Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Reducing Pain and Improving Quality of Life
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is an often-devastating complication of diabetes that impacts millions of people worldwide - including many in Western North Carolina. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, with clinics throughout Western North Carolina, DPN treatment methods provided by CPC's innovative pain physicians may help individuals reclaim their quality of life and overcome its devastating symptoms.
In this post, we’ll explore this disorder further and have a discussion about Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy as an impact, symptoms, impactful diagnosis & innovative treatment techniques offered by our pain doctors of WNC to aid individuals reclaiming their quality of life once again.
Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, more commonly referred to as DPN, is a type of nerve damage prevalent among those living with diabetes due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated glucose levels can damage nerves responsible for transmitting sensations, leading to various symptoms in both feet and hands as well as elsewhere in the body. Diabetics who have forgone treatment are at increased risk of this form of nerve damage which manifests itself overtime—often manifesting themselves through feet-related issues but it can also affect other parts of the boy.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
DPN symptoms vary between people, however some common indicators include:
Numbness and Tingling: Individuals suffering from DPN commonly report experiencing pins-and-needles sensations or numbness in their extremities.
Burning Pain: DPN symptoms typically manifest themselves with burning or stabbing pain that may be constant or intermittent in intensity.
Loss of Balance: Nerve damage can impair balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness in affected limbs is another common sign.
Sensitivity to Touch: Individuals living with DPN may become oversensitive to any contact, even gentle or minimally uncomfortable contact.
Foot Ulcers: Untreated DPN may lead to foot ulcers and skin changes due to individuals not feeling injuries or pressure on their feet.
Digestive Issues: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy can also impact nerves that control digestive function, leading to constipation, diarrhea or gastroparesis as a result.
Sexual Dysfunction: Nerve damage can play a part in sexual dysfunction for both men and women.
Treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with Options Available Today
Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas offer an all-encompassing approach to treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). Our multidisciplinary pain management team understands both its physical and emotional effects on individuals, and are dedicated to finding effective solutions for them. Here are some common treatment methods:
Medication: Different medications can help manage the discomfort caused by DPN, including pain relievers, anticonvulsants and antidepressants.
Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks involve injecting medications directly into affected nerves to provide temporary pain relief.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can work with patients to improve balance, strength and mobility - ultimately decreasing risk of falls while improving overall quality of life.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle modifications that include maintaining tight control of blood sugar, quitting smoking and controlling alcohol consumption may help slow the progression of DPN.
Electrotherapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) techniques may provide relief by sending electrical impulses directly into nerves.
Regenerative Medicine: Cutting-edge procedures such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are available to promote nerve regeneration and healing.
Spinal Cord Stimulation: For more severe cases of DPN, spinal cord stimulation may be used as a form of relief. This involves implanting a device which transmits electrical impulses directly into the spinal cord in order to relieve any associated discomfort.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Asheville & Western North Carolina
Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas approach each case of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with an individual treatment plan tailored specifically to the person and his/her symptoms and needs.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy can be an intimidating condition to live with. But there is hope in managing pain and improving quality of life for those affected. Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas has five clinics across Western North Carolina (clinic locations in Asheville, NC, Fletcher, NC, Murphy, NC, Marion, NC & Waynesville, NC) dedicated to offering effective treatments that enable individuals regain control over their lives.
If you or a loved one is experiencing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, reach out to Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas for expert guidance and compassionate care. Our holistic approach to pain management could be your solution to a brighter, pain-free future.