Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from the effect of diabetes on the peripheral nerves, whereby high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and sometimes severe pain.
How does diabetic neuropathy occur?
– High blood sugar levels weaken sensitive nerves and the walls of the capillaries that feed them.
– The nerves’ ability to transmit signals is affected, leading to poor sensation or pain.
Types of diabetic neuropathy:
Superficial neuropathy: Affects the nerves that carry the sense of touch and temperature, causing numbness and tingling.
Deep neuropathy: Affects the nerves that carry the sense of place and vibration, causing sensations such as unbearable heaviness in the extremities.
Symptoms:
Tingling and numbness: Patients feel numbness and tingling in the extremities, which can be intermittent or continuous.
Sharp painPain that feels like stabbing or electric shocks, especially at night.
Muscle weakness: Weakness or paralysis of the affected muscles.
Sleep problems: Pain and numbness can make it difficult to sleep.
Changes in sensation: Patients may lose sensation of pain or temperature in the affected extremities.
Diagnosis:
History and physical examination: Information about diabetes history, blood sugar levels, and specific symptoms is collected.
Neurological examination: This is done to determine the level of nerve damage.
Neurogram: Used to measure the speed and efficiency of nerve signal transmission.
Blood tests: To measure blood sugar levels and check for other possible diseases.
Treatment:
Different approaches are used to treat pain in cases of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients, including:
Regulating blood sugar levels: Maintaining sugar levels within the recommended range to avoid worsening symptoms.
Medications: such as antidepressants and antiepileptics to relieve pain.
Physiotherapy: to improve strength and balance and reduce the effects of loss of sensation.
Lifestyle changes: such as regular physical activity and healthy nutrition.
Radiofrequency technology in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy:
- Radiofrequency technology is used to reduce pain signals sent from the affected nerves to the brain.
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, where a fine needle connected to the radiofrequency device is inserted into the selected area.
- Imaging is used to ensure accuracy in identifying the targeted nerves.
- The treatment helps significantly reduce pain and can provide long-term relief for patients.
- Radiofrequency ablation is relatively safe with a low risk of complications, and the procedure is relatively quick and does not require a long hospital stay.
- After treatment, patients can return home the same day and resume their daily activities shortly after.
- Results vary from patient to patient, but many experience a significant improvement in symptoms.
Radiofrequency technology offers an innovative and effective solution to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. This procedure helps reduce pain and improve patients’ quality of life, allowing them to continue their lives with greater comfort. For more details, contact us.