Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathy is the result of nerve damage, and causes symptoms from mild tingling in the feet to excruciating pain elsewhere in the body. Many people who suffer from neuropathy have trouble walking on certain surfaces, are prone to falls, and even experience pain from something as light as a bed sheet.

At the first signs of neuropathy, most people seek help via traditional medicine. Seeing your medical doctor makes sense but unfortunately the typical solution presented to the patient is one of medication management, and a diagnosis that neuropathy is irreversible. In functional medicine, however, we address the body as a whole, and work to restore nerve function and healing from the inside out.

There are many causes of neuropathy including diabetes, chemo-induced neuropathy, hereditary disorders, inflammatory infections, autoimmune diseases, protein abnormalities, exposure to toxic chemicals (toxic neuropathy), poor nutrition, kidney failure, chronic alcoholism, and certain medications.

One of the most common types of neuropathy we see in our office is diabetic neuropathy.  According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseased,  “Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. Different types of nerve damage cause different symptoms. Symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your feet to problems with the functions of your internal organs, such as your heart and bladder.”

Also called peripheral neuropathy, it can lead to foot complications, such as sores, ulcers, and infections, because nerve damage can make you lose feeling in your feet. As a result of your nerve damage, you may not notice that your shoes are causing a sore or that you have injured your feet; causing infections, which may lead to amputation.

About one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy and, according to the American Diabetes Association in 2014 108,000 adults had lower extremity amputations related to diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy:

  • Numbness
  • Balance Problems
  • Sharp, electric like pain
  • Burning or tingling
  • Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Falls as a result of poor balance
  • Depression

Neuropathy is a condition that requires treatment on ALL damaged areas. Drugs, surgeries and injections do not address the underlying cause; they simply mask the symptoms and allow the condition to get worse. Thrive Functional Wellness Center offers a scientific, 5-step proven approach that HEALS your nerves and REVERSES your symptoms.

If you are looking for a more holistic approach and solutions to your neuropathy, contact our office today at 760-777-4177. 

Or take action now and register for our next event on August 13, 2019.

Important Information: Dr. Rappe, D.C. is a certified functional medicine practitioner and is not a medical doctor. The information presented and/or supplements prescribed is not intended to take the place of your primary care physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss our information with your own primary care physician to determine what is right for you. All information obtained in our office, from our website, social media pages, private member groups, health coaching services or other communications is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your primary care physician or treatment for specific medical conditions. 

References:
www.mayoclinic.org
www.foundationforpn.org
www.niddk.nih.gov

Lorrie Rappe
Lorrie.Rappe@ThriveFunctionalWellness.com
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