What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)?
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage caused due to diabetes and high blood sugar. It leads to loss of sensation, numbness, and pain in hands, legs, and feet. It is one of the most common complications related to diabetes.
High levels of blood sugar not only damage the nerves in the extremities but in other parts of the body such as optic nerve causing vision deficiencies. As a result, the nerves are not able to carry sensory messages to the brain and/or carry messages to limbs causing weakness and mobility issues. The hypersensitivity of the nervous system due to diabetes leads to numbness and pain in the affected areas more commonly in feet and legs. It can lead to life-threatening consequences if not treated at the right time.
The pain symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy are described differently by patients and commonly include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Prickling
- Burning
- Pins and needles
- Coldness
- Buzzing
- Deep stabs
- Pinching
- Sharp
Pain management is one of the most important aspects of treating DPN by physiotherapists. The physiotherapy treatment for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy also includes exercise and activity modification, massages and stretching to help relieve pain and ease the condition.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) Treatment
- Medicines such as Lyrica
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture & dry needling
- Massage therapy
- TENS
Read more: Diabetic care
Physiotherapists Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
At Physiomobility, we have a team of qualified professionals who offer specialized treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, such as arthritis, or you have experienced a sports injury, or suffer from dizziness and vertigo our experienced physiotherapists will provide you a personalized treatment, offering you relief from pain and discomfort and enabling you to get back to your usual activities quickly.
