Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy also addressed as DPN is a nerve damage caused by diabetes but often sounds complicated to laymen. But for someone suffering from this condition, understanding what it is is important to find the best diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatments. Fortunately for you, Maywell Health’s experts are here to help you with your treatment journey.
What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)?
Our nerves are like information cables sending signals to all parts of our body. DPN is a condition that arises when our blood sugar levels are high and diabetes starts hurting these nerves. It generally affects our hands and feet as the brain fails to send the right signals to these body parts.
Signs and Symptoms
- Numbness and Tingling: You might feel like your hands or feet are asleep, with tingling or numbness.
- Burning Pain: Some people experience burning pain in their feet.
- Weakness: Your muscles might feel weak, making it hard to do things like picking up objects.
- Balance Problems: DPN can affect your ability to balance, increasing the risk of falls.
- Sensitivity: You might be sensitive to even the lightest touch, making clothes or sheets feel uncomfortable.
Treatment Options
1. Conservative Approaches: These are non-invasive methods for treating DPN.
- Blood Sugar Control: Managing your diabetes is the most important step in preventing and slowing DPN.
- Foot Care: Taking good care of your feet is crucial to avoid infections or injuries.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises can help improve balance and strength.
2. Pharmacologic Approaches: Medications for diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatments:
- Pain Relievers: Take prescription drugs like ibuprofen to reduce and manage pain effectively.
- Nerve Medications: Medications like gabapentin can calm overactive nerves.
- Topical Creams: Some creams can be applied to the skin to relieve pain.
3. Pain Medicine Interventions: These treatments target pain directly:
- Corticosteroid Injections: Doctors may use these injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Ultrasound-Guided Procedures: Ultrasound helps doctors aim injections accurately.
- Fluoroscopic-Guided Procedures: Fluoroscopy is a procedure where real-time video of the inside of the body is made that helps inject pain medicine accurately.
4. Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgery may be considered:
- Nerve Decompression Surgery: Surgeons release pressure on the nerves to reduce pain.
- Spinal Cord Stimulators: These devices send electrical signals to the nerves to block pain.
Anatomical Structures
Understanding your body’s nerves and their role can help you grasp DPN better.
- Nerves: Nerves carry messages from your brain to your body. DPN damages these wires.
- Peripheral Nervous System: This part of the nervous system controls your limbs and organs, and it’s where DPN causes problems.
Severe medical conditions like Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy can cause immense pain and discomfort. This is why you must look for the best diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatments at the first sign of the condition. Expert professionals like the ones at Maywell Health are here to clear your doubts regarding this condition and help you tackle it effectively to bring your best life back on track.
