One of the most common conditions associated with diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a type of damage that occurs to your central nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy can have long-lasting negative impacts on your health and lifestyle.
Unfortunately, once peripheral neuropathy has occurred, it can seldom be reversed. Due to the nature of this condition, it may seem to resolve itself, only to come back later in life. This might be why you are wondering, “does peripheral neuropathy come and go?”.
Common symptoms of neuropathic pain
One of the most difficult things about neuropathy is that it can be hard to diagnose, especially in its early stages. Though there are over 100 types of neuropathies, one of the most common variations is diabetic neuropathy, which is caused by diabetes and can be present in both men and women.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with neuropathy include:
- Shooting or burning pain in the extremities
- Tingling, pins-and-needles sensation, or numbness
- Inability to feel pain or sensation
- Sensitivity to touch, temperature, or textures
- Muscle weakness
- Involuntary twitching
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Loss of motor control, balance, or coordination
- Extreme sweating or inability to sweat
Symptoms vary depending on what kind of nerve damage you’ve sustained and how long it has been allowed to go untreated. Diabetic neuropathy symptoms may develop quickly or take months or even years to appear.
Is peripheral neuropathy a lifelong condition?
Peripheral neuropathy is chronic — but that doesn’t mean the symptoms are always present or present to the same extent. Because symptoms can appear to get better for a period of time, some people believe that peripheral neuropathy isn't a lifelong condition. However, the truth is that there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy.
Several factors may contribute to the idea that peripheral neuropathy isn’t permanent, some of which include:
Many neuropathy symptoms may worsen at certain times, such as when the temperature drops or during the night. Unfortunately, the disappearance and resurgence of symptoms don’t indicate that it has been cured.
Early intervention can often help mitigate symptoms and prevent further damage. In some cases, catching peripheral neuropathy early enough can also allow some nerve fibers to regenerate if they are still alive. Depending on the underlying cause of your neuropathy, symptoms may resolve or get better in time, though this won’t happen in every case.
Managing the underlying cause
Treating the underlying cause of neuropathy may also help alleviate symptoms. For example, diabetic neuropathy can be managed by controlling your blood sugar levels and making the appropriate lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, giving up smoking, and exercising regularly. Addressing the cause of your peripheral neuropathy can also help reduce or stop further damage to the nerves.
While there isn’t currently a cure for peripheral neuropathy, there are many different ways to manage symptoms and still enjoy a high quality of life even if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition.
How to combat peripheral neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain can make it difficult to enjoy everyday activities and may also contribute to further complications such as skin injuries and increased risk of infection. If you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, understanding your pain management options can be life-changing.
Your doctor may recommend that you treat your pain with things such as antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, lifestyle changes, various therapies, or other methods. For daily use, diabetic socks and other mechanical aids are also a great idea.
Shop diabetic socks online at Viasox
Viasox is committed to providing you with high-quality diabetic compression socks and other aids designed to help treat diabetic pain and improve your quality of life. We’re proud to be the world’s first fancy diabetic sock provider — offering products that are functional and aesthetic.
Our socks are available online in a variety of patterns and colors and can be bought in bulk or individual pairs. Shop our range online today or get in touch with our team for questions regarding your order.