Don't Let Peripheral Neuropathy Knock You Off Stride

Foot problems are a fact of life for people with diabetes. In fact, of the 16 million Americans with diabetes, 25 percent will develop foot problems caused by a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Without proper care, this can lead to dangerous infections and even amputations.

The problems stem from nerve damage caused by diabetes. With peripheral neuropathy, the nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain are damaged by high blood glucose levels over a long period of time. The risk of neuropathy rises with age and the duration of diabetes — people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years have the highest rates of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy causes tingling, numbness, burning and pain in the feet and legs. Because of the loss of sensation, injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized and can become infected.

Tight Control is the Key

Fortunately, the best treatment for peripheral neuropathy is a simple one: tight control of your blood sugar and daily care of your feet. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms are more commonly found in people who have problems controlling their blood glucose, as well as those with high levels of blood fat and blood pressure, and those who are overweight.

It’s also important to learn all you can about this serious complication.

In general, peripheral neuropathy symptoms will decrease when blood glucose is under control. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help control the discomfort. You may also need to wear specially fitted diabetic shoes prescribed by your doctor.

Take These Steps

It’s a nasty cycle. Peripheral neuropathy can cause people with diabetes to not even be aware of minor cuts, blisters or pressure sores on their feet. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot. That’s why proper diabetic foot care is so important for avoiding peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Good care involves making your feet part of your daily routine, including these simple steps:

1. Check your feet every day.  Look for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling or infected toenails. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help if you have trouble bending over to see your feet.
2. Wash your feet often. Wash your feet in warm — not hot — water every day. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes, and use talcum powder between the toes. Peripheral neuropathy causes dry skin, so be sure to rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, because this might cause infection.
3. Wear shoes and socks at all times. Because peripheral neuropathy can deaden the sensation of pain, do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. Always wear seamless socks, stockings or nylons with your shoes to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Always check the insides of your shoes before putting them on.
4. Keep the blood flowing. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy also involves ensuring good circulation. Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for five minutes, two or three times a day. 
5. Make monitoring a daily priority. It may be hard to see the connection, but proper monitoring of your blood sugar can lessen and even prevent peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
   

With some simple steps, you can keep peripheral neuropathy from knocking you off your stride!

Diabetic Seniors Team

Related Articles

DDI and Diabetic Neuropathy - DDI (Diabetics Detection, Inc.) has developed advanced technology that provides physicians with a new way to detect diabetic neuropathy - a condition in which the extremities lose sensation and become more susceptible to ulceration and infection.

Diabetic Neuropathy - Neuropathy is a term that approximately 60% to 70% of patients with diabetes have unfortunately become familiar with. Diabetic neuropathy, an increasingly prevalent complication of diabetes, is characterized by extensive damage to the nervous system in a diabetic. The disease can be isolated to a specific area in the body or, alternatively, has the potential to cause widespread damage.