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Suggest Treatment For Poor Mobility In A Diabetic Patient

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

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?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Antineuralgic drugs and physical therapy are necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

First thing to do about improvement is to control strictly diabetes.

This prevents further damage to nerves.

It depends on the cause of the immobility, if your dad's immobility is caused by pain, antineuralgic drugs to relieve pain ( such Gabapentin, Pregabalin or Amytriptiline ) may help restore some activities.

If the immobility is related to muscles weakness, physical therapy is necessary to improve your dad's condition together with antineuralgic drugs use.

These are prescription drugs s it is necessary to discuss with your dad's treating Doctor about their use.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (35 minutes later)

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.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Intensive physical therapy.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.

In this case, strict control of diabetes and intensive physical therapy to strengthen legs musculature are necessary to get improved.

Hope I helped you.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (27 minutes later)

So can dad gain mobility back and not fall?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Yes, it is possible after an intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 days later)

Why can dad move his legs freely when sat but he cant stand on them I dont understand x

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Because of the body weight. Spondylolysthesis to consider.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

It is probably because of the body weight that your father's symptoms are worsened when standing.

However, conditions such lumbar spondylolysthesis ( or slipped vertebrae ) manifest with worsening of symptoms when standing too, so it is necessary to get done dynamic x-rays ( flexion and extension ) of the vertebral column in order to evaluate/exclude this possibility.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina