Diabetes is a grave disorder that can give rise to various complications. It affects several parts of the body by initially targeting the nerves. Some of the initial signs of diabetes are leg pain and cramps. Along with these, the high blood sugar levels in the long term can cause nerve damage. In medical terms, this condition is known as diabetic neuropathy.
According to a survey, several times, the patients will continue to deal with the symptoms of diabetes without knowing that they have this condition. Sometimes, they only receive a diagnosis when the pain becomes unbearable. Usually, people who have peripheral neuropathy undergo severe conditions such as damage to the nerves in the arms or legs. It is a chronic condition that occurs when a patient’s body is unable to access the hormone insulin. Leg pain is a common sign of diabetic neuropathy along with other symptoms that affect the nerves running through the limbs, hands, and feet.
RIsk factors for diabetic neuropathy
The risk factors which can give rise to uncontrolled blood sugar levels are:
- Alcoholism
- Infections such as Lyme disease or shingles
- Autoimmune diseases
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Repetitive motions
Signs of diabetic pain that affects the legs
Some of the most common symptoms that patients exhibit are:
- The leg muscles become weak
- Muscle cramps along with numbness
- Ulcers that are not able to heal
- Itching or burning sensation in the legs
- Shiny skin and loss of hair or slow hair growth on the legs
- Change in the color of the legs (it could get a bluish tinge, or a pale or dark red to purple color) along with the development of black patches
High blood glucose levels are an unfavorable condition which can result in the damage of cells, nerves, as well as blood vessels. So, it is vital that one gets an adequate supply of glucose to all the cells so that the blood glucose levels can be adequately regulated. If the patient suffers from insufficient delivery of glucose to all the parts of the body, then it’s quite harmful. One can consider protective measures or active treatments like consuming a healthy diet, along with exercising or taking medications.
Three signs of diabetes leg pain which can trouble you are:
Tingling
A burning sensation or tingling nerves are one of the first symptoms that a diabetic patient faces. A tingling pain occurs when the nerves convey a message to nerve fibers regarding the internal damage. Usually, when the covering of the nerve fibers gets affected, it could lead to significant damage to the lower limbs. So, it is essential that you take note of any itching or burning sensation in the lower arms as it could be an indication of that something is going wrong with the patient’s blood circulation. One should not avoid these early warning signs as it could lead to several disorders.
Numbness
You must not ignore any signs of numbness or leg pain as it could be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy which could be quite dangerous for other parts of the body. Signs of leg pain due to diabetes could indicate that there is an obstruction in the blood circulation. Nerve fiber damage in the body could lead to artery blockage. Therefore, it is essential to take action to prevent any leg injuries. These signs are a call for treatment, without which the condition might worsen. A drawback of numbness is that you may get cuts as well as bruises without feeling anything. If you are suffering from a lack of sensation in the lower limbs, then you must get it checked immediately.
Blue and purple discoloration of the leg
Discoloration of the legs could be due to a blockage in the circulatory system of the lower limbs, as well as because of high blood sugar. The blue or purple color could also occur due to lack of oxygen in the blood flowing through the arteries. Skin discoloration is a significant sign of diabetic leg pain, and when this condition worsens, it can also give rise to artery blockage, heart diseases, and stroke.
Treatments for managing diabetic leg pain
At its worst, diabetic neuropathy can destroy the overall functioning of the limbs or nerves. The sensory nerves perform functions such as receiving sensations like pain as well as touch. The motor nerves can control movements while the autonomic nerves can help manage blood pressure. Therefore, it is vital that you try to prevent this condition from worsening.
If you implement some healthy habits in your lifestyle, it will become easy for you to manage diabetic neuropathy. To stay healthy, keep these points in mind:
- A healthy diet and regular exercise
- Contact with specialists for managing the signs and symptoms of diabetes like leg pain
- Regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
