Treatment for Painful Nerve Damage Associated With Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the nerves throughout the body. For some people, diabetic neuropathy causes burning, tingling, numbness or severe pain—often beginning in the feet and legs.
At ECPC Pain Specialists, we provide comprehensive pain management for patients experiencing painful diabetic neuropathy, with treatment plans designed around your symptoms, medical history and goals.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. Over time, elevated blood glucose and other metabolic factors can damage nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them.
The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which typically affects the feet and legs and can sometimes involve the hands and arms.
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Symptoms can include:
- Burning pain
- Shooting or electric-like pain
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Numbness
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Difficulty sensing temperature
- Weakness
- Problems with balance
Symptoms may be worse at night and can occur on one or both sides of the body.
Why Does Diabetic Neuropathy Hurt?
Healthy nerves communicate sensations between the body and brain.
When nerves are damaged, they may send abnormal signals, resulting in pain, burning or other uncomfortable sensations—even when there is no new injury.
At the same time, loss of sensation can make it difficult to recognize injuries to the feet. This is why regular foot care is particularly important for people with diabetic neuropathy.
How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a medical history and physical and neurological examination.
Your physician may evaluate:
- Sensation
- Reflexes
- Strength
- Balance and walking
- Foot health
Additional testing, including nerve conduction studies or EMG, may sometimes be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or another nerve disorder needs to be considered.
Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy
Managing the underlying diabetes is an important part of protecting nerve health. Your diabetes care team may focus on blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol management.
Pain management may include:
- Medication for neuropathic pain
- Topical treatments
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle and activity modifications
- Interventional treatments for selected patients
- Neuromodulation, including spinal cord stimulation, in appropriate cases
Treatment is focused on reducing pain and improving function. Existing nerve damage may not be reversible, making prevention of further nerve damage an important part of care.
Living With Diabetic Neuropathy
If you have decreased sensation in your feet, daily foot checks are important. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or sores that you may not otherwise feel.
Managing your diabetes and staying engaged with your primary care or diabetes team are also important parts of long-term nerve health.
Take the Next Step
If diabetic nerve pain is interfering with your sleep, mobility or quality of life, you have options for managing the pain.
Contact ECPC Pain Specialists to schedule an evaluation for painful diabetic neuropathy.