About half of the population with diabetes also suffers from diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the feet and legs by damaging them. Like any other diabetes condition, it requires keen monitoring of its development: Dr. Kriti Pethenpurakal, DPM, is a pediatric expert in treating diabetic neuropathy in Naperville, Illinois. With many years of experience, Dr. Kriti has effectively worked with people suffering from diabetes and helped in neuropathy pain alleviation.
To learn more about our services, call the office in Naperville or request an appointment through the online tool today.
Questions and Answers on Diabetic Neuropathy
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that often affects the feet and legs. It’s due to high glucose (blood sugar) levels causing injuries all through the body.
What Causes The Diabetic Neuropathy?
1. Smoking reduces blood flow to the legs and feet due to the damage it causes to the blood vessels.
2. Kidney disease sends toxins to the blood that could damage the vessels.
3. A weight that is above 25 BMI can increase risk.
How Many Types Of Diabetic Neuropathy Are There?
There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, they include;
· Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy or distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy is the common type of diabetic neuropathy. It initially affects the legs and feet, then later gets to the arms and hands. At night, the signs and symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy increase; they include:
1. Burning and tingling sensation.
2. Heightened sensitivity to touch. Some people experience pain even by the weight of a bedsheet.
3. Feeling numb to temperature changes and pain.
4. Severe foot problems such as bone and joint pain, ulcers, and infections.
5. Experiencing cramps or sharp pains.
· Proximal Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)
Proximal neuropathy is diabetic polyradiculopathy; this neuropathy mainly affects the nerves in the hips, thighs, legs, or buttocks. At times it might affect the chest or abdominal regions. The signs associated with this complication usually involve one side of the body, then later spread to the other part. The symptoms include;
1. The thigh muscles eventually shrink and become weak.
2. Extreme pain in the thighs or buttocks.
3. Challenge rising from a sitting position.
4. Painful stomach experiences.
· Autonomic Neuropathy
The autonomic nervous system manages the heart, intestines, bladder, stomach, eyes, and sex organs. The affected areas could cause:
1. Bowel or bladder complications.
2. Deterred stomach emptying (gastroparesis) could result in vomiting, loss of appetite, and nausea.
3. Change in the way the eyes adjust from dark to light.
4. Reduced sexual response.
5. Not being aware that blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
· Mononeuropathy (Focal Neuropathy)
There are two types of Mononeuropathy which are peripheral and cranial. Damage occurring to a specific nerve is called Mononeuropathy. It may result in:
1. Aching behind a single eye.
2. Getting paralyzed on a single side of the face.
3. Having double visions or difficulty in focusing.
4. Weak hands that could drop things.
5. Tingling or numbness in the fingers and hands except for the pinkie finger.
How is Diabetic Neuropathy Treated?
The treatment of neuropathy is by slowing down how it gets worse, alleviating the pain it causes, and subsiding the complications.
Regarding how the condition would develop, Dr. Puthenpurakal will advise as follows:
Medications such as anti-seizure and antidepressants both relieve nerve pains. These drugs might combine with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Other Medications
Other alternative medications include:
Acupuncture, an antioxidant food, capsaicin cream, and TENS machine. Nevertheless, seek Dr. Puthenpurakal’s intervention to advise you on how not to interfere with prescription medicine. For more information or consultation, call the American foot & Ankle specialists or request an appointment through the online tool today.
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