The following article appeared in The Pain Practitioner- The Journal of the American Academy Of Pain Management
Alternative Treatment Options for the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy

Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 2012

The Challenges in the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy
April 19th, 2012

According the American Diabetic Association approximately 26 million Americans-over 8% of the population-has been diagnosed with diabetes. One of serious complications of diabetes is nerve damage which mostly affects the feet. The condition is called diabetic neuropathy. The more common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Many people with neuropathy have balance problems with a predilection to falls-causing a wide variety of injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the number cause of injury death in older adults.

People with diabetic neuropathy are more prone to serious foot problems which can result in blisters, infection, ulcers and amputation. These foot problems are attributed to the fact that people with neuropathy lack sensation in their feet. Minor problems which often go undetected due to numbness in the feet can become castorophic complications.

Conservative treatment of diabetic neuropathy

•    Nutritional supplements-Vitamin B complex specifically vitamin B12

Metanx is a nutritional supplement approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Certain over-the counter supplements such as Nerve Health Essential Nutrients can also be beneficial in the conservative treatment of diabetic neuropathy.  Two other supplements used for treatment of diabetic neuropathy are alpha lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine.

•    Topical medications such as Nerve Health Relief Cream, Biofreeze, Sombra and Neuragen can ease the discomfort of burning and tingling in the feet.
•    Therapy modalities such as laser, infrared and electrical stimulation
•    Massage therapy-either done a licensed therapist or self administered with a good foot massager such as the Medi-Rub Massager

Prevention is the key in avoiding foot complications

In most cases diabetic neuropathy cannot be cured.  However the progression of the condition can be abated by adequate control of blood sugar. The following are suggestions to help prevention foot complications:

•    Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly
•    Wear diabetic socks which are  seamless and do not have a constricting band at the foot/leg area
•    Check your feet daily for areas redness or blisters
•    Moisturize your feet regularly-either daily or a few times a week
•    Nerve use medicated corn and callus medication-these preparations contain acid which can cause serious burns
•    Do not self-treat conditions such as corns, calluses, plantar warts-never use a razor (even a safety razor)
•    Persistent foot problems such as ingrown toenails should be treated by a podiatrist

MARC SPITZ, DPM, graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in June 1973 and did his podiatric residency at Magnolia Hospital, Long Beach, California, from July 1973 to July 1974.  He has been in private practice in Seal Beach, California, from 1974 to present and has had hospital privileges at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Fountain Valley, California from 1976 to present.  Soon after establishing a private practice, Dr. Spitz noted ever increasing numbers of patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy symptoms, prompting him to establish the Foot Pain Center in Seal Beach focusing on peripheral neuropathy.  Being the group leader for the Orange County Neuropathy Support Group has afforded him with the opportunity to interact and understand the challenges faced by people who suffer from neuropathy.  He is the co-author of The Numb Foot Book:  How to treat and prevent peripheral neuropathy and has established Footpaincenter.com, a website with information, articles, and additional resources on the condition.