While diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), or diabetic nerve pain, cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed. Healthcare providers often recommend a combination of treatments to provide you with optimal pain relief. The goal of treating diabetic nerve pain is to relieve your symptoms so that it will be easier for you to do the things you want to do. Since everyone is different, it is important that you work with your healthcare provider closely so that they can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Following are different ways to manage your diabetic nerve pain:
Over-the-Counter Treatments
There are many types of pain relievers available over-the-counter, however, only one-a topical cream called Axsain-is approved by the FDA to treat the painful symptoms of diabetic nerve damage.
Most over-the-counter pain relievers you'll find at pharmacies are intended to treat inflammation, or mild muscle pain. The cause and source of nerve pain is different from that of simple aches and pains, and requires a different type of treatment. It is important to pay attention to your painful symptoms, because nerve pain and inflammation feel different. Whereas inflammation can be a dull ache, nerve pain can cause stabbing, shooting or "hot," burning pain.
If you are experiencing any type of painful symptom, talk with your healthcare provider about it, and he or she can work with you to determine the best treatment for that pain.
Prescription Medications
Your healthcare provider may decide to prescribe medication to help manage your diabetic nerve pain. Until recently, there wereno FDA approved medications to treat diabetic nerve pain, but now there are two treatments available.
Click here for information on one of those medications.
Every healthcare provider has different practices when treating pain, and what's best for one person may not work for another. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to develop the most effective treatment plan for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Diabetic nerve pain can affect several areas of your life and, as a result, your healthcare provider may recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as:
- Control blood sugar levels with diet and medication
- Take special care of your feet; it is important to check them every night before bed and protect them from injury by wearing well-fitted shoes
- Exercise
Therapies
Several therapies and techniques may also help provide some pain relief. Healthcare providers frequently use them in conjunction with medications, but some may be effective on their own. They include:
- Relaxation therapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
For more detailed information about treatment options, view the
Talk Beyond Pain: Understanding Diabetic Nerve Pain Educational Guide by
clicking here.
If you are diagnosed with diabetic nerve pain, you will probably have many questions. This is common and your healthcare provider is a good resource. Some questions may be about medications used to treat diabetic nerve pain. If you want to learn more about a medication for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain,
click here.
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