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If you have diabetes, did you know that uncontrolled, chronically high blood sugar can lead to peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage? In fact, up to 70% of people with diabetes eventually develop peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves – the nerves that come away from your spinal cord. Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and central nervous system to the rest of your body. When the peripheral nerves are damaged or diseased, the communication between your brain and the other parts of your body is interrupted. This can cause muscle movement impairment, abnormal sensations in the arms and legs, and pain to occur.
When you have uncontrolled diabetes, prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can damage delicate nerve fibers. While it’s not entirely clear why this occurs, high blood sugar weakens the walls of your small blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. High blood sugar also interferes with the nerves’ ability to send signals.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Some symptoms you may experience with peripheral neuropathy include:
- Tingling or a feeling of “pins and needles” in your feet.
- Burning, stabbing or shooting pains in your feet.
- Sensitivity to touch. Even bed covers touching your feet may hurt.
- The feeling that you have on socks or gloves when you don’t.
- Very cold or hot feet or hands. Or trouble feeling heat or cold in your hands or feet.
- Nighttime pain in your feet.
- Numbness or no feeling in your feet.
- Weak muscles in your feet and legs. Or, an unsteadiness when standing or walking.
- Open sores on your feet and legs that heal very slowly.
Peripheral neuropathy can develop slowly over a time. But the condition can become severe and debilitating.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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If you think you may have peripheral neuropathy, talk with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. You need to realize that some symptoms like open sores and infection may lead to amputation and even death. So don’t take your symptoms lightly, see your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about what treatment options are right for you. However, one of the best things you can do to treat nerve damage is to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range. Also you will need to protect your feet from further damage by taking proper care of them. Plus talk to your doctor about how you can manage your pain.
Reduce Your Pain with Custom Orthotics
If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, ask your doctor if you should wear custom orthotics like ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics. A custom orthotic with accommodating support is recommended. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics with accommodative support are designed to meet the specific needs of your feet. These orthotics can reduce the pressure on your feet while preventing excess friction that may lead to skin ulcers. ezWalker® Custom Orthotics will provide your feet with better protection by guiding them into a more desirable biomechanical position that improves or controls abnormal foot function and relieves foot pain. Also, talk to your doctor about other footwear considerations like custom or extra-depth shoes.
For more information about ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics with accommodating support, visit the WalkEZStore.com or call Kathy Carandang at 888- 392-5539. Since we offer a 90-day, money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose but your foot pain.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
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