Diabetic Nerve Pain Treatment Options

Diabetic nerve pain is described as shooting or burning pain, or pins and needles in the hands and feet of those who suffer from diabetes. Diabetic nerve pain is a very common issue that occurs in 20% or more of patients with diabetes. It is a condition that develops gradually over a period of years in most cases. The feeling may start out as simple tingling or a faint numbness, but progresses into some of the most painful feelings which are often worse in the evening while trying to sleep. All of these combined issues can be painful and frustrating and lead to the patient seeking medical treatment.

Diabetic nerve pain, and other types of nerve pain are drastically different from other types of pain such as muscle pain. Nerve pain is caused by the nerve endings of the body sending extra pain messages to the brain. This has the added effect of making simple everyday activities, such as walking, brushing teeth, or getting dressed, extraordinarily painful.

These are some of the most common symptoms of diabetic nerve pain:

• Shooting Pain
• Pins and Needles
• Electric Shocks
• Burning Pain
• Pins and needles
• Numbness
• Throbbing Pain
• Sensitivity to Touch
• Tingling
• Stinging Pain
• Stabbing Pain
• Radiating Pain

Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetic nerve pain. Most medical treatments and medications are prescribed with the sole purpose of controlling blood sugar, which may slow the progression of diabetic nerve pain. Once the pain has worsened there are medications that may help to relieve some of the pain symptoms. However, many of these medications can cause side effects ranging from uncomfortable to downright dangerous.

So what are the treatment options?

Diabetic Nerve Pain Treatment Options