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Suggest Treatment For Diabetic Neuropathy
Question: My dad has type 2 diabetic neuropathy which has resulted in very poor mobility. Can this get better and dad gain any mobility back?
Basically dads legs are very weak causing him to fall and he has thigh muscle wasting all upper part body is fine its just his legs. Dad gets no warning and legs just collpase underneath him. He also cant get from a sitting to standing position this has happened over the last 6 to 8 weeks and before that walked independently and everything now he on a zimmer and wheelchair. Please can we get him any better. Dad is on Pregabalin. He also has pain in thighs and feels it like his knees that give way.
Basically dads legs are very weak causing him to fall and he has thigh muscle wasting all upper part body is fine its just his legs. Dad gets no warning and legs just collpase underneath him. He also cant get from a sitting to standing position this has happened over the last 6 to 8 weeks and before that walked independently and everything now he on a zimmer and wheelchair. Please can we get him any better. Dad is on Pregabalin. He also has pain in thighs and feels it like his knees that give way.
Brief Answer:
Some improvement can be hoped, a partial one.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I carefully read your question and I am sorry about the situation with your father. His seems to be a not so typical for of diabetic neuropathy, with a predominance for motor nerve fibers.
In terms of getting better, that is related closely to diabetes control. If a good diabetes control is achieved then there is hope for some partial improvement. Some damage is done though, some weakness will remain. Apart from control of glucose levels it is also vital to undergo physical rehabilitation. In your father's case physical therapy is even more important than in common, cases as there seems to be a predominance of motor nerves judging by the weakness and muscle wasting you describe.
Pregabalin is an appropriate treatment for neuropathic pain so it can be continued.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Some improvement can be hoped, a partial one.
Detailed Answer:
Hello! I carefully read your question and I am sorry about the situation with your father. His seems to be a not so typical for of diabetic neuropathy, with a predominance for motor nerve fibers.
In terms of getting better, that is related closely to diabetes control. If a good diabetes control is achieved then there is hope for some partial improvement. Some damage is done though, some weakness will remain. Apart from control of glucose levels it is also vital to undergo physical rehabilitation. In your father's case physical therapy is even more important than in common, cases as there seems to be a predominance of motor nerves judging by the weakness and muscle wasting you describe.
Pregabalin is an appropriate treatment for neuropathic pain so it can be continued.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Will acupuncture or anything like that help. Dad has lost all mobility. What can I do to gain some mobility even if it walking with a zimmer x
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding acupuncture you must understand that it is not a medical specialty. As such there are not many studies on its efficacy in diabetic neuropathy. So there is no scientific proof of any benefit from acupuncture.
The only measure of proven benefit is physical therapy, that along with diabetes control are the mainstays in order to regain some mobility. Some other adjuncts commonly used are vitamin B combinations and alpha lipoic acid, so they can be added, but as I said they are minor additions, physical therapy and diabetes control are the cornerstone.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Regarding acupuncture you must understand that it is not a medical specialty. As such there are not many studies on its efficacy in diabetic neuropathy. So there is no scientific proof of any benefit from acupuncture.
The only measure of proven benefit is physical therapy, that along with diabetes control are the mainstays in order to regain some mobility. Some other adjuncts commonly used are vitamin B combinations and alpha lipoic acid, so they can be added, but as I said they are minor additions, physical therapy and diabetes control are the cornerstone.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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