Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Tips For Managing Your Pain

By Akara Forsythe, MD

Innovative Pain Solution Centers

. https://www.innovativepainmd.com/

More Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes Articles

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Tips For Managing Your Pain

Diabetic neuropathy can cause pain, tingling and numbness, especially in your hands and feet. The discomfort can affect your mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.

There are prescription medications available, which can help, but they typically only ease the pain by about 30-50%. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can also ease mild to moderate pain caused by diabetic nerve damage, however if they are taken regularly, some of these drugs may raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage.

The following tips and treatments can help you get relief now, and keep the condition from getting worse further down the road.

Get Your Blood Sugar Under Control

Talk to your doctor about ways to get your blood sugar into a healthy range. Changes to gently bring your levels down into the healthy zone include

Making healthy dietary adjustments

Maintaining a healthy body weight

Managing your stress levels

Exercising for at least 30 minutes, five days a week

Taking prescription medication for your blood sugar as recommended

If You Smoke, Stop

Smoking causes your blood vessels to constrict, which impairs your circulation. This means your peripheral nerves may get less nutrient-rich blood, which can lead to more pain.

Soak in a Warm Bath

Not only is the warm water relaxing, but it can also boost circulation throughout your body. This can provide instant relief. Just make sure the water is not too hot.

Exercise

In addition to helping keep blood sugar levels in check, exercise also increases blood flow to the arms and legs.

Capsaicin Cream

The active ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, may relieve some of the burning and pain of nerve damage. Lower-dose, over-the-counter capsaicin creams may help, and doctors can prescribe higher-dosed creams if needed.

Pain Management andRelaxation Techniques

Biofeedback In this practice, a machine monitors your heart rate, temperature, and brain waves. This helps you learn how to control your body's response to pain or other symptoms.

Relaxation techniques, such as visualizing, breathing exercise, meditation, massage, and yoga may also help you manage the pain.

If you do have diabetic neuropathic pain symptoms, there are a number of diabetic neuropathic pain management and treatment options that may help with pain management or eliminate the painful symptoms you may experience

Acupuncture

Neurostimulation Therapy

Physical therapy/chiropractic

TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

If you are experiencing pain with diabetic neuropathy without relief, consult with a pain management physician to find out which treatment option might be right for your pain.