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Originally Posted On: https://bedrockbioscience.com/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-diabetic-neuropathy-in-feet/
Diabetic neuropathy in feet is a common and potentially debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This type of neuropathy is unique because it’s caused by nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels. It can lead to severe pain, numbness, and in severe cases, complications that lead to amputation.
Luckily, treatment options have advanced to include innovative as well as traditional methods. For people with diabetes, having choices is essential when it comes to their health and neuropathy complications.
Read on for more information about diabetic neuropathy in feet and what treatment options may be available to you.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is what occurs when one or more nerves is damaged. This results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the area.
There are several different types of neuropathy and they can be caused by injuries, infections, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to toxins. The most common form of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy which affects nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptom for this type of nerve damage is felt in the extremities and is the most common type that diabetic patients suffer from.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a specific type of neuropathy that results as a complication of diabetes. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels, over time, can damage the nerves in the feet and legs.This condition is a concern for individuals with diabetes as it can lead to severe consequences. These include:
- Ulcers in the legs and feet
- Infections
- Amputations
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Symptoms depend on a variety of factors and can vary from person to person and in degree of severity. These symptoms include:
- Tingling or burning sensations in the feet and legs
- Numbness (this can make it difficult to feel pain)
- Pains or cramping
- Burning or shooting pains
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Foot issues such as ulcers or infections
Recognizing these symptoms and working with a doctor to get your sugars under control is vital in the prevention of severe complications.
What Is The Best Treatment Option For Diabetic Neuropathy In Feet?
Traditional Treatment Options
Traditional treatment options focus on managing symptoms, regulating health issues like high blood pressure and sugars, and preventing or reversing nerve damage.
- Blood sugar control with supervision to slow the progression of damage
- Traditional medications to help with pain, maintenance, and infections
- Physical therapy to help with flexibility and pain
- Foot care that focuses on regular inspections of the feet, proper footwear, and special attention to injuries if they occur.
While these treatments can be effective, they often do not address the underlying cause of nerve damage, have potential side effects, and do not delay the inevitable progression of neuropathy.
Red Light Therapy as a Treatment Option
Red Light Therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for diabetic neuropathy in feet. It’s a non-invasive therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate skin and tissue which stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and increases circulation in the legs and feet.
Why Red Light Therapy is the Best
Red Light Therapy offers several advantages over traditional treatment options which is why it’s gaining attention in the medical field. The advantages include:
- Non-invasive and Pain-free: Unlike some medical procedures, red light therapy is non-invasive and pain-free. Patients experiencing neuropathy are already in pain, why make them suffer more?
- Addresses the Underlying Cause: Other treatment options are band-aids over the problem. Red Light Therapy actually addresses the root cause of neuropathy by enhancing cellular function and increasing circulation around the area. This not only helps with the pain but promotes nerve healing as well.
- Minimal Side Effects: Unlike pills which can cause a myriad of side effects, red light therapy is known for its minimal side effects which makes it a safe option for most.
- Complementary to Other Treatments: Red Light Therapy can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments and needs no special prerequisites to begin using it.
Your Patients Don’t Have to Live in Pain; Bedrock Bioscience Can Help
Traditional treatments are a cornerstone in managing diabetic neuropathy in feet but emerging studies have concluded that red light therapy is an amazing tool to incorporate into the treatment options for these patients.
Bedrock Bioscience offers a specialized range of products designed to address the complexities of neuropathy for Doctor’s offices to choose from– all of which have been proven to help patients in need.
If you have questions, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today to see how we can help.
