Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Peripheral Neuropathy Be Treated?
I have diabetes type 2 ( 20+ yrs ) and suffer from neuropathy in my feet . I try to watch my diet and weight but constant battle . Short of Lyrica what can I do ? Does it just get worse with time to eventually amputation? In my feet does it spread up the leg ?
Tue, 16 May 2017
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
I understand your concern. Peripheral neuropathy is one of diabetic neuropathy type which is a serious complications of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can not be cured, but drug administration can overcome the symptoms that arise.
Peripheral neuropathy itself causes damage to the peripheral nervous system, especially in the legs and feet. Symptoms that can arise include:
1.Tingling in the lower legs, or feeling hot.
2. Cramps or pain.
3. Reflexes are reduced.
4. Loss of balance and coordination.
5. Muscles weakness
6. Serious foot problems, such as infection, ulcers, joint and bone pain, or deformity.
7. Numbness or decreased ability to feel pain and changes in temperature.
The key to overcome this symptom is to stabilize blood glucose level. Safe blood glucose levels for diabetics under the age of 59 years are between 80 and 120 mg / dL, while the sugar content is safe in diabetics aged over 60 years or have other medical conditions is 100 to 140 mg / dL.
These are another way to slow the development of diabetic neuropathy:
1. Do plenty of physical activity,
2. Quit smoking,
3. Avoid alcohol,
4. Maintain a balanced weight, and
5. Apply a healthy diet.
Medicines commonly given to overcome pain, muscle cramps, and other symptoms that may arise, including:
1. Antidepressants, such as duloxetine, nortriptyline, or despiramine.
2. Anticonvulsant, such as gabapentin, carbamazepine, or pregabalin.
3. Lidocaine in the form of patches.
These drugs is often combined with physical therapy, you can discuss with your treating doctor.
Take care...
I understand your concern. Peripheral neuropathy is one of diabetic neuropathy type which is a serious complications of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can not be cured, but drug administration can overcome the symptoms that arise.
Peripheral neuropathy itself causes damage to the peripheral nervous system, especially in the legs and feet. Symptoms that can arise include:
1.Tingling in the lower legs, or feeling hot.
2. Cramps or pain.
3. Reflexes are reduced.
4. Loss of balance and coordination.
5. Muscles weakness
6. Serious foot problems, such as infection, ulcers, joint and bone pain, or deformity.
7. Numbness or decreased ability to feel pain and changes in temperature.
The key to overcome this symptom is to stabilize blood glucose level. Safe blood glucose levels for diabetics under the age of 59 years are between 80 and 120 mg / dL, while the sugar content is safe in diabetics aged over 60 years or have other medical conditions is 100 to 140 mg / dL.
These are another way to slow the development of diabetic neuropathy:
1. Do plenty of physical activity,
2. Quit smoking,
3. Avoid alcohol,
4. Maintain a balanced weight, and
5. Apply a healthy diet.
Medicines commonly given to overcome pain, muscle cramps, and other symptoms that may arise, including:
1. Antidepressants, such as duloxetine, nortriptyline, or despiramine.
2. Anticonvulsant, such as gabapentin, carbamazepine, or pregabalin.
3. Lidocaine in the form of patches.
These drugs is often combined with physical therapy, you can discuss with your treating doctor.
Take care...
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....