The clinical name for diabetes foot pain is peripheral neuropathy, a condition where the small nerves fibers in the feet have become damaged by the effects of diabetes.
Peripheral nerves are supposed to transmit information back to the brain, for example when your feet are hot or cold or you just stepped on a sharp object.
People may not realize they have been cut or that a cut is becoming infected.
Each peripheral nerve has a specific function and a unique job.
Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these important signals.
Similar to static from a weak radio station, peripheral neuropathy interrupts and distorts the signals to the brain.
Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States.
About 75% of people with diabetes have some degree of nervous system damage.
Some symptoms of Diabetes Foot Pain people experience are: • numbness (often temporary) • tingling, pins and needles • pricking sensations • sensitivity to touch • stabbing pain • muscle weakness • burning pain • muscle wasting • paralysis Diabetes Foot pain is often worse at night, disrupting sleep and adding to an already emotional burden.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections due to physical and nutritional changes that take place within their body.
Fungal infections in the feet regularly manifest as athlete's foot, fungal toenails and ingrown toenails.
Additionally, a minor injury such as a cut or blister that goes untreated can quickly escalate into an infection or ulcer as nerve damage reduces sensation.
These too often result in amputations.
Diabetes is the leading cause of foot or leg amputation in the United States.
But circulation problems, neuropathy and ulcers which lead to amputations, can frequently be avoided.
Poor circulation and constricted blood vessels lead to reduced oxygen supply to the individual cells that make up the peripheral nerve fibers and a reduced oxygen supply quickly leads to serious damage to or even death of the nerve fibers.
The cells are not getting enough oxygen.
Diabetes frequently leads to blood vessel constriction causing reduced circulation.
Prevention is always your best defense when it comes to diabetes foot pain.
Always strive to eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Maintain good blood sugar control.
Include daily exercise such as walking.
Try to reduce stress with relaxation techniques or meditation, and limit any alcohol intake to a very low level.
Quitting smoking is particularly important because smoking constricts the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the peripheral nerves.
The first step is to get the blood glucose level under control.
The underlying condition must be treated first, then begin treating the symptoms.
Peripheral nerve damage can be reversed, as long as the nerve cells have not been killed.
Do not ignore the body talking to you.
In general, developing healthy eating habits, maintaining optimal weight, avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, eating a balanced and varied diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can reduce the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
Active forms of exercise will improve muscle strength, reduce cramps, improve circulation and prevent muscle wasting.
Prompt attention to any injury can help minimize permanent damage.
Self-care skills such as foot massage, meticulous foot care and careful wound treatment will greatly improve the quality of life.
These techniques create conditions that encourage increased blood flow and the desired nerve regeneration.
Strict control of blood glucose levels has been proven to reduce diabetes foot pain symptoms and help people avoid further nerve damage.
Loss of pain sensation is a particularly serious problem for people with diabetes, contributing to the high rate of lower limb amputations.
Massaging your feet or using a foot roller often takes the edge off the pain.
Massage for diabetes foot pain is safe and powerful when done correctly and highly recommended.