Q: What are symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy?
A: Symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy include:
» numbness or tingling in your feet
» prickly, sharp and/or burning pain in your feet or legs
» muscle weakness
» loss of balance
» swelling or changes in the shape of your foot
» dry, cracking skin
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing one or more of these
symptoms.
Q: Are there tests to diagnose painful diabetic neuropathy?
A: The most common way to diagnose painful diabetic neuropathy is a
comprehensive foot exam, a physical exam, and a detailed review of
your medical history. Some patients will also undergo additional blood
and neurologic tests. These are usually done to rule out other potential
conditions.
Q: How often should I be examined for painful diabetic
neuropathy?
A: If you have diabetes, you should get a thorough exam at least once
a year. During this exam, your health care team should look at your
feet for signs of problems and check the blood flow and feeling, or
sensation, in your feet.
Q: Is there a cure for painful diabetic neuropathy?
A: Unfortunately, no — there is no cure. It is important to understand that
therapy may not completely eliminate the pain you feel. The goal of
treatment is to decrease pain to help improve your overall quality of life.
Patient FAQ
