Diabetes is caused by the rise in blood sugar level, and this leads to multiple associated problems; diabetic foot pain is one of them. Diabetic foot pain is also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is a chronic condition that is the result of long-term high blood sugar levels. This continuous rise in the blood sugar levels leads to nerve damage. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy or diabetic foot pain might not show symptoms for some people but will have debilitating symptoms for some. It is necessary to track the symptoms of diabetic foot pain so that one can resort to effective treatments. But before we look at the symptoms of diabetic foot pain, we should know the core causes that lead to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

It is estimated that about 60 to 70 percent of the people diagnosed with diabetes suffer from some type of neuropathy. Diabetic foot pain is the reason for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the symptoms of the same should be tracked effectively.

Here are some of the tips that one can keep handy once diagnosed with diabetic foot pain.

• Eat healthy: It is crucial that a healthy diet is followed. Eat a bowl full of salad, include leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your daily diet. In case you have dietary restrictions, then your doctor will always help you with a diet plan that can be best for the diabetic foot pain. Whole grains and lean meats also provide a perfect balance of a nutritious diet for peripheral neuropathy.
• Exercise regularly: Eating a healthy diet alone will not help. Working out on a regular basis strengthens the muscles and eases joint pains. If you are unable to work out every day, then you can always choose walking for at least 30 minutes a day. On the other hand, meditating or yoga at home can also be beneficial in keeping yourself fit and healthy.
• Lifestyle changes: A few lifestyle changes can be great in keeping one fit and away from the diabetic foot pain. One should quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum. Smoking leads to adverse health conditions and can make diabetic foot pain worse. The blood vessels that transport nutrients to the peripheral nerves get blocked due to smoking. Ultimately, this does not help to cure diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Talk to you doctor about the same and get prescribed nicotine medications or therapy.
• Check both the feet daily: It is important to take care of both your feet. Check for blisters and infections and this can aggravate the diabetic foot pain. Ensure that you do this on a daily basis and check between all your toes.
• Wash your feet with warm water: This is a common solution that most of the doctors also prescribe. But be sure to wash with warm water and not hot water. Avoid soaking the feet for too long in the water. This is a good practice as the warm water will help to relieve the diabetic foot pain.
• Maintain a healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial. This will help in keeping a healthy and fit body and also put less weight on the legs.

Diabetic foot pain can get worse at night and includes the following symptoms:

• Reduced ability to feel the numbness or foot pain
• Burning sensation
• One can also experience severe cramps and sharp pains
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance and reflexes
• There can also be serious foot issues such as ulcers, deformities, joint pain, infections, etc.
• Some people experience increased sensitivity to touch.

Controlling the blood sugar levels
If you are unable to manage the rising blood sugar levels then diabetic foot pain will get worse over a period of time. It is observed that controlling or lowering the blood sugar level helps in treating diabetic foot pain. Prescribed medications by your doctor are best in dealing with rising blood sugar level.

Any type of nerve damage caused by diabetes leads to severe pain and diabetic foot pain is the result of the same. Eat foods that are diabetes-friendly and do not forget to keep yourself fit. There are some antidepressants that are prescribed for diabetic foot pain as well. But do not forget to take only those antidepressants that are consulted by the doctor. One should also track and monitor health problems that can intensify the blood sugar levels and ultimately harm the foot and cause immense pain.

Some popular therapies for diabetic foot pain

• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis
• Some people with diabetic foot pain also resort to physical therapies such as swimming that has proved to be effective in this case