Louisiana Pain Specialists

Diabetic Neuropathy

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that happens in people with diabetes. Although anyone can develop neuropathy, it is much more common in those with high blood sugar levels over time. When blood sugar stays elevated, it can injure the nerves and interfere with how they communicate with the brain and spinal cord.

Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, but it most often causes problems in the legs and feet.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Symptoms can vary depending on which nerves are damaged. Common types of diabetic neuropathy include:

Peripheral Neuropathy

This is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. It typically starts in the feet and legs, and may later affect the hands and arms. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the extremities.

Autonomic Neuropathy

The autonomic nerves control the parts of your body you do not consciously think about, like digestion and bladder function. When these nerves are damaged, symptoms might include urinary incontinence, bowel problems, or delayed stomach emptying.

Proximal Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy affects the nerves in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and legs. It often causes severe pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty standing up from a seated position.

Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy occurs when only a single nerve is damaged. It can affect a peripheral nerve or a cranial nerve. Symptoms might include double vision, pain behind the eye, facial weakness, or numbness in a specific area.

How is Diabetic Neuropathy Treated?

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of nerve damage. A key part of treatment is improving blood sugar control to help protect the nerves from further harm.

To help relieve pain and improve function, the team at Alabama Anesthesiology & Pain Consultants may recommend a combination of therapies, such as:

  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Nerve blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Peripheral nerve stimulation
  • Spinal cord stimulation

Every patient’s care plan is tailored to their specific needs, with the goal of finding the best possible relief.

Living with diabetic neuropathy can make even simple daily tasks difficult, but you do not have to manage it alone. At Alabama Anesthesiology & Pain Consultants, our team takes a personalized approach to treating diabetic nerve pain. We offer a variety of advanced therapies to help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are ready to find relief, call the location nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

Related Treatments

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (SCS)

Do You Qualify For a Spinal Cord Stimulator? Spinal Cord Stimulation may be recommended for patients who have: Spinal Stimulator Implant Procedure Before your procedure begins, a member of our clinical team will meet with you to answer any questions and review your consent forms. In the procedure room, you will lie on a treatment […]

Radiofrequency Ablation

The Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure When you arrive for your procedure, a clinical team member will meet with you to answer any questions you have. You will also review and sign a consent form before the procedure begins. In the treatment room, you will lie comfortably on the table, and the area to be treated will […]

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Who Might Benefit from Peripheral Nerve Stimulation? PNS is especially helpful for people living with chronic pain that doesn’t respond to medication or other therapies. It may be recommended for those dealing with: Since PNS can be reversed and doesn’t require major surgery, it’s a great option for patients who want relief without long recovery […]

Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block

What Conditions Can It Help Treat? Lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks are commonly used to treat a range of conditions, particularly those involving nerve pain or circulation issues in the lower body. These include: This procedure tends to be more effective when used early in the course of treatment. For many people, it can reduce pain […]

Alabama Anesthesiology & Pain Consultants Offers Relief From Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and tingling, but effective treatment is available. At Alabama Anesthesiology & Pain Consultants, we offer customized care options to help manage nerve pain and restore your quality of life. Whether you are interested in medication management, nerve stimulation, or other advanced therapies, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today or request an appointment online to get started.