Diabetic Neuropathy

Patients who are dealing with diabetes are vulnerable to nerve damage resulting in diabetic neuropathy. If you have extremity pain due to diabetes, visit James Ellner, MD, at Georgia Pain Management in Woodstock, Georgia. Dr. Ellner is an experienced interventional pain management specialist who provides cutting-edge, nonsurgical treatments to reduce pain and other neuropathy symptoms. Call Georgia Pain Management to schedule a diabetic neuropathy evaluation or complete the online booking form today.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy affects some people with diabetes, a common chronic illness where your body can’t control the blood’s glucose (sugar) levels. Excess glucose gradually damages your nerves, blood vessels, and organs.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside your central nervous system — your brain and spinal cord. The condition causes widespread pain, tingling, burning, and numbness. 

Losing sensation in your lower limbs is a significant risk factor for diabetic ulcer formation — open sores that resist healing and are prone to infection.

Proximal neuropathy affects nerves in your body’s lower half, including the buttocks, hips, and legs. It can weaken the legs, shrink your leg muscles, cause stomach pain, and make it difficult to stand up after sitting. 

Focal neuropathy damages a specific nerve, typically in your head or leg. It can cause severe localized pain and one-sided facial paralysis. 

How does my doctor diagnose diabetic neuropathy?

Your provider can usually diagnose this condition if you have diabetes and experience neuropathy symptoms. They also perform a physical exam, evaluating your muscle strength and tone, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to pain, temperature, touch, and vibration.

Tests that assist with diagnosing diabetic neuropathy include:

Filament testing

To assess touch sensitivity, your provider brushes a soft nylon fiber (monofilament) over your skin.

Sensory testing

Noninvasive sensory testing examines how your nerves respond to temperature changes and vibrations.

Nerve conduction testing (NCT)

Nerve conduction tests measure how efficiently your nerves conduct electrical signals.

Electromyography (EMG)

EMG measures the electrical discharges your muscles produce. EMG and nerve conduction testing usually take place at the same time.

What treatments relieve diabetic neuropathy symptoms?

Diabetic neuropathy is incurable, but you can prevent it from worsening by managing your diabetes properly.

Dr. Ellner prepares a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce or relieve your diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Depending on your needs, the plan might include:

• Physical therapy
• Antidepressant and/or anti-seizure medication
• Nerve block (local anesthetic) injections
• Anti-inflammatory steroid injections

Spinal cord stimulation might be necessary if other treatments don’t help. It involves having an implant under your skin that sends electrical signals to your brain. The signals interfere with the pain messages from your spinal cord to your brain.

Call Georgia Pain Management to arrange a diabetic neuropathy evaluation or schedule a consultation via the online booking form.