Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)

The Importance of Foot Care

To prevent foot problems from developing, the NIDDK recommends that people with diabetes take care of the disease and its symptoms, and follow these suggestions for proper foot care:

Check your feet and toes daily for any cuts, sores, bruises, bumps, or infections - using a mirror if necessary. 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.
Wash your feet daily, using warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. If you have neuropathy, you should test the water temperature with your wrist before putting your feet in the water. Physicians do not advise soaking your feet for long periods, since you may lose protective calluses. Dry your feet carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes. Wear shoes that fit your feet well and allow your toes to move. Break in new shoes gradually, wearing them for only an hour at a time at first. After years of neuropathy, as reflexes are lost, the feet are likely to become wider and flatter. If you have difficulty finding shoes that fit, ask your physician to refer you to a specialist, called a podiatrist, who can provide you with corrective shoes or inserts.
Cover your feet (except for the skin between the toes) with petroleum jelly, a lotion containing lanolin, or cold cream before putting on shoes and socks. For persons with diabetes, the feet tend to sweat less than normal. Using a moisturizer helps prevent dry, cracked skin. Use an emery board or pumice stone to file away dead skin, but do not remove calluses, which act as protective padding. Do not try to cut off any growths yourself, and avoid using harsh chemicals such as wart remover on your feet.
Cut your toenails straight across, but be careful not to leave any sharp corners that could cut the next toe. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Crossing your legs can reduce the flow of blood to the feet.
Ask your physician to check your feet at every visit, and call your physician if you notice that a sore is not healing well. Wear socks if your feet become cold at night. Do not use heating pads or hot water bottles.
Wear thick, soft socks and avoid wearing slippery stockings, mended stockings, or stockings with seams. Never go barefoot, especially on the beach, hot sand, or rocks.

Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder, is a complication of diabetes that can lead to problems throughout the body.

Persons with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, but significant clinical neuropathy can develop within the first 10 years after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. The risk of developing neuropathy increases the longer a person has diabetes. About 50 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.

What causes diabetic neuropathy?

Although the exact causes of diabetic neuropathy are unknown, several factors may contribute to the disorder, including the following:

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

The following are the most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms include:

What are the different types of diabetic neuropathy?

Diffuse neuropathy is neuropathy that affects many parts of the body, and includes the following:

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the physician may:

Treatment for neuropathy:

Specific treatment for neuropathy will be determined by your physician based on:

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and discomfort, as well as to prevent additional tissue damage. Treatment may include:

Treatment may also be prescribed for complications of neuropathy, such as gastrointestinal problems, dizziness and weakness, and urinary or sexual problems.

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