include:

1. Nerve blocks
2. Medications
3. Spinal cord stimulation
4. Additional treatment options based on your symptoms

Working alongside a doctor and combining at-home treatments and lifestyle changes is often the best option for neuropathy pain management.

Maintaining Function and Quality of Life

Besides the pain, patients with diabetic neuropathy often also deal with mobility issues that interfere with their ability to work and stay active. Mobility aids like orthotics, braces, or canes can help you walk more confidently and reduce fall risks. Physical therapy is another option that may be able to help you regain some of your lost mobility as a result of diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage, and numbness. Regular check-ups with your pain management doctor and ongoing care are crucial to ensure that you can continue to manage your neuropathy as successfully as possible.

Get Help With Diabetic Neuropathy Pain Today

If you are struggling to manage your diabetic neuropathy pain and are looking to explore your treatment options, contact Macomb Pain Management today at (248) 844-8281. Our team of diabetic neuropathy pain management specialists is here to help you find practical, safe, and affordable treatment options. Get started today by reaching out to our team for a consult.