Diabetic leg pain is a symptom of a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and it's something most diabetics eventually experience. The pain is the result of nerve damage in the leg caused by excessively high levels of blood sugar that occur when you have diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can, if left untreated, become a serious complication that can lead to amputation or even death -- which is why treatment is so important. Most people who are living with diabetes can halt or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy by being diligent in monitoring their blood sugar and taking their insulin accordingly and by pursuing healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, medications and other treatments can help people manage leg pain from neuropathy.
Healthy lifestyle choices don't directly impact diabetic leg pain. However, healthy choices can certainly help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels, and diabetics with more normal blood sugar levels are much less likely to suffer from neuropathy (and leg pain). Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and quitting smoking are healthy choices that are likely to eventually help.
Exercise will not only help keep blood sugar levels low but will lighten the load on your legs and feet. A vigorous one-hour session on the treadmill four times a week will work wonders for your diabetic leg pain and the underlying condition that causes it. Swimming and using a stationary bike are also useful ways of dealing with the condition.
People who have diabetic neuropathy might experience leg pain symptoms including burning, cramps, sharp pain and sensitivity to the touch. Neuropathy can also cause numbness, tingling, loss of balance, muscle weakness, and loss of reflexes. In severe cases, ulcers can form on the feet, which must be treated immediately to avoid amputation. If you have these symptoms see your doctor.
Your doctor is your best source for making this kind of recommendation. Many people with leg or foot pain from peripheral neuropathy seek help fromm podiatrists, physical therapists, neurologists and physical medicine specialists.
Some people with peripheral neuropathy find relief through topical medications. These creams and ointments contain analgesics and anesthetics that can help numb and block pain in specific areas of the body. In addition to creams, there are also pain-relief patches that can be applied directly to affected areas.
Most doctors can prescribe medications to handle the pain, though these do not work for everyone and often have side effects. Medications also exist to control some of the complications of the condition, which can include urinary tract infections, low blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.
Many people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy use over-the-counter medications to find relief from mild and moderate leg pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are among the most commonly used OTC medications.
Doctors can prescribe numerous medications to alleviate diabetic leg pain. Most of these medications are nerve pain drugs, analgesics, narcotics or anesthetics.