According to the CDC, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes and another 86 million suffer from prediabetes. Pain is one of the most common symptoms reported to health care professionals in which most classify as a chronic condition. For some patients, pain closely aligns with diabetic complications while others who suffer from pain do not experience it just because of diabetic symptoms. Regardless of why chronic pain is present, studies have proven that it is difficult to self-manage it as it often leads to elevated levels of blood glucose.
The most often reported chronic pain includes neuropathy in hands or feet or back pain. Neuropathy pain is present when nerve damage in the feet and hands occur which is commonly found in diabetic patients. Along with these symptoms, patients also report a loss of muscle and joint function because of pain and stiffness. Diabetic pain also causes fatigue which has been found to worsen because of the multiple causes present. Is there anything that Maryland Pain And Wellness can do to help diabetic patients who also suffer from chronic pain? You bet!
Chronic pain is much more intense than acute pain as a diabetic patient’s nervous system interprets the pain signals based on mapping that interprets pain receptors as well as multiple sensations sent to the brain. All the data your brain receives complicates chronic pain which incorporates many ailments felt throughout the body. Some pain receptors recognize injuries that have not yet healed. With diabetic pain, it is also from nerve damage and eventual neuropathy which is often permanent. No matter the extent of your injuries, acute pain may become severe if left untreated which is why early intervention is critical to pain management.
Diabetes, in particular, will increase pain levels because of the sensitivity to muscles and nerves. With less movement, the muscles will become less active which will heighten pain levels. As chronic pain leads to several medical conditions, it will also eventually interfere with your lifestyle, work, home life, and sleep patterns which have devastating effects on a patient’s life. Chronic pain will also cause anxiety or depression which increases sensitivity to pain.
Each diabetic patient is different which is why a customized care plan is the best plan of action. Chronic pain will decrease physical and mental well-being which will affect treatment plans because of diabetic pain cycles. Finding the root cause as well as factors that contribute to the presence of chronic pain allow patients to have more control over their care and comfort. Our patients often incorporate several treatment plans that include physical barriers, neurological issues, emotional, and alternative care that includes multi-disciplinary healthcare initiatives.
Possible ways to treat chronic diabetic pain include anti-inflammatory and nerve pain medications, physical and aquatic therapy, massages, heat and cold packs, exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, weight-lifting, yoga, acupressure, biofeedback, and therapeutic manipulation. Access to mental health specialists is also key.
If you suffer from chronic diabetic pain, Dr. Achampong is the most qualified in the Crofton, Prince Frederick, and Salisbury areas. Contact us or email mdpain.wellnesscenters@gmail.com.
