Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Over time, it can cause damage to nerves throughout the body, so it is important to watch out for possible warning signs. Common symptoms include:
– Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
– Pain, burning, or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and arms
– Muscle cramps, weakness, or paralysis
– Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation
– Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
– Bladder issues, such as urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder completely
– Unexplained weight loss
– Difficulty walking
– Difficulty regulating body temperature
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor for further testing and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy can help minimize complications and the risk of further damage to your nerves.
How long does it take for diabetic neuropathy to start?
The onset of diabetic neuropathy can vary widely from person to person, but it generally does not occur until after several years of having diabetes. For some people, the symptoms may not appear for 10 years or more.
The time frame for the initial onset is typically shorter for those with uncontrolled diabetes or for those with existing nerve damage. Type 1 diabetics may be more likely to experience neuropathy earlier than those with Type 2 diabetes.
Factors such as blood sugar control and dietary choices can also impact the onset and progression of the condition. While there is no definitive time frame, it is important to note that diabetic neuropathy can occur even in those with well-controlled diabetes.
As such, it is important to be aware of the potential symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and to work to regularly manage diabetes in order to avoid such complications.
What is the first manifestation of neuropathy?
The first manifestation of neuropathy depends on the type and cause of the neuropathy. Generally speaking, the most common first manifestation is a sensation of numbness and/or tingling. This is usually accompanied by muscle weakness, reduced reflexes, and pain.
Other possible initial symptoms include coldness (especially in the hands and feet), burning sensations, sensitivity to touch, and loss of balance. It is important to note that for some people the first signs of neuropathy may be very subtle and difficult to detect.
In some cases, the symptoms may occur in only one area or part of the body and go unnoticed until the condition progresses. Therefore it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of neuropathy, even if they are mild or intermittent.
Where does diabetic nerve pain usually start?
Diabetic nerve pain, or diabetic neuropathy, usually begins with tingling or burning sensations in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers. As the condition worsens, patients may experience more intense symptoms such as a feeling of numbness, sharp pains, and even cramps.
Diabetic neuropathy typically affects the nerve endings that sense pain and temperature first, and sometimes patients experience an overall loss of sensation in their extremities. Other common locations for diabetic nerve pain to begin is at the waistline, around the torso, or in the joints.
How do you rule out diabetic neuropathy?
In order to rule out diabetic neuropathy, a doctor will typically want to run a variety of tests, including a physical and neurological examination, as well as other tests, to assess motor and sensory nerve functions.
These tests could also include a reflex test, nerve conduction test, electromyography test, and/or a skin biopsy. The physical and neurological examination are used to check for signs of diabetic neuropathy and other related problems, such as a decrease in muscle strength or changes in color or temperature in the hands and feet.
The nerve conduction studies are done to measure how fast the nerve signals move. An electromyography test helps to visualize the electrical activity of individual muscles, and the skin biopsy is used to study small samples of nerve fibers.
These tests can help to diagnose peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, blood tests, such as an A1C test and lipid profile, may be run to check glucose levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which can also help diagnose or rule out diabetic neuropathy, as well as other medical conditions.
What does nerve pain from diabetes feel like?
Nerve pain from diabetes, also known as diabetic neuropathy, is a common complication of diabetes. It affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nerve pain from diabetes can feel like burning, stabbing, sharp shooting, or electric shock-like sensations.
It can also cause tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. In some cases, it can even cause sensitivity to light touch or firm pressure. Symptoms of nerve pain from diabetes can range from mild to severe, and may even become debilitating.
In many cases, the sensations can intensify at night, or even during certain activities such as physical exercise, changing positions, or even wearing tight clothing. People with diabetes are generally advised to control their blood glucose levels and to proactively work with a doctor to manage their symptoms.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.
Where is neuropathy pain located?
Neuropathy pain can be located in any part of the body, as it is a result of damage to the peripheral nerves and can affect the areas of the body they are in charge of. It is most commonly felt in the hands and feet, though it can be located in the arms and legs too.
Neuropathy pain can also be felt along the pathways of the nerves, and can produce a burning, tingling, or prickling sensation. It can also cause numbness and lack of movement in an affected area, as well as sharp and shooting pains.
Neuropathy pain can occasionally be felt in the upper body too, including the chest, torso, shoulders, and neck.
How painful is diabetic nerve pain?
Diabetic nerve pain can range from mild to severe for those with diabetes. It can typically be described as a burning, shooting, stabbing, aching, or tingling sensation in the affected area. It is caused by damage to nerve fibers as a result of high blood sugar levels over time, and can be particularly painful and difficult to manage.
Generally speaking, some people find diabetic nerve pain to be mild, while others find it to be very severe and even debilitating. Everyone’s experience with diabetic nerve pain is unique, and the intensity of the pain can vary from person to person.
For those who experience severe nerve pain, it can be difficult to manage, and even small tasks can become difficult. Treating diabetic nerve pain effectively is important, and individuals should speak to a healthcare professional or specialist if they are struggling to manage their bouts of nerve pain.
What is the No 1 medical condition that causes neuropathy?
The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, accounting for about 50-60% of all cases. Diabetes can result in damage to the nerves due to prolonged exposure to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
This can cause nerve fibers to become increasingly damaged and eventually leading to numbness, pain, tingling, and other sensation changes in the affected area. In people with diabetic neuropathy, the damage is most commonly seen in the hands and feet, although it can also affect the arms, legs, and other areas of the body.
Other disorders that can cause neuropathy include thyroid dysfunction, B12 deficiency, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, certain drugs or medications, and certain infections. In rare cases, neuropathy can also occur without an identifiable cause.
Can you ever get rid of neuropathy?
The effects of neuropathy can vary depending on the type and cause, however, in general, it is difficult to cure neuropathy completely and symptoms may persist even after the underlying disorder has been treated.
Depending on the type of neuropathy and its cause, the symptoms might be reduced or managed with medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, nerve blocks, electrical stimulation, and surgery. Some treatments may provide temporary relief, while others may provide long-term improvement in symptoms.
However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of any treatment before starting a new regimen. If the underlying cause can be identified and treated, the symptoms of neuropathy may be relieved.
If the case is caused by a peripheral nerve disorder, the prognosis for a full recovery can be good. In many cases, the symptoms improve with time and treatment, particularly if the cause can be identified and treated.
Does neuropathy ever go away?
It depends on the cause of neuropathy and the type of neuropathy. In some cases, neuropathy can improve with adequate treatment and lifestyle changes, but the effects may not resolve completely. For instance, if diabetes is the underlying cause, controlling blood sugar levels and managing the condition can improve neuropathy symptoms, such as pain, burning, tingling, and numbness.
However, there is a risk of permanent nerve damage in severe cases. Other causes of neuropathy, such as chemotherapy and traumatic injuries, may also have long-term ramifications. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your particular condition.
Alternatives therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and biofeedback might be helpful in relieving neuropathic pain.
What do most doctors prescribe for neuropathy?
Most doctors will typically prescribe medications for neuropathy depending on the underlying cause. Common medications may include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anti-seizure medications, drugs that increase nerve conduction and/or pain-relieving medications.
Non-drug treatments, such as topical ointments, daily exercise, physical therapy or nerve stimulation may also be included to reduce pain. In some cases, surgery or radiation may be required to reduce the pain associated with neuropathy.
If the underlying condition is a Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 injections with folic acid may be prescribed.
What would be the first drug choice for treatment of neuropathic pain?
The first drug choice for treatment of neuropathic pain typically depends on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of pain. The most commonly used treatments are anti-depressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and topical anesthetics.
Anti-depressants, such as tricyclic anti-depressants, trycyclic analgesics, and serontin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly used drugs for neuropathic pain. Tricyclics and SNRIs work by blocking the re-uptake of the hormones norepinephrine and serotonin, which affect the transmission of pain signals in the brain.
Studies have found that depending on the tolerance and response, anti-depressants can reduce symptoms of neuropathy up to 60-80%.
Anticonvulsants, including gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine, can also be prescribed for treating neuropathic pain. These drugs interact with nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body to reduce and manage nerve-related pain.
Opioids, meanwhile, may be prescribed in severe cases where other alternatives have failed and the symptoms of neuropathy greatly disrupt the patient’s quality of life. When taking opioids, the risks of addiction, side effects, and potential adverse reactions need to be carefully weighed against potential benefits.
Topical anesthetics may be used when the pain is localized in a particular area. Creams, patches, and other topical ointments can be applied directly to the skin to numb the nerves and provide relief.
In any case, the patient should discuss with their doctor their individual needs, including symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, in order to find the best drug for their condition.
Should I see a podiatrist or neurologist for neuropathy?
It depends on the underlying cause of the neuropathy. If neuropathy is caused by an underlying condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disease, then it is important to first consult with your primary care physician to determine the correct course of treatment.
The primary care physician may refer you to a podiatrist if the neuropathy is related to a disorder of the feet. If the neuropathy is caused by a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis or spinal tumor, then a neurologist may be more appropriate.
If the cause of neuropathy is unknown, then you may need to go to both a neurologist and podiatrist. A neurologist can evaluate any underlying neurological condition causing the neuropathy and a podiatrist can evaluate any foot condition causing the neuropathy.
It is important to go for a thorough and accurate diagnosis, so that the correct treatment can be selected to reduce symptoms of neuropathy.