Treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
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Discussion of treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy:
Diabetic Neuropathy The Nerve Damage of Diabetes: NIDDK (Excerpt)
Treatment aims to relieve discomfort and prevent
further tissue damage. The first step is to bring blood sugar under
control by diet and oral drugs or insulin injections, if needed, and by
careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. Although symptoms can sometimes
worsen at first as blood sugar is brought under control, maintaining lower
blood sugar levels helps reverse the pain or loss of sensation that
neuropathy can cause. Good control of blood sugar may also help prevent or
delay the onset of further problems.
Another important part of treatment involves special care of the feet,
which are prone to problems.
A number of medications and other approaches are used to relieve the
symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Relief of Pain
For, burning, tingling, or numbness, the doctor may
suggest an analgesic such as aspirin or acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory
drugs containing ibuprofen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be
used with caution in people with renal disease. Antidepressant medications
such as amitriptyline (sometimes used with fluphenazine) or nerve
medications such as carbamazepine or phenytoin sodium may be helpful.
Codeine is sometimes prescribed for short-term use to relieve severe pain.
In addition, a topical cream, capsaicin, is now available to help relieve
the pain of neuropathy.
The doctor may also prescribe a therapy known as transcutaneous
electronic nerve stimulations (TENS). In this treatment, small amounts of
electricity block pain signals as they pass through a patient's skin.
Other treatments include hypnosis, relaxation training, biofeedback, and
acupuncture. Some people find that walking regularly or using elastic
stockings helps relieve leg pain. Warm (not hot) baths, massage, or an
analgesic ointment such as Ben Gay may also help.
(Source: excerpt from Diabetic Neuropathy The Nerve Damage of Diabetes: NIDDK)
Diabetic Neuropathy The Nerve Damage of Diabetes: NIDDK (Excerpt)
People with diabetes need to take special care
of their feet. Neuropathy and blood vessel disease both increase the risk
of foot ulcers. The nerves to the feet are the longest in the body, and
are most often affected by neuropathy. Because of the loss of sensation
caused by neuropathy, sores or injuries to the feet may not be noticed and
may become ulcerated.
At least 15 percent of all people with diabetes eventually have a foot
ulcer, and 6 out of every 1,000 people with diabetes have an amputation.
However, doctors estimate that nearly three quarters of all amputations
caused by neuropathy and poor circulation could be prevented with careful
foot care.
To prevent foot problems from developing, people with diabetes should
follow these rules for foot care:
- Check your feet and toes daily for any cuts, sores, bruises, bumps,
or infections--using a mirror if necessary.
- Wash your feet daily, using warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. If
you have neuropathy, you should test the water temperature with your
wrist before putting your feet in the water. Doctors do not advise
soaking your feet for long periods, since you may lose protective
calluses. Dry your feet carefully with a soft towel, especially between
the toes.
- Cover your feet (except for the skin between the toes) with
petroleum jelly, a lotion containing lanolin, or cold cream before
putting on shoes and socks. In people with diabetes, the feet tend to
sweat less than normal. Using a moisturizer helps prevent dry, cracked
skin.
- Wear thick, soft socks and avoid wearing slippery stockings, mended
stockings, or stockings with seams.
- Wear shoes that fit your feet well and allow your toes to move.
Break in new shoes gradually, wearing them for only an hour at a time at
first. After years of neuropathy, as reflexes are lost, the feet are
likely to become wider and flatter. If you have difficulty finding shoes
that fit, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist, called a
pedorthist, who can provide you with corrective shoes or inserts.
- Examine your shoes before putting them on to make sure they have no
tears, sharp edges, or objects in them that might injure your feet.
- Never go barefoot, especially on the beach, hot sand, or rocks.
- Cut your toenails straight across, but be careful not to leave any
sharp corners that could cut the next toe.
- Use an emery board or pumice stone to file away dead skin, but do
not remove calluses, which act as protective padding. Do not try to cut
off any growths yourself, and avoid using harsh chemicals such as wart
remover on your feet.
- Test the water temperature with your elbow before stepping in a
bath.
- If your feet are cold at night wear socks. (Do not use heating pads
or hot water bottles.)
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Crossing your legs can reduce
the flow of blood to the feet.
- Ask your doctor to check your feet at every visit, and call your
doctor if you notice that a sore is not healing well.
- If you are not able to take care of your own feet, ask your doctor
to recommend a podiatrist (specialist in the care and treatment of feet)
who can help.
(Source: excerpt from
Diabetic Neuropathy The Nerve Damage of Diabetes: NIDDK)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatments of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the treatments of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.
Peripheral Edema:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Venous insufficiency: Mild cases should respond to leg elevation, avoidance of standing for prolonged periods, and compression stockings; surgical stripping of varicosities may relieve pain in severe cases
-
Congestive heart failure: Dietary salt restriction, diuretics, digoxin, ACE-inhibitors, β-blockers to improve cardiac
function and control fluid overload
-
Cellulitis: Elevation of extremity, antibiotics to cover skin flora (streptococci, staphylococci)
-
Deep venous thrombosis: Anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or warfarin for 3–6 months
-
Cirrhosis: Liver disease is typically progressive; symptoms may respond to diuretics and low salt diet; hepatic bypass procedures (e.g., TIPS) or transplantation may be necessary
-
Nephrotic syndrome: 80% of cases in children are caused by minimal change disease and treated with steroids; adults tend to have progressive illness; dialysis or renal transplant may be necessary
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
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