Diabetes and nerve damage: Do you know the cause of leg pain?

Diabetes is a condition that affects many parts of the body. One of the things that can be damaged the most is our nervous system . It can especially damage the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (the main nerve in the spine). This is called peripheral neuropathy .

This condition mainly affects the legs and feet, but sometimes the hands can also be affected.

What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve damage?

About 50% of people with diabetes, or about one in two people, may develop peripheral neuropathy. This is a very common condition.

This can cause symptoms such as the following to appear in areas such as the legs, feet, and hands:

• Weakness : Feeling as if there is no life in the legs.
• Pain: Pain is felt especially when walking. Some people may experience pain even when just standing.
• Tingling and tingling sensation: A tingling sensation in the legs, like ants walking. (Even when walking on cement, it feels like walking on sand.)
• Inflammation: A burning sensation as if the legs are on fire.
• Edema: Swelling of the legs or feet.

Many people say that these symptoms worsen at night . This makes it difficult for some people to sleep well at night. Imagine, how annoying it would be if you were tired all day and couldn't sleep because of the swelling in your legs?

How is diabetic nerve pain treated?

If you have nerve pain caused by diabetes, it's important to see a doctor so that you can get a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.

Doctors may recommend various treatments for this:

• Anticonvulsants : Medications like Gabapentin and Pregabalin help control symptoms such as numbness and tingling caused by nerve damage.
• Topical creams and sprays: These can provide quick relief wherever the pain is.
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as nortriptyline, venlafaxine, and duloxetine, also help reduce nerve pain.

Your doctor may also refer you to physical therapy , which can help control your symptoms through exercise and other methods.

But it's important to remember this: These treatments cannot completely reverse nerve damage . They only control symptoms and provide you with relief.

Can diabetic neuropathy be prevented?

Yes, you can! If you control your diabetes well and take care of your feet, you can prevent or delay the onset of this condition.

Here are a few things you can do:

• Check your feet regularly: Check your feet every day for any changes. For example:
  • Blisters
  • Injuries
  • Rough, thickened skin (calluses)
  • Dry skin
  • Lumps
• Wash, dry, and moisturize your feet frequently: It is important to keep your feet clean, dry them thoroughly, and apply a moisturizer.
• Be careful when exercising: Exercise in a way that does not endanger your feet.
• Wear safe shoes and socks: Wear shoes and socks that fit your feet well, are not tight, and provide protection. This can help prevent accidents.

If you have any wounds or changes in your feet, see a doctor right away . Doing so can prevent the condition from getting worse (e.g., developing an infection). Taking care of your feet is very important when living with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
   • Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels over time to damage the body's nerves, especially those outside the brain and spine (in the legs and arms).
2. Which parts of the body are most affected by this condition?
   • It most often affects the legs and feet, but can sometimes also affect the hands and fingers.
3. What are the main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
   • The main symptoms are pain, numbness, burning, numbness, and swelling in the legs/arms. These can often worsen at night.
4. Can diabetic neuropathy be completely cured?
   • No, current treatments cannot completely reverse nerve damage, but they can help control symptoms and provide relief.
5. How to prevent diabetic neuropathy?
   • This can be prevented or delayed by controlling blood sugar levels well, following a healthy lifestyle, and especially taking proper care of your feet (checking them regularly, keeping them clean, wearing appropriate footwear).