Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy

Tingling, numbness, and discomfort in your feet are signs of peripheral neuropathy. Diabetics are especially prone to developing the nerve damage of neuropathy because of erratic blood sugar levels. If gone unmanaged, diabetic neuropathy can lead to infection, foot deformity, and amputation.

The best way to manage neuropathy is to work with your doctor to maintain normal blood sugar. The experienced podiatrists at Go Feet are also instrumental in diabetic neuropathy management. We can help you keep your feet strong and fully functional, so you avoid complications.

Here’s what may be included in your neuropathy treatment plan.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

We have an expert physical therapy team that teaches you exercises to maintain circulation in your feet, so they stay strong and supportive. Neuropathy can cause muscle weakness and loss of balance, but with proper strengthening and proprioceptive training, we help you maintain function so that you can do all the activities you love.

MLS LASER THERAPY

Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment to provide relief from the effects of neuropathy. MLS laser uses two different levels of laser energy to ease pain and inflammation in your body, making it uniquely effective when it comes to providing you with long-lasting pain relief.

The podiatrists at Go Feet may recommend MLS as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve pain-free living.

MEDICATIONS

FDA-approved drugs, including brand names Lyrica® (pregabalin) and Cymbalta® (duloxetine) help manage your diabetic neuropathy. The podiatrists coordinate care with your diabetes specialist to determine if these medications should be part of your treatment plan.

SHOE RECOMMENDATIONS

A pair of well-fitting shoes goes a long way in supporting feet affected by diabetic neuropathy. If you have good blood sugar control, you don’t have to worry too much about your shoe choices. Just make sure they’re comfortable and don’t cause blisters or sores.

If you have neuropathy, however, shoes become exceptionally important. Diabetic women with neuropathy should avoid high heels and narrow dress shoes. Neuropathy hides your ability to feel the stress and pressure these shoes put on your feet.

Flips flops are a no-no as they aren’t supportive and leave your feet mostly exposed and vulnerable to scrapes and cuts. Rigidly fitting shoes that don’t expand with your foot are also a bad idea for those with diabetic neuropathy.

The team at Go Feet can help you find the right shoes that fit well, support your foot, and don’t place pressure on your feet or rub uncomfortably. We can make some suggestions for the best  brands and styles for you.

Some patients with diabetic neuropathy do best with a diabetic-specific shoe that has a deeper, wider toe box and is made of soft, stretchy leather.

REGULAR FOOT CHECKS

As a diabetic, you should get in the habit of visually inspecting your feet daily. Even minor cuts or blisters can be hard to feel. Let us know about any abnormalities right away so that we can  prevent them from worsening.

It’s also a good idea to have your feet checked regularly by a professional podiatrist. At Go feet, we may find issues that you don’t see or feel, like the beginning of an ingrown toenail or a bunion. Although everyone benefits from early treatment for these maladies, diabetics definitely require early intervention to avoid devastating complications.

Go Feet offers comprehensive care for patients with diabetes. Call one of the offices in Mays Landing, or Linwood, New Jersey, or use the online tool to request the care you need for diabetic neuropathy.