Research suggests that neuropathy occurs most often in people with diabetes who have difficulty controlling their high blood sugar glucose levels. People over 40 and smokers are also at increased risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetics are more prone to developing skin diseases and vision problems – and the list goes on. Many of these conditions lead to pain, but one condition that puts the patient at risk of developing chronic pain is neuropathy, including nerve damage. Since nerves are all over the body, there’s no telling where the pain will be.
In this blog on diabetic nerve pain treatment, we’ll answer the following questions:
- What does diabetic nerve pain feel like?
- What triggers diabetic nerve pain?
- Can diabetic nerve pain be treated?
- What are the 5 main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
- Can you reverse diabetic neuropathy?
- What foods should I avoid with neuropathy?
What Does Diabetic Nerve Pain Feel Like?
Those who suffer from diabetic nerve pain describe it as a tingling or burning sensation in the hands, feet, legs, or arms. These are typically accompanied by sharp pains or cramps, numbness, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and extreme sensitivity to touch. They may experience deformities on the foot, such as hammertoe, or develop sores and blisters.
What Triggers Diabetic Nerve Pain?
Diabetic nerve pain derives from long-term high blood sugar levels due to diabetes. It’s not exactly understood what triggers diabetic nerve pain, but some observations suggest several complications, including:
- Hyperglycemia. Because this type of nerve pain comes from high blood sugar levels, a condition like hyperglycemia, which causes elevated blood sugar, can disrupt nerve transmitting signals and result in chronic pain.
- Inflammation. Long-term inflammation is a common factor in diabetes. Over time, it can damage nerves and impact their ability to transmit signals, leading to neuropathic pain.
- Poor blood flow. High blood pressure weakens blood flow as it travels to the nerves. This decrease in blood supply can damage nerves and increase chronic pain.
- Autoimmune disorders. Different disorders affecting the immune system can cause the body to attack nerves accidentally and lead to long-term damage. Damage to the nerves harms the natural flow of pain signals, leading to chronic pain.
- Genetics. Some research suggests that genetic factors can play a role in developing diabetic nerve pain, making certain individuals more susceptible to it.
- Lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can lead to high blood pressure and other contributing factors to diabetic nerve pain. These habits include smoking, high alcohol consumption, low activity levels, obesity, and an unhealthy diet.
Can Diabetic Nerve Pain Be Treated?
The Pain Center of Arizona helps people with diabetes manage pain and neuropathy so that it does not become a chronic condition. The first step is keeping blood glucose levels at a target range. Levels that are out of whack are dangerous because extreme blood sugar levels damage nerves and reduce circulation. Diabetic nerve pain treatment typically includes drug therapy, steroid injections, and lifestyle changes.
Drug Therapy
Drug therapy is a route a patient can go if their neuropathy causes too much pain. Medication may include anti-seizure medication (often used for nerve pain and seizure control) or antidepressants. Antidepressants change how the brain perceives pain by altering the chemical process.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections and nerve blocks are diabetic neuropathy treatments that target specific areas of pain instead of taking medication that goes through the whole body. Since they generally last a few months, repeat injections may be necessary.
These injections work by stopping the pain signal from the nerve from going to your brain. That way, your brain won’t look at those areas as painful anymore since it is not receiving any pain signals. The injections are not very painful because the patient is given a numbing shot near the area before the medication is injected. Steroid injections and nerve blocks do not usually have side effects other than some irritation around the injection site.
Lifestyle Changes
There are a few at-home treatments a diabetic patient may want to try alongside treatment at The Pain Center of Arizona and between visits. These include eating a better diet with less junk food and exercising. Even though it may be painful at first, exercise strengthens the muscles around the nerve so that less pressure is put on the damaged nerve. Our physicians can help patients find a safe exercise routine that works specific muscles near the nerve.
What are the 5 Main Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy?
If you suspect that either you or a loved one is suffering from diabetic neuropathy, you can consider the following major symptoms:
- Numbness and reduced ability to feel pain
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Sharp pains or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- An extreme sensitivity to touch
If one or more of these issues are present, contact your primary care physician for a proper analysis. It’s important to catch diabetic neuropathy early on so you can begin treatment before the symptoms progress further.
Can You Reverse Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed. Thankfully though, there are options to manage the symptoms caused by it and to prevent further damage. The pain caused by diabetic neuropathy is mainly due to high blood pressure and its ability to damage nerves.
The key to reducing the effects of diabetic neuropathy is to manage blood and glucose levels. Different forms of medication, therapies, and surgery can be used to manage pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Neuropathy?
Certain foods can contribute to neuropathy by raising blood sugar levels, creating inflammation, and damaging nerves. Heavy alcohol consumption is known for nerve damage and worsening pre-existing neuropathy symptoms. Other foods to stay clear of if you suffer from neuropathy include:
- Gluten
- Processed food
- High-sodium
- Refined grains
- Added sugars
- Trans and saturated fats
Remember to stay hydrated and focus on foods high in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—these aid in reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Published On: July 23, 2015
Updated On: May 23, 2023
