In the last blog,
alternative treatments for diabetic neuropathy were mentioned. Now
it is time to discuss the alternative treatments as some are quite
effective, but again it is worth pointing out that not everything
will work for everyone.
Capsaicin is the chemical that gives
hot peppers their bite. When applied to the skin, capsaicin creams
can reduce pain sensations in some people. Side effects may include a
burning feeling and skin irritation. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one
of the most interesting developments in pain research is the
discovery that alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant found in
food, may be effective at relieving the symptoms of peripheral
neuropathy.
Your doctor may prescribe
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, which can
help prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. TENS delivers
tiny electrical impulses to specific nerve pathways through small
electrodes placed on your skin. Although safe and painless, TENS does
not work for everyone or for all types of pain. TENS may be
prescribed in addition to other treatments.
Acupuncture may help relieve the pain
of neuropathy, and generally does not have any side effects. Keep in
mind that you may not get immediate relief with acupuncture and will
likely require more than one session. Biofeedback therapy uses a
special machine to teach you how to control certain body responses
that reduce pain. You then learn how to control these same responses
yourself. Biofeedback techniques are often taught in medical centers
and hospitals.
The above are all
worth investigating and may be of value for you. You may need to use
a combination or use in combination with prescription medications.
If one treatment does not work in a reasonable time, try another
treatment.
The best way to
control diabetic neuropathy, and what it does, is to keep your blood
glucose tightly managed, taking good care of your feet, and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Yes, maintaining tight management
of your diabetes requires a big commitment on your part, but the
rewards are worth it. Whether you are on oral medications or
insulin, by watching the foods you eat and monitoring your blood
glucose levels is the only way to help avoid or prevent neuropathy
and other complications of diabetes.
I would like to
remind everyone to reread part one of this series about the four main
types of neuropathy. This is because peripheral neuropathy is the
most common form, but also because it is the most talked about. Foot
care of foot problems is so important I want everyone to know how
important this is. I do not wish to seen people needing an
amputation because they did not take care of their feet.
First, have a
comprehensive foot examination at least a minimum of once a year and
more often if possible. Check your feet daily. No, do not just take
a glance at them, but really look and examine them. If you are
unable the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member
or even a friend to examine your feet for blisters, cuts, bruises,
cracked and peeling skin, redness and swelling.
Please wash your feet everyday with
lukewarm water and mild soap. If you cannot tell the temperature of
the water with your feet, use a dampened washcloth and touch it to an
area of your body that is still sensitive to temperature. Wash
thoroughly and rinse before drying. Be careful when drying as
rubbing too vigorously can damage your skin. Dry between your toes
and if necessary moisturize your skin liberally, but it is not good
to put the lotion between your toes. This applies especially to men
to avoid fungal growth.
Trim your toenails regularly and
carefully to avoid cutting into the skin. Use a toenail clipper and
with an emery board round off the corners not filing into the skin.
If you are unable to reach your feet, ask a family member to assist
or schedule a regular appointment with your podiatrist to get this
done.
Wear clean and dry sock and preferably
ones that have a cushion on the bottom to assist in keeping the
moisture away from your feet. Avoid socks that are too tight or have
a tight elastic at the top or thick seams. You will only harm your
feet with this type of sock.
The last, and I want to emphasize this,
is to wear shoes that fit your feet properly, are cushioned and
comfortable. A podiatrist can be very helpful in teaching you how to
buy properly fitting shoes that will help in preventing problems such
as corns and calluses. Never buy new shoes in the morning. Wait
until later in the afternoon when your feet are more swollen to
ensure the shoes are not too tight. Shoes that fit well can be
costly. If you are on Medicare, your plan may cover one pair of
shoes per year. Your doctor and possibly your diabetes educator may
be able to help you. Never buy shoes that pinch your toes or that do
not support your feet. Just because it may be the latest fashion,
does not mean they are for you.
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