Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. It most commonly affects the feet and legs, and in some cases the hands and arms. The result is often burning, tingling, stabbing, or electric-like pain, along with numbness, weakness, or sensitivity to touch.
If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can lead to chronic pain, foot ulcers, balance problems, and even amputation. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and preventing progression.
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?
Chronic high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels that nourish nerves—especially in the peripheral nervous system. Other contributing factors include:
Poor blood sugar control
Duration of diabetes (the longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk)
High cholesterol or blood pressure
Obesity
Smoking
Vitamin deficiencies or kidney disease
Common Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy Pain
Most often affecting the feet, toes, and legs, symptoms include:
Burning, tingling, or stabbing pain
Numbness or “pins and needles”
Electric shock–like sensations
Increased sensitivity (pain from light touch or bedsheets)
Muscle weakness or foot drop
Loss of coordination or balance
Pain worse at night
In severe cases, patients may not feel injuries to the feet, which can lead to infections or ulcers.
Conservative Treatment Options
Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is essential to slow or stop nerve damage
Medications
Anticonvulsants: Gabapentin, pregabalin – reduce nerve signaling
Antidepressants: Duloxetine, amitriptyline – modulate pain perception
Topical treatments: Lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream
Alpha-lipoic acid or other supplements – used for nerve support in some patients
Foot Care
Daily foot inspections
Proper footwear to prevent ulcers or injuries
Routine podiatric care
Physical Therapy
Helps with balance, coordination, and gait training
Interventional Pain Management Options
For patients with moderate to severe diabetic nerve pain that doesn’t respond to medications or lifestyle changes, interventional therapies can provide significant relief:
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Target specific nerves in the legs or feet with anesthetic and corticosteroid
Provides temporary relief and can be diagnostic
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks (e.g., Lumbar Sympathetic Block)
Interrupts the sympathetic nervous system’s role in amplifying pain
Can improve both pain and circulation in the lower limbs
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
An implantable device delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord to modulate pain signals
Shown to be effective for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, especially in refractory cases
Intrathecal Pain Pumps
Delivers medication directly to the spinal cord in severe, medication-resistant cases
Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF)
A non-destructive technique used to modulate nerve activity in chronic pain without damaging the nerve
When to Seek Help
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
Persistent burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet or legs
Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
Worsening balance or difficulty walking
Loss of sensation that puts you at risk for foot injuries or ulcers
Comprehensive Care for Diabetic Nerve Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating diabetic neuropathy pain. Our team combines advanced diagnostics, targeted nerve blocks, neuromodulation, and lifestyle strategies to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore personalized solutions for diabetic nerve pain.