Diabetic Neuropathy Specialist

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects people with diabetes. There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy. The symptoms you experience depend on the type of neuropathy you have, though it’s possible to have multiple types at once.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type. Symptoms usually affect your feet and legs, but can also involve your arms and hands. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Sharp pain

As many as half of the people who have diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy

This is the second-most common type. Autonomic neuropathy involves nerves that regulate internal organs, such as your heart, bladder, and stomach. This can lead to problems with your heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive system.

Focal neuropathy

Also called mononeuropathy, this type affects one specific nerve or group of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common type of focal neuropathy.

Proximal neuropathy

This is a particularly rare and disabling type of neuropathy. Proximal neuropathy may cause sudden and severe pain, most often in your buttock, hip, or thigh on one side of your body.

What causes diabetic neuropathy?

High levels of blood sugar (glucose) from diabetes causes nerve damage over time. Damaged nerves can’t function or send signals properly, which leads to diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar may also weaken the blood vessels that supply your nerves with oxygen and nutrients.

How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed and treated?

First, your physician at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center performs a physical exam and carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your muscle strength and reflexes, as well as your sensitivity to touch, and may also assess your nerve functioning with electrodiagnostic tests such as a nerve conduction study.

Once they diagnose your specific type of neuropathy, the team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center develops a treatment plan to relieve your pain and allow you to resume normal activities. Depending on your condition, treatment for diabetic neuropathy may include:

• Injection therapy
• Pain-relieving medication
• Getting regular exercise
• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture

The team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that focuses on sustainably improving your quality of life. To learn more about your options for coping with diabetic neuropathy, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.