Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects 60 to 70 percent of diabetics. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels resulting in nerve damage and pain. There are several different types of neuropathy that require pain management. Pain medications are available over the counter or in prescription strength medications available through your doctor. It is important to understand pain medication especially if you plan to self medicate. This guide explains over the counter pain control methods for diabetic neuropathy and when to call your doctor for help.
Different types of neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and legs causing tingling, numbness, burning, and pain.
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy affects blood vessels, urinary system, stomach and sex organs causing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn. You have experience feeling gull after eating a small meal, blackout if you stand up quickly, dizziness, incontinence, increased urination at night, or low blood pressure.
Diabetic proximal neuropathy affects the thighs, hips, or buttocks causing pain on one side and weakness in the legs requiring treatment for pain.
Diabetic focal neuropathy affects specific nerves, in the head, torso, or leg that causes sudden muscle weakness or pain. You may experience double vision, eye pain, Bell’s palsy, or severe pain in lower back, legs, chest or abdominal pain.
There are three basic over the counter medications that can be used for the treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy. Anti inflammatory medication relieves the kind of inflammation.
Analgesic acts as a pain reliever and works well on the pain associated with Diabetic Neuropathy.
Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medication works to relieve both the pain and inflammation which are both symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy.
Over the counter pain medication
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is commonly known as Tylenol. Tylenol and generic brands of Acetaminophen will relieve pain but does not address inflammation caused by Diabetic Neuropathy. Read the label for warnings and dosages.
NSAID
NSAIDs are common over the counter medication like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen pain relievers and will reduce the inflammation of Diabetic Neuropathy. Stomach irritation is possible with NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is sold as Motrin and Advil. Naproxen is sold as Aleve. Read the label for warnings and dosages.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments come in the form of lotion, cream, gel, and oil. These types of pain relievers are applied directly to the skin and work best on mild pain. Consult the label for correct application and frequency.
Lidocaine is applied to the painful area and numbs it. You can ask your doctor for a stronger Lidocaine that is available by prescription.
Capsaicin relieves pain by soothing painful nerves when applied to the painful area.
Neuragen gives quick relief of pain when applied to the painful area. Neuragen is a combination of botanical extracts.
When to call your doctor
Prescription medications are available through your doctor. If the medications available over the counter do not sufficiently manage your pain something stronger may be required. These medications include several types of drugs like Cymbalta, Effexor, Celebrex, Lyrica, Ultracet, and many others. Discuss prescription strength pain relievers and their side effects with your doctor.
Tip
Preventing neuropathy is possible by keeping blood sugar levels as close to a normal range as possible with proper diet and exercise.
Reference:
- Diabetic neuropathy www.springerlink.com/content/h74t44m096354v43/
- How to treat neuropathy www.diabetic-lifestyle.com/articles/jun02_whats_1.htm
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Treatment & More www.medicinenet.com/diabetic_neuropathy/article.htm
