Treating Painful Diabetic NeuropathyDiabetic neuropathy is a condition where there is a loss of sensation in the toes, and then gradually the pain moves upwards and sometimes even up to the hands. Scientific studies say that around 60 percent of the diabetics have some kind of neuropathy in their feet and among them around 5 percent of the patients experience painful diabetic neuropathy. Interestingly the prevalence of this condition increases with age. In fact 45 percent of people having diabetes and over the age of 25 are more at risks of painful diabetic neuropathy. As regards the treatment although there is no cure to totally reverse diabetic neuropathy, but certainly there are treatment options to reduce the pain as well as the numbness that is caused by diabetic neuropathy. The first treatment that a doctor provides for diabetic neuropathy pain is Cymbalta (Duloxetine HCl). This is the first drug for diabetic peripheral neuropathy that is approved by the Food and Drug Association. Usage of 60 to 120 milligrams per day is regarded as sufficient. There are also similar over-the-counter medications like Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline and Desipramine which can decrease the pain sufficiently. Gabapentin also known by the name Neurontin is another successful drug for treating pain caused in toes. This drug was originally approved by FDA for use in only seizures. But interestingly its benefits were also spread to neuropathy. In fact few other medications used for seizures like Dilantin and Tegretol are also prescribed by doctors for reducing pain. There are also a few other methods apart from prescription medications that can help to reduce painful diabetic neuropathy. The first thing that we should do is to keep our blood sugar in complete control. Having a roller coaster of blood sugar can maximize the chances of getting pain. Exercise is the second thing that you can do to escape from the pain. Exercise is beneficial in a lot of ways. It increases the circulation of blood in the body and also helps in the growth of new vessels. This growth of vessels ultimately slows down the progress of neuropathy. Eating healthy foods has also a lot to do to cure diabetic neuropathy. Taking fruits and vegetables add anti oxidants to the body. These antioxidants help in combating the oxidative effects of glucose on our body. We can try a lot of things in our diet like leafy green vegetables; orange, yellow and red fruits; citrus fruits as well as tomatoes to cure the disease. Another cure for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain relief is Capsicum. Capsicum acts as a counter-irritant to painful diabetic neuropathy when applied to the feet. The dose should not be more than 600 milligrams a day. |