Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain
Nerves allow your body to feel temperature, pain, and other sensations. Over time, diabetes can harm nerves in the feet and legs and less often in the hands and arms. The pain usually occurs in both feet and may seem to extend into the legs as time passes. Similarly, both hands would be affected, and this pain may travel up the arms. Healthcare providers call this diabetic nerve pain. The pain can develop on its own, or it may also be caused by light touch or movement.Possible Causes of Diabetic Nerve Pain
The prevalence of diabetic nerve pain is estimated to be 20% to 24% among patients with diabetes, affecting both people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is also estimated that 10% to 20% of patients with diabetic nerve pain have pain severe enough to require treatment. No one yet knows exactly what causes the nerve damage. Having high blood sugar (glucose) levels over time is likely to be involved. While diabetic nerve pain can occur at any time, those who have had diabetes for a long time may be more likely to develop pain. People who have had problems controlling their blood sugar levels, have high blood pressure, and/or are overweight may also have a greater risk of developing diabetes-related nerve damage.Fortunately, research has shown that diabetic nerve pain may be prevented through improved control of blood sugar. Other measures to improve your overall health include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, lowering your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, avoiding smoking, and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. There are options to help manage diabetic nerve pain, such as Cymbalta or nonmedicinal treatments, like acupuncture. Ask your doctor what you can do.
Note: Before beginning or changing an exercise program, please consult your healthcare provider.
Diabetic Nerve Pain Descriptors
Diabetic nerve pain has been described by some patients as constant or that it comes and goes. Words commonly used to describe diabetic nerve pain can include burning or shooting pain in the feet and legs, and you may have increased sensitivity to touch. Everyday things that come into contact with the painful area may cause pain, such as bedsheets or socks that touch your feet. Some people diagnosed with nerve damage due to diabetes experience numbness and muscle weakness.Do you suspect that you have diabetic nerve pain? Do any of these words describe your pain?
- Aching
- Burning
- Numbness
- Shooting
- Stabbing
- Throbbing
- Tingling
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