FAQ: How Serious Diabetic Foot Pain?

What is diabetic foot pain feel like?

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain ( diabetic nerve pain ). The pain may be mild at first, but it can get worse over time and spread up your legs or arms.

How do you stop diabetic foot pain?

What are treatment options for the pain?

1. Pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalin is one of only a few medicines approved by the FDA to help relieve diabetes -related nerve pain and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Duloxetine (Cymbalta).
3. Gabapentin (Neurontin).
4. Amitriptyline (Elavil).
5. Opioids.
6. Topical lidocaine and capsaicin.

What damage can diabetes do to your feet?

Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores.

Why is diabetic foot pain worse at night?

Cooler temperatures: With peripheral neuropathy, according to Loma Linda University Health, your feet will be far more sensitive to cooler air. As temperatures drop at night, your peripheral nerves can begin to tingle more, and you’ll feel more burning or sharp pains.

What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?

Peripheral neuropathy It’s the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include: Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

• Changes in skin color.
• Changes in skin temperature.
• Swelling in the foot or ankle.
• Pain in the legs.
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
• Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
• Corns or calluses.
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.

Is Vaseline good for diabetic feet?

Use unscented lotion or petroleum jelly ( Vaseline ) on your feet, though not between your toes. Diabetes can cause very dry skin, which in turn can cause cracking and other problems. but remember, DON’T put lotion or Vaseline between your toes.

Is Diabetic Foot curable?

Background. Diabetic foot infections are a frequent clinical problem. About 50% of patients with diabetic foot infections who have foot amputations die within five years. Properly managed most can be cured, but many patients needlessly undergo amputations because of improper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Why do they cut off diabetics feet?

A nonhealing ulcer that causes severe damage to tissues and bone may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, foot or part of a leg. Some people with diabetes are more at risk than others. Factors that lead to an increased risk of an amputation include: High blood sugar levels.

Why should diabetics not soak their feet?

Diabetes already causes the skin to become dry due to the way excess blood sugar harms the functioning of the nerves that control sweat glands. The act of soaking the foot in water makes this dryness even worse by drawing out the skins natural lubricating oils.

What is the cure for diabetic feet?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy. But you can take steps to slow the progression of this disease. Your doctor will likely recommend pain medication to help alleviate nerve pain. For mild nerve pain, you can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

DO: Wear socks to bed if you have cold feet. DON’T: Don’t use water bottles, electric blankets, or heating pads on your feet, because they could cause burns. DO: Wiggle your toes and move your feet around many times a day to keep the blood flowing.

What is the best painkiller for nerve pain?

The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include:

• amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.
• duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.
• pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.

How can I stop nerve pain in my foot?

Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet. Researchers believe that regular exercise may create a long-lasting expansion in blood vessels in the feet, nourishing damaged nerves back to health.

How do you get rid of neuropathy in your feet?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses.
2. Exercise.
3. Quit smoking.
4. Eat healthy meals.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol.
6. Monitor your blood glucose levels.