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Painful Diabetic Neuropathy | San Diego

Person kneeding their hands | Pain Center San Diego

Overview

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar and diabetes. It primarily affects the legs and feet but can affect other areas as well. Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy can range from uncomfortable to extremely painful. There is no known cure for this condition, but symptoms can be managed through proper treatment.

Symptoms of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy vary from person to person. It can cause discomfort in some, and extreme pain in others. Symptoms may include but are not limited to:

  • Tingling or burning
  • Numbness
  • Oversensitive skin
  • Pins and Needles
  • Sharp stabbing pains
  • Muscle weakness
  • Balance problems

These symptoms primarily affect the feet and legs in most patients. Diabetic Neuropathy also increases the risk of injuries in the feet, as it can cause a loss of feeling. Those suffering from this condition are at a greater risk of developing foot ulcers or infections associated with unnoticed injuries due to lack of sensation in the feet.

The term Peripheral Neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system. This includes any part of the nervous system that is not the brain or spinal cord. There can be many causes of Peripheral Neuropathy other than diabetes, such as vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, repetitive stress, traumatic injuries, and medications such as chemotherapy. Diabetic Neuropathy refers to Neuropathy (nerve damage) caused specifically by diabetes, and it requires managing diabetes in order to prevent further nerve damage.

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy is caused by chronically high blood sugar seen in both types 1 and 2 diabetes. This condition develops slowly, over the course of several years. While the damage is not reversible, patients can prevent further damage by managing their diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels regulated.

The risk factors for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy include:

  • Poor blood sugar control
  • Length of time since developing diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Kidney Disease

The complications of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy can be serious. This can include:

  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Increased risk of infection in foot injuries
  • Sharp drops in blood pressure
  • Digestive issues
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Increased or decreased sweating
  • Loss of a toe, foot, or leg

The main way to prevent developing Painful Diabetic Neuropathy is to keep blood sugar levels in your target range. Once someone develops this condition, the damage is irreversible. Luckily, further damage can be prevented by keeping blood sugar levels from getting too high.

How is Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed and Treated?

There are several tests a doctor can run to diagnose someone with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy, in addition to reviewing a patient's medical history. These tests are aimed at checking muscle strength and tone, skin sensitivity, nerve response, and blood pressure changes.

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy is treated in two ways; controlling blood sugar levels and managing pain. Controlling blood sugar levels can prevent further damage to the nerves. Pain management can be a bit of trial and error, as one treatment does not work for all patients. There are several over-the-counter and prescription pain management options that a doctor may recommend.

Doctor showing a patient a clipboard

If you experience intense pain caused by Diabetic Neuropathy, a treatment called Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may offer relief that pain medication cannot. SCS involves using a device to send mild electrical currents through the spine. A trial device is placed for approximately 5 - 7 days to see if the treatment helps relieve your PDN, and if successful then a permanent device is surgically placed under the skin. This option may not be right for everyone. A multi-disciplinary team will evaluate you prior to implant to ensure that it is the right fit for you. SCS is great for patients that have tried other ways of managing Painful Diabetic Neuropathy that did not work for them.

If you are suffering from Painful Diabetic Neuropathy, you know that managing pain can be difficult. Dr. Sandra Thompson at The Pain Center San Diego wants to help. Contact us to find out how we can help you manage your pain today.

CONTACT THE PAIN CENTER SAN DIEGO

Phone:

619-578-3740 (Service will terminate on 06/28/2024)

Fax:

208-342-4223

Email:

admin@thepaincentersandiego.com

Address:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Hours:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Forms:

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PERMANENT CLOSURE

Dear Valued Patients and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of The Pain Center – San Diego, effective March 21, 2024. We understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to assisting you during this transition period.

For patients currently under our care for pain management, we urge you to contact your primary care physician promptly to request a referral to another pain management specialist. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we want to ensure you continue to receive the necessary care and support.

For medication management patients, please note that we have sent 60 days’ worth of medication to your designated pharmacy. It is imperative that you establish care with another healthcare provider before your medication runs out to avoid any interruptions in your treatment plan.

To obtain your medical records, please follow the instructions below:

Request a "Release of Information" Form: You can email us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com to request a "Release of Information" form or you can also find one on our website by following this link AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Via Request of Another Medical Office: If you wish for your medical records to be transferred to another provider's office, you may sign a written authorization with their office requesting your records be sent to them.

Upon completion of the "Release of Information" form or receipt of written authorization from another medical office, we will send your medical records to the designated receiving party as specified. Please note the following:

  • Records directly to the patient will be provided within 15 days of receiving the request.
  • Other requests may take longer to process (such as to another medical office)
  • Please specify the transmission method for your records: USPS mail (default), email (preferred), or facsimile.
  • Ensure that the form is accurately completed and signed to prevent any delays in processing your request.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Records will not be compiled until we receive an accurate, completed, and signed written request.
  • Patients are entitled to one free copy of their medical records for personal use.
  • Additional copies will incur copying fees as per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
  • Medical records will be retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure and extend our gratitude for your trust and loyalty over the years. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition period.

Warm regards,


Sandra Thompson, MD

The Pain Center – San Diego