
Diabetes-related foot pain, also known as diabetic foot neuro pathy, is a common complication that many people living with diabetes have. It happens to people with both type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes. The longer you have had diabetes, the less your blood sugar is regulated, and consequently, it is more likely that you will experience foot pain or discomfort at some stage. Why does diabetes affect your feet?
Diabetes and body pain is caused mainly by high levels of blood sugar. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels damage the nerve endings and the blood vessels in the body. This combination causes pain in the nerves and poor blood circulation.
The feet are especially susceptible to poor circulation since they are so far from the heart. Diabetes-related nerve pain may occur in the hands, but several people who experience it feel it first in their feet.
Other factors that can increase the risk of experiencing foot pain caused by diabetes include kidney disease and overweight and smoking.
What does diabetes foot pain feel like?
The most common symptoms of foot pain caused by diabetes include:
- Tingling: It is sort of a feeling like pins and needles are being pushed in your skin.
- Discomfort or increased sensitivity: These kinds of pain or sensitivity to things are normally painful. This may be discomfort from bedsheets rubbing against your feet, or feeling uncomfortable or unpleasant wearing shoes.
- Exhaustion or weakness: Nerves make you feel and teach you how to work with your muscles. People with diabetes often complain numbness on their feet even when they cut their feet.
- Slow healing: Healthy blood vessels bring the immune cells into wounds to help combat infections and heal the damaged tissue. If blood circulation is inefficient and can occur in diabetes, it takes longer for those wounds to heal.
What are some risks if diabetes is left untreated?
Diabetes-related foot pain is more than just discomfort; it’s the body’s warning. This kind of nerve pain can lead to complications if you don’t see a doctor and get treated. Here are some of the problems that can arise from untreated nerve pain and diabetes pain relief remedies for treating them.
- Dry, shredded skin. If your skin becomes too dry, your risk of skin infection increases. If this occurs, it can be overcome with simple petroleum jelly or unscented hand creams.
- Callus: It is a thickened skin region that has fewer sensations. People with diabetes develop calluses quicker than those without diabetes. To help keep them at a low, you can use a pumice stone every day. If they get really thick, they can be cut or shaved down by a doctor. Never try to do this at home, because it can lead to infections.
- Ulcers: These are sores that arise due to inadequate blood circulation in some people with diabetes. Infected ulcers can spread and cause you to lose your leg or your foot.
- Amputations. If the complications mentioned above are not adequately treated, then they may all become infected. Skin infections can result in permanent damage to skin and muscle tissues. That can’t be fixed once this happens. The only way to stop the further spread of the infection is by amputating the infected leg.
What are the treatment options for diabetes pain management?
- Diabetes-related foot pain is treated with medicines directed at nerve pain and painkillers in general. Here are some of the most common recommendations:
- Lyrica (pregabalin). Lyrica is one of only a few FDA-approved medications to help alleviate nerve pain associated with diabetes and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day.
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine). Duloxetine is yet another FDA-approved drug for foot pain caused by diabetes. It offers the same level of pain relief as Lyrica and should be taken only once a day.
- Neurontin (Gabapentin). Depending on the insurance and pharmacy, gabapentin could be better than preguntabalin and duloxetine. Gabapentin offers some pain relief, but many physicians do not find it the first resort for diabetes foot pain.
- Elavil (Amitriptyline) Amitriptyline is a popular drug that has been used for years to treat all types of nerve pain, including diabetes-related nerve pain. It’s inexpensive, but it’s rarely recommended because it doesn’t work as well as other alternatives, and can trigger a lot of side effects.
• Opiates. Opioid pain relievers should be used only as a last-ditch effort when other options are not sufficient. Opioids have many side effects that can lead to dependence and addiction, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sleepiness.
- Lidocaine and capsaicin: Topical gels and creams such as lidocaine and capsaicin are available over the counter and are better suited for minor pain areas. They are usually only recommended if you have very mild symptoms or cannot tolerate oral drug side effects.







