About 20 percent of all adults with type-2 diabetes experience foot pain related to peripheral diabetic neuropathy or PDN. This nerve damage stems from high glucose levels, and sadly, the damage causes consistently uncomfortable symptoms, which can be life-changing.
Let’s talk about the symptoms of PDN,the available treatment options, and where you can go for outstanding diabetic foot pain treatment in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Pain
Diabetic foot pain develops as blood sugar levels remain at unhealthy levels. Symptoms are particularly bothersome at night, causing insomnia and anxiety.
Symptoms of diabetic foot pain are:
- Sensations of burning and tingling
- Loss of sensation in the feet (numbness)
- Extreme itching
- Tingling
- Symmetry (meaning it affects both feet and ankles)
The Most Effective Treatments for Diabetic Foot Pain
Peripheral diabetic neuropathy cannot be reversed or cured. Accordingly, primary care physicians, endocrinologists, neurologists, and podiatrists who treat diabetic foot problems agree that careful management of diabetic symptoms slows the progression of this life-limiting pain.
For the patient, that means carefully monitoring diet and blood glucose levels, taking prescribed diabetes medications as directed, and staying as active as possible. Smoking cessation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and maintaining healthy blood flow and circulation to the extremities.
Additionally, a podiatrist who is experienced in diabetic foot pain can offer care which helps reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life. The following are some of the most effective treatments.
Medications
NSAIDS–either in prescription or over-the-counter strength–may relieve the stabbing, burning pain of PDN. When severe pain, some patients benefit from a closely monitored course of opioid pain relievers, although this treatment is not preferred or useful in the long run.
Additionally, people can use topical capsaicin. Derived from chili pepper extract, capsaicin irritates peripheral nerves to limit pain impulses being sent to the brain.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is an in-office treatment that sends electrical impulses into select areas of the feet, ankles, and legs. The current interrupts pain signals to the brain. While effective for many diabetic patients, it is not a cure-all but a real help.
Diabetic Shoes and Orthotics
Specially made diabetic shoes and orthotics, or shoe inserts, provide some relief for diabetic nerve pain. They also protect and cushion feet, help with balance, and relieve pressure and body weight from areas that may be malformed or painful.
Diabetic Foot Pain Treatment in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Find hope for persistent diabetic foot pain at Foot and Ankle Institute of New England. Drs. Criscione, Gallucci, and Rogers are our three highly qualified foot and ankle physicians. Dr. Galluci is certified by the American Board of Wound Management.Our foot and ankle doctors can diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition, whether it’s simple or complex.
To schedule your visit with one of our foot and ankle experts, call the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England office nearest you:in Warwick or Middletown, Rhode Island, or Dartmouth, Massachusetts. You can also simply request an appointment now.
