Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy Lately, I’ve had a number of patients who have peripheral neuropathy. This can be due to many different reasons. Peripheral neuropathy is numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. It can be painful and limits the amount of time you can be on your feet. It most often affects the feet and the legs. Patients may complain of burning symptoms. The pain or numbness is usually worse at night. Balance may be poor as well. The person with this may not feel pressure, heat, or cold. This can be dangerous. A small stone in a shoe can cause a blister or wound. This could lead to infection. What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy? The leading cause is diabetes. Chemotherapy also introduces toxins which can cause it as well. Lead poisoning, lupus, leprosy, alcoholism, kidney failure, anemia, and thyroid disorders also cause peripheral neuropathy. We will focus on glandular disorders today, such as diabetes. Diabetes affects about 5% of the U.S. At the time the diagnosis of diabetes is made, 25% already have peripheral neuropathy. By the time they patient has had diabetes for 25 years, it is estimated 75% have peripheral neuropathy. To many of the patients, peripheral neuropathy is the forgotten problem of diabetes as it can be overshadowed by other complications of the disease. Diabetes is due to a dysfunction of the pancreas, which is a gland. This gland secretes the hormone insulin which helps to keep blood sugar within a normal comfort zone. It controls sugar and converts it to energy or if there is too much sugar it is stored as fat. When nerve damage occurs due to diabetes it is due to many factors. Some of the blood vessels are damaged that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. Recent studies have suggested an important molecule called Nitric Oxide (NO) may be in short supply in blood vessels of people with diabetes. This molecule is critical for opening blood vessels with each beat of your heart. Combine high blood pressure, high cholesterol or plaque build up in your blood vessels and low Nitric Oxide amounts, which is common with diabetes, and the result is a significantly diminished blood flow farthest from your heart, your feet! The most important thing you can do to slow down the development of peripheral neuropathy is to watch your sugar levels and keep them in a stable range. Diabetes means your pancreas is not functioning properly and by forcing it to secrete more of the hormone insulin; you will speed up destruction of the various tissues in your body, including the blood vessels. A new option has offered thousands relief from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Monochromatic infrared light energy can help. How does a light therapy work on neuropathy and pain? It is believed this wavelength of invisible infrared photo energy increases the availability of nitric oxide by breaking it free from the red blood cells. Once Nitric Oxide is free, it increases the blood flow to the area by up to 3,200% in just 30 minutes. Over time, this will facilitate the growth of tiny blood vessels in the area, improving circulation with each treatment. Nitric oxide also helps to relieve pain. You do not have to suffer with neuropathy! With this infrared Anodyne light therapy, controlling your sugar levels, and a stretching program, you can make a difference in your life. Call TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy today and stop living with pain and start living again. Call 301-759-4263 and start getting relief today! Tips For Diabetes *When going to a dinner party let your host/hostess know your dietary needs in advance *Talk to your physician if you need to plan ahead for holiday situations in which you may increase your carbohydrates for a holiday to control your sugar levels *If your feet are numb, check them everyday with a mirror if necessary to make sure a cut or scratch does not develop an infection *If you get numbness, tinling, burning, or pain in the feet or hands, talk to your doctor or call us. You may be developing peripheral neuropathy. *Anodyne light therapy can help ease pain, numbness, and tingling due to peripheral neuropathy. Happy Memorial Day!!! |
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