Diabetic Neuropathy: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Living with diabetes means staying on top of your health. That includes your nerve health. Over time, high blood sugar levels and circulatory issues can damage delicate nerves.

At Georgia Pain Management in Woodstock, GA, Dr. James Ellner helps patients manage chronic pain complications related to diabetes. If you experience burning, tingling, or numbness, you may be dealing with diabetic neuropathy.

Our practice focuses on finding the right relief for your unique needs. We offer advanced, minimally invasive options to help you regain your quality of life.

Understanding the early signs of nerve damage is the first step toward protecting your body.

What are the early signs of diabetic neuropathy?

The earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy often include subtle numbness, tingling, or a mild burning sensation in your feet. However, nerve damage can also progress silently without any obvious symptoms.

Because of this silent risk, the Diabetes Care guidelines state that screening must start right at your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, screening should begin five years after your diagnosis.

Waiting for pain to start is a dangerous strategy. By the time you feel discomfort, significant nerve damage may already have occurred. We perform thorough evaluations at our Woodstock, GA office to catch these changes early.

What treatment options can help manage nerve pain?

While there is no cure for nerve damage, several effective treatments can help reduce your pain.

According to a guideline from the American Academy of Neurology, four classes of oral medications show similar, moderate success in lowering nerve pain. In clinical trials, a 30% reduction in pain is considered a successful result.

These medications work by changing how your brain perceives pain signals. However, they do not repair damaged nerves. If oral medications do not provide enough relief, we offer advanced interventional therapies.

For example, spinal cord stimulation can help block pain signals before they reach your brain. Dr. Ellner will work with you to find the safest, most effective approach.

How can you protect your feet from severe complications?

Protecting your feet requires daily visual inspections and wearing supportive, protective footwear. Because neuropathy numbs your feet, you might not feel a blister, cut, or sore forming.

The American Diabetes Association reports that peripheral neuropathy is a contributing factor in 78% of diabetic foot ulcers.

An unnoticed injury can quickly turn into a severe, limb-threatening infection. To keep your feet healthy, follow these daily steps:

Check the bottoms of your feet every night using a mirror
Never walk barefoot, even when you are inside your home
Wash your feet daily with warm water and dry them completely
Wear specialized shoes that relieve pressure on sensitive areas

At Georgia Pain Management, we emphasize preventive care to help you avoid these serious complications.

You do not have to let diabetic nerve pain control your life. Our compassionate team is here to help you find relief and protect your long-term health.

To explore your treatment options, schedule a visit with our Woodstock office today.