Diabetic Neuropathy: Can It Be Reversed?

Nearly 50% of people with diabetes have diabetic neuropathy, a serious complication of unmanaged blood sugar levels. If you have this condition, it’s important that you take care of your general wellness and pay close attention to the health of your feet.

At Adler Foot and Ankle in North Miami Beach and Hallandale, Florida, our expert team specializes in diabetic foot care to prevent neuropathy and other potentially life-threatening consequences of diabetes.

Our experienced podiatrists Charlton Adler, DPM, and Laura Adler, DPM, also provide the care you need to manage diabetic neuropathy, so you can stay active.

The cause of diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy describes nerve damage that occurs when fat (triglycerides) and sugar levels in the blood are elevated for an extended period of time.

Damage affects the nerve fibers that facilitate communication between your brain and body. This can cause a range of symptoms that affect how your body functions, including numbness, weakness, tingling, and pain in the arms and/or legs.

Diabetic neuropathy can also cause:

• Vision loss
• Dry, itchy skin
• Cold feet and hands
• Digestive dysfunction
• Heart rate irregularities
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

It’s important that you stay on top of controlling your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and by taking prescribed insulin or other medications because diabetes-related nerve damage isn’t reversible.

If you already have neuropathy, you can benefit from the treatments we offer at Adler Foot and Ankle to manage your symptoms and prevent additional nerve damage.

Strategies to manage diabetic neuropathy symptoms

Your treatment plan for diabetic neuropathy depends on the extent of nerve damage and the impact it has on your lower legs and feet. Our physicians may suggest:

Lifestyle changes

Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health and diabetes control. Tight shoes can cause pressure sores and diabetic ulcers that jeopardize the long-term health of your feet.

Upgrading your footwear to ensure your shoes fit well can also protect against damage.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy and home exercises can also help strengthen the muscles in your feet and legs, so you can retain your mobility.

Diabetic foot care

Our diabetic foot care services include comprehensive foot exams to check for cuts and sores that can progress into an ulcer. We can also remove painful calluses and corns.

Shoe inserts and other custom orthotics are available to cushion your feet and protect against further skin damage and other injuries.

Nerve decompression surgery

When neuropathy symptoms are severe, you may be a candidate for nerve decompression surgery. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on damaged nerves to ease the severity of numbness, tingling, and pain in your feet.

Prevention is key for diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic foot care services are vital for anyone with diabetes, even when symptoms of neuropathy aren’t present. Our team can work with your primary care provider to ensure your diabetes is well-controlled, so you can avoid the complications of diabetic neuropathy. 

Our podiatrists also meet with you regularly to check your feet for damage and treat cuts before they turn into ulcers. We also trim your toenails and recommend products you can use to keep your feet moisturized.

Educational resources are also available to teach you how to care for your feet at home, so you can avoid ingrown toenails, wounds, and other issues. 

Call your nearest Adler Foot and Ankle Care office in North Miami Beach or Hallandale, Florida, today, or click online to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment at your convenience.