Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Diagnosis & Understanding
11. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
12. CRPS I
1:57
13. Central Sensitization Syndrome
1:48
14. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Stellate Ganglion Injection
1:52
4. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Diabetic Neuropathy SCS
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1746875600
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) occurs when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage peripheral nerves, leading to pain, burning, or tingling—most commonly in the feet, and in advanced cases, the hands. This condition is more prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes but can also occur in type 1 diabetes. The nerve damage disrupts normal signaling, causing abnormal sensations and discomfort, even in the absence of an injury.
Managing painful diabetic neuropathy starts with blood sugar control. Keeping levels stable can help reduce symptoms and slow nerve damage. Treatment may include: ✔️ Medications, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, which target nerve pain and improve comfort. ✔️ Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, which can support nerve health and improve circulation. ✔️ Routine foot checks, since nerve damage can reduce sensation, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries and infections.
For difficult-to-treat cases where chronic pain is the main issue, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an FDA-approved, medication-sparing option. SCS uses a small implanted device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, helping to interrupt pain signals and provide long-term relief when other treatments are ineffective.
Early intervention is key to preventing complications like chronic pain, infections, or ulcers.
If you're experiencing persistent nerve pain, tingling, or burning sensations, early treatment can improve daily comfort and prevent worsening symptoms. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is painful diabetic neuropathy managed?
Managing painful diabetic neuropathy begins with controlling blood sugar levels to reduce symptoms and slow nerve damage. Treatment may involve medications like gabapentin or pregabalin to alleviate nerve pain, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, and routine foot checks to prevent unnoticed injuries and infections.
What are the risks of untreated painful diabetic neuropathy?
If left untreated, painful diabetic neuropathy can lead to severe complications, including the progression to serious nerve damage, foot ulcers, and even amputations. Additionally, untreated neuropathy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and higher mortality rates.
What are the treatment options for difficult-to-treat cases of painful diabetic neuropathy?
In cases where painful diabetic neuropathy is difficult to treat due to chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an FDA-approved option that may be considered. SCS involves implanting a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, helping to interrupt pain signals when other treatments are ineffective.
What is painful diabetic neuropathy and who can it affect?
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a condition that occurs when prolonged high blood sugar levels cause damage to peripheral nerves, leading to sensations of pain, burning, or tingling. This condition primarily affects individuals with type 2 diabetes but can also occur in those with type 1 diabetes.
Why is early intervention important in painful diabetic neuropathy?
Early intervention in painful diabetic neuropathy is crucial to prevent complications such as chronic pain, infections, or ulcers. Addressing symptoms early can improve daily comfort and prevent worsening of the condition.