Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, caused by long-term high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves. It most often affects the feet and legs, but can also impact the hands and arms. Patients may experience pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations that can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
At Sara Goel, DO, we provide advanced and effective treatments for managing the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, helping patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence.
What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
DPN is a progressive condition where prolonged exposure to high glucose levels leads to nerve damage. This disruption affects how nerves send signals to the brain, often resulting in pain, loss of sensation, or difficulty with balance and coordination.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the legs or feet
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness or loss of reflexes
- Balance issues and risk of falls
If left untreated, diabetic peripheral neuropathy can worsen, increasing the risk of ulcers, infections, and complications that may affect overall health and mobility.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Managing DPN focuses on both symptom relief and slowing disease progression. Treatment may include:
- Blood Sugar Management: Tight glucose control can help prevent further nerve damage.
- Medications: Pain-relieving drugs, anti-seizure medications, or antidepressants may be prescribed to reduce nerve pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen muscles, improve balance, and restore mobility.
Spinal Cord Stimulation – A New FDA-Approved Treatment
Recently, the FDA approved Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) as a breakthrough treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This therapy involves implanting a small device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses modify pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively reducing neuropathic pain.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation for DPN include:
- Significant and long-lasting pain relief
- Improved mobility and quality of life
- Reduction in dependence on medications
- Minimally invasive and reversible procedure
For patients struggling with painful diabetic neuropathy that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, spinal cord stimulation offers a new, evidence-based solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
It is primarily caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves over time. Other factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking can increase the risk.
Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Yes. SCS has been FDA-approved for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy and has been shown to be safe and effective when performed by a qualified specialist.
How soon can I expect relief with spinal cord stimulation?
Many patients experience meaningful pain relief within days to weeks after the device is implanted, with long-term improvements reported in clinical studies.
Will spinal cord stimulation cure neuropathy?
No, it does not cure neuropathy, but it effectively reduces pain and improves quality of life for patients with chronic nerve pain.
Who is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Patients with painful diabetic neuropathy who have not found relief with medications or conservative therapies may be good candidates for SCS.
Find Relief From Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
At Sara Goel, DO, we are committed to helping patients manage the pain and complications of diabetic neuropathy with the latest and most effective treatments, including spinal cord stimulation. If you are struggling with neuropathy symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today.