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Many side effects can occur when blood sugars are high and uncontrolled due to diabetes. These side effects can often be debilitating. One serious side effect of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. When the nerves become damaged, you can experience symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the feet and hands.
For those with diabetes, nerve damage to the lower extremities is most common and can make it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods of time. The legs may have buzzing sensations that make it difficult to sleep. Another concern for people with diabetes and nerve damage is that if they suffer an injury to the bottom of the foot, it can go undetected since they have a loss of feeling. An undetected foot injury can lead to more severe complications such as foot ulcers, infection, and, ultimately, amputation. Several treatment options for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including nerve decompression surgery, can make the condition more manageable and can help improve your overall quality of life.
Nerve Decompression Surgery for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy and no way to reverse the condition. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing symptoms and reducing pain. Conservative treatments are often first recommended to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy and may include medication, creams, physical therapy, or nerve stimulation. Those with the condition may need to use a cane or walker to assist them and prevent the possibility of falling.
When conservative treatments are not effective in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, nerve decompression surgery may be an option to consider. Nerve decompression surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that has proven effective for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Williams can perform nerve decompression surgery to reduce the pressure on an affected nerve and improve blood flow. This can allow the nerves to function normally in order to provide relief. It can relieve symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, burning, numbness, and tingling commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy.
The benefits of nerve decompression surgery for diabetic peripheral neuropathy include:
- Decrease the need for medication that often has undesirable side effects
- Regain feeling in the feet and toes
- Restore the ability to walk or stand without pain
- Prevent permanent nerve damage
Is Nerve Decompression Right for You?
If you have diabetes, it is essential to follow the medical treatment your physician has prescribed. You may be frustrated with your current treatment plan for nerve pain and cannot find relief from the symptoms you are experiencing.
Contact Dr. Williams for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for nerve decompression surgery. He can review your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and discuss your treatment options. Testing may be done to confirm your diagnosis so that a treatment plan can be recommended based on your specific needs.
If you opt for nerve decompression surgery, Dr. Williams will explain the procedure and what you can expect. Many of his patients have been satisfied with the results of their decompression surgery and are able to regain sensation in their feet and function in their toes and are able to enjoy a higher quality of life due to the reduction of pain.
Advice For Those With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Even after nerve decompression surgery, there are ways to manage peripheral neuropathy, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level to keep the nerves throughout the body protected
- Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking
- Staying physically active and exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet and keeping your weight under control
Some Nerve--Hope for patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy from Stephen Barrett
Contact Our Maryland Peripheral Nerve Specialist
If you have diabetes and are suffering from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, contact our office for an evaluation. Dr. Williams can determine if nerve decompression surgery is an option for you and will create a treatment plan to help ease your pain and get you back to living pain-free as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment in the Baltimore office, contact us at (410) 709-3868 or fill out our contact form online.
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