How to Prevent Diabetic Toe Pain

It is estimated that nearly 70% of diabetic patients suffer from some form of neuropathy, which makes neuropathy the leading complication of diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy or DPN causes nerve damage in a patient’s extremities, affecting the arms and legs. (zolpidem) While it is possible that the nerve damage will be felt in the hands and fingers, in most cases, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is felt in the legs, feet and particularly the toes.

Diabetic patients may suffer from three specific types of peripheral neuropathy. These are sensory neuropathy, motor neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Diabetic patients can suffer from more than one of these simultaneously, making treating diabetic nerve pain even more complicated.  Much of the pain that diabetic patients suffer comes from sensory neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy can make the extremities unusually sensitive, making routine things like putting a blanket over your toes extremely painful. However, this sudden, stabbing pain may be present with burning, tingling and numbness at the same time.
Common Symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage can cause a wide array of painful symptoms which are likely to different from one case to another. One patient may suffer from searing foot pain, while another may have numbness with tingling and little or no pain at all. Some of the most common descriptions of the symptoms caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy include:

•  Tingling
•  Burning
•  Electrical sensations
•  Numbness
•  Extreme pain
•  Radiating or shooting pain

The wide variety of symptoms make diabetic peripheral neuropathy very difficult to diagnose, which is why prevention is key. Preventing DPN may involve everything from medications to diet and exercise to having nerve decompression surgery.

Preventing Diabetic Toe Pain

If you do not give your symptoms immediate attention they are likely to worsen. Diabetic toe pain is the direct result of DPN or diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage that is caused by diabetes. There are many steps that you can take to prevent your diabetic foot pain including:

•  Regular exercise
•  Blood glucose monitoring
•  Adopting an optimal diabetic diet
•  Prescription drugs like Lyrica and Cymbalta
•   Nerve decompression surgery

Therefore, speaking to your physician about your options at the first sign of DPN is key to prevention and long term treatment. If you have been diagnosed with DPN and would like to learn more about preventing diabetic toe pain call Southwest Foot & Ankle Center (972) 318-2738 in Lewisville, (972) 805-9985 in Plano, or (972) 318-2655 in Irving to talk to a doctor who can provide you with information about your options, including nerve decompression surgery, which can help you prevent and manage the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.