Diabetic And Peripheral Neuropathy

In 2014 it was estimated almost 26,000,000 people have diabetes, this is about 9% of the population. Almost 2,000,000 adults (over the age of 18) are newly diagnosed with this condition each year. 60% take oral medication to maintain their illness in studies published by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). It is estimated over 175 billion a year is spent on the care of this condition and its indirect costs.

Diabetes is an illness that requires continuous medical care and ongoing self-management by patients to reduce acute onset complications and prevent chronic complications such as neuropathy from needing long-term care.

Many complications such as blindness, renal failure, and nerve damage can be a result. Over 70% of diabetic patients with chronically high blood sugar developed peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage as a result of this high level of blood sugar.

Early symptoms may increase in severity at night and can include:

  • stabbing pain
  • prickling pain
  • numbness
  • tingling pain
  • burning sensations
  • coldness
  • sharp pains
  • buzzing pains
  • Pinching pains
  • Cramps
  • sensitivity to touch
  • weakness in the muscles
  • problems with balance and steadiness

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy pain may be severe and complicated to treat. The best way to alleviate pain is glucose control. Conservative methods should start with exercise, weight control, and better diet. Topical creams and over-the-counter medicines may be used initially.

  • Your Chicago pain doctor may also administer an EMG (electromyogram) and test nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Abnormal nerves and nerve damage can be accessed with these tests, as well as muscle functionality and electrical conduction in the muscle and nerves.
  • Biopsies may be performed to determine the type and origin of the neuropathy.
  • Spinal tap (lumbar punch) may help confirm inflammation or infection.

Premier Pain & Spine offers comprehensive pain management in Chicago for all types of neuropathy. This includes offering both medical and interventional pain treatments. Most insurance is accepted by the pain management clinics in Chicago, call (847) 519 4701 for more information and scheduling today!

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