Diabetes can wreak havoc on an individual’s extremities, which is why diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which causes nerve damage, is potentially so dangerous, says Dr. Adam Teichman, owner and founder of East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates in Allentown, Easton, and Reading, Pennsylvania. Luckily, there are forms of self prevention which can largely help keep this condition under control, as he explains here.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is usually caused by nerve damage caused by diabetes. It can affect the hands, arms and legs but usually affects the large extremities first.
Three groups of nerves can be affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. They include sensory nerves, motor, and autonomic nerves.
A loss of sensation is usually associated with nerve damage, and that loss of feeling as a result of the sensory nerves being affected is usually the first symptom you experience with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which usually develops slowly and worsens over time.
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Overall, the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are usually present before a patient is diagnosed with having diabetes. This loss of sensation and other problems associated with nerve damage put people at higher risk of developing ulcers and open wounds, which can become infected and may not heal. This can lead to loss of foot/feet, leg(s) or even life.
Diabetic neuropathy is more common in people with uncontrolled diabetes, but that does not mean people with controlled diabetes are not going to get diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy can also progress and cause deformities such as bunions and hammertoes. This is due to motor neuropathy, which can actually lead to sores. The sensory neuropathy can make diabetes patients unaware of these sores, which can also lead to possible infection. Also, because of the numbness which the neuropathy patients experience on their extremities, they do not realize when they have stepped on an object or cut their skin.
Cracked skin such as heel fissures are usually affected by the neuropathy affecting the autonomic nervous system, which actually can lead to sores as well if left untreated. This is again combined with the sensory neuropathy.
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
The diagnosis of neuropathy in general is usually made by a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, through taking a thorough medical history as well as simple in-office tests on feet and legs.
Treatment for sensory neuropathy is basic. Usually medications are recommended and sometimes micro-cause technology is also used to treat it. Physical therapy also can help reduce balance problems and other symptoms.
The patient plays a vital role in preventing diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its possible complications. Key things are keeping the sugar levels under control, wearing proper-fitting shoes, inspecting your feet every day, and seeing a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis. Patients should also periodically visit their primary care doctor and endocrinologist.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
