Understanding Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common condition found in patients with diabetes. Neuropathy, also known as nerve damage, manifests various symptoms including chronic, radiating pain, difficulty balancing, and numbness. Managing this condition can be incredibly difficult, especially because there is no specific treatment to reduce the pain.
Unfortunately, painful diabetic neuropathy is prevalent. Approximately 26% of diabetes patients will develop nerve damage to some extent. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be interested in learning about certain steps you can take to prevent the development of neuropathy.
The Link Between Diabetes and Neuropathy
To prevent the development of painful diabetic neuropathy, you must understand how these two conditions are linked. Prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels can significantly impact nerve function – leading to damage. Over time, this damage can progress and lead to neuropathic symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning sensations, and even loss of sensation in extremities. Poorly managed diabetes can also cause reduced blood flow to the nerves, further exacerbating the problem.
Patients with diabetes are encouraged to take measures to control their blood sugar, which can aid in the prevention of nerve damage. To prevent this serious and potentially disabling condition, individuals with diabetes must closely monitor their sugar intake, adhere to a balanced diet low in simple carbohydrates and sugars, and regularly check their blood sugar levels. Additionally, healthcare providers may prescribe medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents to help regulate blood sugar levels. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and experience any neuropathy symptoms, you should promptly speak to your doctor to discuss conservative treatment options.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
If you have been diagnosed with painful diabetic neuropathy, you are likely curious about what treatment might consist of. Most of the time, treatment will begin with conservative therapies including pain medications, lifestyle and diet changes, and physical therapy. If patients do not notice decreased symptoms, their doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery.
Spinal cord stimulation is a modern treatment option for various types of chronic pain. This therapy involves the implantation of electrodes near the spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. By modulating the transmission of pain signals along nerve pathways, SCS offers significant relief for patients with PDN who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. This therapy offers a decrease in symptoms including a reduction in pain intensity, improvement in physical function, and enhanced overall quality of life for patients.
Spinal Cord Stimulation with BEST Health System
BEST Health System is the leader in quality spinal cord stimulation treatment. Chronic conditions like painful diabetic neuropathy can severely limit patients’ quality of life. At BEST, our goal is to help patients find meaningful relief from their chronic pain. From conservative therapies to minimally invasive surgical interventions – BEST is your home for all your chronic pain concerns. If you are interested in spinal cord stimulation with BEST, learn about our trial program here.
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