Diabetic Neuropathy Mobility Problems


Diabetic neuropathy, a condition that eventually develops in about half of these with diabetic issues, is nerve damage brought on by higher blood sugar levels and decreased blood movement throughout your body. When the nerves in your arms and legs are damaged, you might encounter symptoms this kind of as numbness and tingling, pain, cramping or loss of balance. These sensations can interfere with routine actions, such as dressing and fundamental mobility.





Mobility Limitations



Neuropathies can considerably limit your ability to bend the joints in your feet, and they can trigger weakness in the muscle tissues of your legs and ft. Study printed in 2012 in the journal Foot noted that, compared to a group of wholesome individuals, individuals with diabetic neuropathy experienced a smaller sized and slower stride when walking on a treadmill. If you require a cane or walker, the discomfort or numbness caused by neuropathy may also get in the way of gripping and moving the gadget.





Safeguards



In addition to maintaining your blood sugar inside a healthy variety, examine your ft on a daily foundation for cuts or sores that could further impact the way you walk, simply because individuals with diabetic neuropathy frequently don't really feel when they have this kind of accidents. Your health care supplier will usually carry out a thorough foot exam at each visit. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes in your correct size to decrease the risk of damage. A 2006 post in the journal Diabetologia recommends that individuals with diabetic neuropathy choose exercises that do not require excess weight-bearing on their feet.





Therapy



Your health care supplier may prescribe a medicine known as Lyrica (pregabalin) to assist reduce pain in your arms, legs and ft. Certain types of antidepressants, this kind of as Elavil (amitriptyline) antiseizure medication this kind of as Neurontin (gabapentin) and narcotic pain medications may also provide reduction. Much less pain can translate into elevated mobility. Physical treatment that focuses on joint movement and walking type can also be useful in reducing discomfort and maintaining mobility.





Problems



As a result of decreased sensitivity from diabetic neuropathy, numerous people with diabetes don't notice when they develop foot ulcers. If the ulcers are not promptly treated and an infection spreads to the bone, amputation of the affected leg or foot might be necessary. As foot complications turn out to be much more severe, your capability to walk and your tolerance for strolling can decline.