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Managing Your Neuropathy

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary. Numbness and tingling in one or both feet are often the first signs. Some people notice no symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Neuropathy may cause both pain and insensitivity to pain in the same person. Often, symptoms are slight at first, and since most nerve damage occurs over a period of years, mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time. A physician may prescribe an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. These medications may relieve symptoms, but will not halt the progression of neuropathy.

Symptoms vary from each patient and may include:⁵

• Numbness/insensitivity to touch or pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Sharp pains or cramps
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Loss of reflexes and muscle weakness
• Burning sensation in the hands, lower legs and/or feet

Major Types of Neuropathy¹

The symptoms of neuropathy also depend on which nerves and what part of the body is affected. Neuropathy may be diffuse, affecting many parts of the body, or focal, affecting a single, specific nerve and part of the body.

Diffuse Neuropathy¹

The two categories of diffuse neuropathy are peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet and hands and autonomic neuropathy affecting the internal organs.

How Do Physicians Diagnose Neuropathy?¹

A physician can diagnose neuropathy based on symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor may check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to position, vibration, temperature, and light touch. Sometimes special tests are also used to help determine the cause of symptoms and to suggest treatment.

These include:

• Monofilament test
• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Ultrasound
• Nerve Biopsies
• Quantitative Sensory Testing

Managing Your Neuropathy

Diet
The primary goal is to control blood sugar by regulating (your) diet, drugs or injections as directed by a physician, and overall monitoring of blood sugar levels. A physician may prescribe an over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Again, these medications may relieve symptoms, but will not cure or halt the progression of neuropathy.

Taking Care of Your Feet¹
Taking special care of your feet is one of the most important things a diabetic patient can do. At least 15% of all people with diabetes develop a foot ulcer at some point in time, and 6 out of every 1000 have an amputation. Many of these complications can be prevented with thorough foot care.

• Check feet daily for cuts, sores, bruises, or any abnormalities. Use a mirror or have a family member assist if needed.
• Wash your feet daily using WARM water and soap. Test water temperature with your elbow, as hot water can burn your hands and feet (without you realizing it... nerve damage).
• If your feet are cold at night, wear socks; do not use a heating pad or hot water bottles.
• Cover your feet (with the exception of the skin between your toes) with petroleum jelly, a lotion containing lanolin, or cold cream before putting on shoes and socks. Using a moisturizer helps prevent dry, cracked skin.
• Never go barefoot, especially outdoors.
• Cut your toenails straight across, and avoid leaving sharp edges.
• Wear comfortable socks and shoes. Thick soft socks are best. Wear shoes that fit appropriately and allow you to move your toes. You may want to ask your doctor about proper footwear based on your conditions.
• Examine your shoes before putting them on to make sure they have no tears, sharp edges, or objects in them that might injure your feet.
• Always have your doctor check your feet, and also keep record of anything that has changed in between visits.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions for your personal foot care.
• If you smoke, stop!