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Suggest Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy

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Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015
Question: Is there a difference in treatment of neuropathy (in feet) associated with diabetes and neuropathy with known specific cause? My mother's foot pain and numbness are increasing. Besides discomfort, these symptoms contribute significantly to serious problems with balance and falling.
What new strategies have specialists in this area have been found and used with success with other patients? We are not interested in simple pain relief medications.

Please do not limit sharing of info on specialists to just Warwick or another city. We are willing to consult with anyone having success in treatment in Rhode Island or XXXXXXX area.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
TENS is a possibility to control symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

There is no cure for neuropathy, treatment aims to prevent symptoms getting worse.

Key point to control symptoms in diabetic neuropathy is keeping blood glucose continuously within normal ranges.

If your mother used antidepressants with no success in controlling pain, antiseizure drugs ( Pregabalin/Lyrica ) could be used to improve symptoms.

Alternative medicine ( acupuncture, massage therapy, capsaicin cream ) helps in improving symptoms too.

Another procedure used to control symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief.

I believe this procedure is known to all neurologist and neurological institutions of XXXXXXX and Rhode Island. I would suggest you ask your primary physician to refer you to a neurologist instead of psychiatrist. Neurologist will be able to address this concern better than the current psychiatrist.

Since Pregabalin and TENS are prescription drug and procedure, you should discuss with your mother's treating Doctor about their use.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy

Brief Answer: TENS is a possibility to control symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. There is no cure for neuropathy, treatment aims to prevent symptoms getting worse. Key point to control symptoms in diabetic neuropathy is keeping blood glucose continuously within normal ranges. If your mother used antidepressants with no success in controlling pain, antiseizure drugs ( Pregabalin/Lyrica ) could be used to improve symptoms. Alternative medicine ( acupuncture, massage therapy, capsaicin cream ) helps in improving symptoms too. Another procedure used to control symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief. I believe this procedure is known to all neurologist and neurological institutions of XXXXXXX and Rhode Island. I would suggest you ask your primary physician to refer you to a neurologist instead of psychiatrist. Neurologist will be able to address this concern better than the current psychiatrist. Since Pregabalin and TENS are prescription drug and procedure, you should discuss with your mother's treating Doctor about their use. Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Take care.