Understanding And Managing Numbness In The Feet From Diabetes

Understanding Numbness in the Feet from Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). With type 2 diabetes, the body develops a resistance to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy.

One of the most common forms of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. This numb sensation is due to nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. According to research, up to 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop some form of neuropathy.

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

During the normal process of metabolism, glucose enters the cells with the help of insulin. Insulin acts as a key that unlocks the cell membranes allowing glucose to enter the cells where it is used for energy.

In diabetes, a lack of insulin or insulin resistance prevents the body from properly regulating glucose levels in the blood stream. When there is excess glucose, it starts to accumulate and cause damage throughout the body, including the nervous system.

High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that provide nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. Damaged nerves are unable to properly convey signals between the extremities and brain.

Are My Feet Numb Because of Diabetes?

Numbness and tingling in the feet is often the first symptom of diabetic neuropathy. This is characterized by the inability to feel touch, temperature, or pain signals in the feet and toes.

People describe diabetic neuropathy sensations in the feet in various ways. You may feel like you're wearing socks when you're not, have a burning or prickly pain, experience sharp electric-like sensations, or feel nothing at all.

Neuropathy doesn't happen overnight. The nerve damage happens slowly over the course of many years and may not be noticeable at first. Numbness and other odd sensations in the feet tend to come and go.

Over time, as more nerve fibers become damaged, the feet may start to tingle or feel numb all the time. The lack of sensation puts a person at risk for developing foot injuries and ulcers that go unnoticed.

Who's at Risk for Neuropathy?

It's estimated that about half of people who have diabetes eventually develop neuropathy. Several factors put you at greater risk:

• Having diabetes for a long time. The longer you live with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, the more likely nerve damage becomes.
• Being overweight or obese
• Being over the age of 40
• Having other diabetes-related health problems such as kidney disease or eye damage from diabetes
• Having other health conditions like autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease
• Smoking
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Can Diabetes Cause Foot Numbness at Night?

Yes, having numb or painful feet at night can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy. This uncomfortable tingling or burning sensation is referred to as "pins and needles."

Lying down puts pressure on nerves that are already being damaged from diabetes. It's common for these neuropathic symptoms to intensify at night. Some people also find their feet become extremely sensitive to touch when lying down.

Nighttime blood sugar levels may play a role too. During the day, movement and activity help bring blood sugar levels down. At night, glucose levels can rise, causing further nerve irritation.

How to Find Relief from Numb, Painful Feet

Getting blood sugar under control is one of the best ways to treat and prevent progression of neuropathy pain and numbness. This involves:

• Checking blood sugar levels regularly
• Following the recommended treatment plan from your doctor
• Taking all diabetes medications as prescribed
• Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits - diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management

Beyond controlling blood sugar, several remedies can provide relief for neuropathic feet:

• Over-the-counter pain medications - OTC drugs like acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce mild nerve pain and inflammation.
• Prescription medications - Certain anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical creams may alleviate neuropathy pain.
• Physical therapy - Stretching, massage, and exercises improve circulation.
• Relaxation techniques - Biofeedback, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga help relieve stress and pain.
• Proper foot care - Wear shoes that fit well and keep feet clean and dry to prevent infections.

The Importance of Treating Diabetic Neuropathy

Left untreated, diabetic nerve damage can have serious consequences. The loss of sensation in the feet due to neuropathy increases the risk of developing skin injuries without realizing it. Even minor cuts and blisters can lead to infected foot ulcers.

Neuropathy also causes decreased circulation to the feet. Poor blood flow slows healing making it hard for even small sores to heal.

Without treatment, foot infections and ulcers can worsen and may ultimately require amputation of the toe, foot, or part of the leg. That's why it's critical that people with diabetes take preventative steps to protect their feet.

Steps to Prevent Diabetes Foot Problems

If you have diabetes, it's essential to inspect your feet daily, follow proper hygiene practices, wear appropriate footwear, and control your blood sugar. Other preventive care tips include:

• Look at your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, red spots, swelling, or nail problems.
• Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, including between the toes.
• Moisturize your feet but avoid putting lotion between your toes.
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
• Never walk barefoot.
• Wear clean, dry socks. Avoid socks with tight elastic bands.
• Wear shoes that fit well. Break in new shoes gradually.
• Get periodic foot exams. Your podiatrist can detect and treat early signs of neuropathy.
• Don't use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet.
• Elevate your feet when sitting.
• Ask your doctor about prescription footwear if you have foot deformities or wounds.

What Else Should I Know About Diabetic Neuropathy?

Neuropathy doesn't just affect the feet. Other common locations include:

• Hands - Numb, painful hands may make it difficult to hold objects or perform manual tasks.
• Arms and legs - Balance problems raise the risk of falls and injury.
• Digestive system - Digestion may become erratic causing bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
• Bladder - Nerve damage can cause difficulty emptying the bladder fully.
• Sex organs - Men may have erectile dysfunction. Women may have decreased arousal and vaginal lubrication.
• Heart - Autonomic neuropathy affects the ability to sense chest pain and control heart rate.

The type of neuropathy symptoms you experience depend on which nerves are impacted. Since it can develop gradually, neuropathy can go unnoticed for some time. That's why it's important to have regular medical checkups when living with diabetes.

While neuropathy can't be reversed, early treatment and tight blood sugar control can help manage symptoms and prevent additional nerve damage.

Diabetes Foot Care Products for Neuropathy

There are a variety of products marketed to people with diabetic neuropathy to improve circulation and provide cushioning for feet with reduced sensation.

SugarDown Diabetes Foot Pads

SugarDown Diabetes Foot Pads are adhesive pads that stick to the soles of the feet. They are infused with natural ingredients and essential oils designed to provide soothing relief for burning, tingling feet.

Key features and claims about SugarDown Foot Pads:

• Contain Germanium which helps improve circulation
• Tourmaline aids relaxation and eases tension
• Negative ion detox patches draw toxins out of the body
• Spearmint, peppermint and lemon essential oils reduce inflammation
• Reduce pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling
• Pads turn brown as toxins are removed overnight
• Safe for daily use
• Drug-free alternative for neuropathy pain relief

There is limited evidence about the effectiveness of foot pads for treating diabetic complications like neuropathy. The manufacturers claim the ingredients provide detoxification and increased blood flow based on anecdotal reports. More research is needed to substantiate these claims.

Other Neuropathy Foot Care Products

Beyond medicated foot pads, other products may help manage diabetic neuropathy symptoms:

• Compression socks - Improve circulation and reduce foot swelling.
• Orthotic shoe inserts - Provide cushioning and support to ease pressure.
• Massage devices - Increase blood flow when rolled under the feet.
• Night splints - Keep plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretched overnight.
• Therapeutic shoes/insoles - Designed for redistributing pressure away from areas of sensitivity.

Check with your doctor to find out if any of these items are recommended. Some products that claim to aid neuropathy and circulation don't have strong evidence to back up their claims.

The Outlook for Diabetic Neuropathy

Living with constant tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the feet from diabetic neuropathy can impact your quality of life. The nerve damage that causes these frustrating symptoms can't be reversed.

However, the progression of neuropathy can be slowed through diligent blood sugar management and healthy lifestyle habits. There are also many ways to manage the discomfort through at-home remedies, medications, physical therapy, and foot care techniques.

Catching neuropathy early and taking preventive measures allows you to get treatment before major complications arise. This provides the best chance for protecting your feet from non-healing ulcers and infections that could lead to the necessity for amputations.

Working closely with your endocrinologist and podiatrist, taking your medications as prescribed, checking your feet daily, and controlling your blood sugars will go a long way in preserving your mobility and preventing severe foot complications related to diabetic neuropathy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.