Diabetic Neuropathy

Am I at risk of diabetic neuropathy if I have diabetes?

Yes. If you have diabetes, visiting a podiatrist at least once a year is critical to keeping your feet healthy. Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar, doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. Regular visits to Evolve Foot & Woundcare can alert you to potential issues and prevent them from worsening.

Diabetes doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will develop diabetic neuropathy. But by partnering with Dr. Bingham, you can significantly lower your risk and preserve your mobility for years to come.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms include:

• Numbness or a reduced ability to feel temperature sensations
• Sharp pains or cramps in your legs and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or burning in your feet and toes
• Extreme sensitivity to touch

As diabetic neuropathy worsens, you might develop open wounds (diabetic ulcers). These wounds take weeks or even months to heal, increasing your risk of infection and amputation.

How does a foot doctor diagnose diabetic neuropathy?

Dr. Bingham reviews your medical records and asks about your diabetes, including what type you have, how well you manage it, and if you take any prescription medication. Next, she completes a podiatry exam, checking your feet and assessing your tendon reflexes, muscle strength, and sensitivity to touch.

Depending on the results of these tests, she might also order electromyography or needle testing. This minimally invasive procedure measures the electrical discharges produced by your muscles. 

How does a podiatrist treat diabetic neuropathy?

There’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but treatment can slow its progression, relieve uncomfortable symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Dr. Bingham might suggest:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Keeping your blood sugar under control
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Antidepressants
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics
• Diabetic shoes

Follow Dr. Bingham’s instructions carefully and attend each of your follow-up visits. Most diabetic patients only need to visit the podiatrist once a year, but if you have diabetic wounds or other complications, more frequent checkups might be necessary.

What if I have diabetic ulcers?

Dr. Bingham provides wound care onsite for those with diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds. She offers several types of professional wound care, including wound cleaning, debridement, prescription antibiotics, and topical wound treatments.

Call Evolve Foot & Woundcare today to explore the treatments for diabetic neuropathy or make your appointment online.