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Painful

Diabetic

Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common and frustrating complications of diabetes. It can affect sleep, mobility, mood, and overall quality of life. At Pain Relief 1, we help patients understand their symptoms, explore effective treatments, and—when appropriate—access advanced therapies that are not widely available in standard clinics.

Our goal is simple:

Reduce pain, restore function, and help you reclaim your daily life.

Illustration of damaged nerves representing advanced treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy.

Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing progression and improving quality of life.

Symptoms of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Symptoms vary, but common patterns include:

Burning, tingling, or

"pins and needles"

Electric shock-like pain

Numbness or loss of sensation

Hypersensitivity to touch (even sheets or socks)

Nighttime

worsening

Balance problems

or unsteady 

Some patients experience body pain and numbness at the same time - a sign of mixed nerve injury.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when chronically elevated blood glucose damages nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them. Over time, this leads to:​​

         Oxidative stress and inflammation

         Impaired nerve signaling

         Loss of protective sensation

         Abnormal pain signaling (burning, electric, stabbing sensations)

The nerves most commonly affected are the peripheral sensory nerves in the feet and legs, but autonomic and motor nerves can also be involved.

How Diabetic Neuropathy Is Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes:

Clinical history and physical exam

Monofilament testing for protective sensation

Vibration and temperature testing

Reflex assessment

Nerve conduction studies (when needed)

Blood tests to rule out other causes of neuropathy

A thorough evaluation helps determine the type of neuropathy and guides treatment options.

SMALL STEPS TODAY. BETTER COMFORT TOMORROW.

Basic Treatments

These fundamental strategies help many patients reduce symptoms and slow progression.

Foot examination for diabetic neuropathy to help relieve nerve pain and improve foot health.

Protect

Your Feet

Check

Daily

Wear

Proper Shoes

These treatments aim to reduce pain signals and improve daily signals.

Lifestyle

Approaches

Common

Remedies

  • Consistent glucose management

  • Regular physical activity 

  • Smoking cessation

  • Limited alcohol intake

  • Topical creams (non-prescription)

  • Warm foot soaks

  • Gentle stretching 

  • Over-the-counter analgesics (as advised by a clinician)

Medical

Treatments

When symptoms persist, clinicians may consider:

  • Prescription oral medications that modulate nerve pain

  • Topical prescription therapies

  • Physical therapy 

  • Treatment of coexisting conditions (e.g., vitamin deficiencies)

Footwear &

Foot Care

  • Soft, cushioned shoes 

  • Seamless socks

  • Daily foot checks

  • Avoiding barefoot walking

Warm Foot soaks

Supportive Footwear

Topical Care

Gentle Stretching

These treatments aim to reduce pain signals and improve daily function.

Advanced

Treatments

+ Workshop

Explore advanced options for lasting pain relief

through personalized treatments and expert guidance.

Illustration of chronic back pain affecting the spine and lower back.

Who Is a Candidate for

Advanced Therapies?

          Pain remains severe despite

          standard treatments

            There is no correctable underlying

           cause

          Symptoms significantly impair

          daily life

          A comprehensive evaluation

          supports the use of advanced

          modalities

Intravenous (IV) infusion therapy for chronic pain and neuropathy treatment.

IV Lidocaine

Infusions

Intravenous lidocaine can help “reset” abnormal nerve firing patterns and reduce neuropathic pain for select patients.

Lidocaine infusion therapy for chronic pain and neuropathy management.

IV Infusions

These infusions act on NMDA receptors involved in chronic pain sensitization. Under monitored conditions, they may reduce severe neuropathic pain and improve quality of life.

Advanced Treatments Offered for Diabetic Neuropathy

Prescription pain patch for chronic pain relief and neuropathy treatment.

Qutenza®

(High-Dose Capsaicin Patch)

A clinic-applied, high-concentration capsaicin patch that temporarily reduces pain fiber activity. Effects can last several months.

Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) for chronic nerve pain and neuropathy treatment.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

A minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy that uses electrical signals to reduce pain transmission. Modern SCS systems are FDA-approved for painful diabetic neuropathy.

Advanced pain management treatments for chronic pain, neuropathy, and spine conditions.

Advanced Treatment Modalities

For patients whose pain remains severe despite standard therapies, advanced options may provide meaningful relief. These treatments are often discussed in our workshops and evaluated individually for safety and appropriateness.

Our team performs individualized assessments to determine which options may be appropriate.

Medical illustration of the knee joint showing joint pain and arthritis.

QUESTIONS WE OFTEN HEAR

Get Answers at Our Educational Workshop

Join Dr. Maurizio Z. Albala for a free, informative workshop where we’ll address common questions about painful diabetic neuropathy, including:

Is burning in the feet always caused by diabetes?

What is the best treatment for diabetic neuropathy?

Can diabetic neuropathy affect the hands?

Can diabetic neuropathy cause balance problems?

PATIENT EDUCATION & RESOURCES

Learn More About Diabetic Neuropathy

Additional educational resources to help you better understand diabetic neuropathy, nerve health, and available treatment options.

Trusted Organizations

NIH.png

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Comprehensive information about diabetic neuropathy, including symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Explore reliable sources for patient education

ADA.png

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Patient-focused information about diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, including symptoms and nerve-health education.

AACE.png

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)

Resources related to diabetes, screening, diagnosis, and management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

IDF.png

International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

International educational resources covering diabetes and related complications, including nerve health.

USP.png

U.S. Pain Foundation

Patient-oriented resources about chronic pain, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and pain management.

Recommended Reading

CTS.webp

Calming the Storm: Managing Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD

A comprehensive resource focused specifically on understanding and managing diabetic neuropathy.

Rymore.jpg

Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatments, Diet, Management, Natural Remedies, Vitamins and Exercises all covered.

Robert Rymore

An easy-to-understand guide covering diabetic neuropathy, diet, management strategies, natural remedies, vitamins, and exercises.

Helpful books for a deeper understanding

alex.jpg

Peripheral Neuropathy for Diabetics: Your Guide to Taking Control by Reversing Diabetic Neuropathy and Feeling Better

Alex Locklear

A practical guide to understanding diabetic neuropathy, managing symptoms, protecting foot health, and maintaining mobility and quality of life.

norman.jpg

Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won't Stop

Norman Latov, MD, PhD

A patient-focused guide covering peripheral neuropathy causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, management, and foot care.

These external resources are provided for general educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Next Steps

If you're exploring options for painful diabetic neuropathy — whether basic or advanced — Pain Relief 1 is here to help. We offer consultations, diagnostic evaluations, and access to therapies not widely available in general practice settings.

Foot pain associated with painful diabetic neuropathy and chronic nerve damage.
Patient consultation with a pain management specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Ready to

Move Forward?

Our team will help you understand

your symptoms, explore your options,

and determine whether advanced

therapies are appropriate.

Call Pain Relief 1 at
(920) 939-6015

If you qualify, you can request a Consultation for Painful Neuropathy.

Register for Workshop
Reserve Your Seat Today

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Medicine is an ever-changing science. As new research and clinical experience expand our knowledge, recommendations may change. Readers are encouraged to consult the most current and reliable sources of information. The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

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