What is Diabetic Nerve Pain?

One of the most common complications of diabetes is damage to the autonomic or peripheral nerves, commonly known as neuropathy. Besides causing losses in the motor and sensory function, diabetic neuropathy can also lead to foot ulcers and debilitating pain which may lead to amputation.

Although conventional treatment of neuropathy is limited to good nail and foot hygiene, early detection of ulcers, and the use of strong pain killers such as opioids and antiepileptics, studies have found that some nutritional supplements are capable of reversing diabetic neuropathy.

1. Acetyl-L-Carnitine – A Neuropathy Supplement

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a nutritional supplement that can bring relief to diabetic neuropathy sufferers. Studies show that patients who are treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine show significant improvement in NCV (nerve conduction velocity), pain, and amplitude.

The greatest improvements in nerve conduction velocity are usually seen in the motor peroneal nerve, the sensory ulnar nerve, and in the sensory sural nerve. On the other hand, the greatest change in amplitude was in the mortal peroneal nerve. Besides improving nerve function, acetyl-l-carnitine also stimulates nerve fiber regeneration. Take 500 mg to 1000 mg per day.

2. Alpha Lipoic Acid

This extraordinary antioxidant has been shown to improve numbness, burning, diabetic pain, and other symptoms of neuropathy. Antioxidants have proven to be very important particularly because diabetes unleashes free-radical damage in the body which leads to nerve and vascular damage that underlines various diabetic complications. Take 600 mg to 1200 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid per day.

3. Biotin for Diabetic Nerve Pain Relief

High doses of biotin may improve the symptoms and complications of diabetic neuropathy within 5 to 8 weeks. This is attributable to enzyme pyruvate carboxylase which is biotin-dependent and it helps prevent the depletion of aspartate and the accumulation of pyruvate. Both play very important roles in nervous system function.

4. Exercise and Physical Therapy Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy

One of the best ways to manage diabetes symptoms is exercise because it helps patients maintain a healthy weight, control high blood pressure, and blood sugar symptoms, improve range of motion and increase strength in addition to other numerous benefits of regular exercise.

The Journal of Diabetes Complications published a study in 2012 that found that exercise increased intra-epidermal nerve fiber branching and also caused a significant reduction in pain and other diabetic neuropathic symptoms. You can work your way up gradually to exercising for about 30 to 60 minutes per day, doing different low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling.

This will lower blood glucose and help your body respond to exercise better. On the other hand, exercise helps protect nerves by lowering stress, reducing cholesterol, and improving circulation which can increase inflammation by raising your glucose levels.

Physical therapy is also very important in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy –  because it improves daily functioning by increasing mobility and muscle strength. You can talk to your doctor or physical therapist about any pain you might be experiencing so they can recommend special orthopedic shoes and inserts, which will improve your ability to get around by reducing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

5. Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin cream blocks pain signals by using ingredients found in hot pepper. However, you should keep in mind that capsaicin products can cause skin irritation in some patients. Capsaicin cream is also available as a patch, jelly, or lotion and you can simply apply the cream to areas where diabetic pain is strong in order to relieve pain.

You should talk to your physician before using any treatments based on capsaicin because some capsaicin products can cause dangerous side effects on sensitive or irritated skin and opens sores.  The skin might also be more sensitive to different sources of heat including the sun. Therefore, it’s extremely important to avoid excessive exposure to heat or sunlight when using capsaicin lotions and creams.

6. Lower Diabetic Nerve Pain Naturally

In case you have already developed diabetic neuropathy and are looking for effective ways to improve daily function and lower pain, you’ll be very glad to learn that various natural ingredients can help. Several anti-oxidants and antioxidants lower pain and stop nerve damage from progression. These natural remedies include:

• Evening primrose oil: This anti-inflammatory helps lower burning, tingling, and neuropathy numbness. You can take 360 milligrams of evening primrose oil daily.
• Chromium picolinate: It improves insulin sensitivity. Patients should take 360 milligrams per day.
• Cinnamon: Helps stabilize blood glucose. Try using cinnamon oil and add 1 or 2 teaspoons to your meals daily.
• Vitamin B12: Most diabetes patients seem to be low in this vital nutrient, which worsens nerve damage.

These natural treatments for diabetic neuropathy have proven to be highly effective and reliable. However, it can take some time for diabetic neuropathy to see improvements. Therefore, it’s extremely essential to be patient and try various different combinations until you find true relief.

More information on Diabetic Nerve Pain and how to treat it.