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What Causes Pain And Numbness In The Limbs?
Question: Hello,
I am having serious problems with my feet and hands. I am told these are symptoms of diabetes type2. Is there anything I could take or do to reduce the pain and improve the overall health of my feet and hands. The feet hurt most of the time between 3-9 on the 10 scale. Both hands and feet are numb. Feet more than hands.
I am having serious problems with my feet and hands. I am told these are symptoms of diabetes type2. Is there anything I could take or do to reduce the pain and improve the overall health of my feet and hands. The feet hurt most of the time between 3-9 on the 10 scale. Both hands and feet are numb. Feet more than hands.
Brief Answer:
Yes there is medication, Gabapentin or Pregabalin most recommended.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Pain and numbness in the limbs predominating in the lower limbs are the most common manifestation of peripheral neuropathy, damage to peripheral nerve the most common cause of which is diabetes (but there can be many other causes). I am assuming that you already have a diagnosis of diabetes and that the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy has been confirmed by nerve conduction studies test.
In that case there is medication to reduce the pain. The most common ones are anticonvulsants like Gabapentin or Pregabalin. Another option if those do not work or cause side effects would be a SNRI antidepressant like Duloxetine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Yes there is medication, Gabapentin or Pregabalin most recommended.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Pain and numbness in the limbs predominating in the lower limbs are the most common manifestation of peripheral neuropathy, damage to peripheral nerve the most common cause of which is diabetes (but there can be many other causes). I am assuming that you already have a diagnosis of diabetes and that the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy has been confirmed by nerve conduction studies test.
In that case there is medication to reduce the pain. The most common ones are anticonvulsants like Gabapentin or Pregabalin. Another option if those do not work or cause side effects would be a SNRI antidepressant like Duloxetine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Doctor Taka,
Thank you for your answer. Is my condition permanent, or can be cured/improved. I am afraid of deterioration of my feet/hands that would limit my abilities to work
Thank you for your answer. Is my condition permanent, or can be cured/improved. I am afraid of deterioration of my feet/hands that would limit my abilities to work
Brief Answer:
Progression can be stopped.
Detailed Answer:
In terms of cured I am afraid that is not possible, it is a question of chronic nerve damage.
What is aimed is to stop further progression by good control of diabetes, it is perhaps easier said than done, but it is the ony means of stopping progression which might affect your ability to work. The other aim is to alleviate, improve symptoms by means of the medication which I mentioned.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Progression can be stopped.
Detailed Answer:
In terms of cured I am afraid that is not possible, it is a question of chronic nerve damage.
What is aimed is to stop further progression by good control of diabetes, it is perhaps easier said than done, but it is the ony means of stopping progression which might affect your ability to work. The other aim is to alleviate, improve symptoms by means of the medication which I mentioned.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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