One of the complications of diabetes is neuropathy, which can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and even pain. Two common parts of the body where diabetic neuropathy strikes is the knees and flanks. This can range from numbness to extreme and unexplained pain.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage brought on by many things: out-of-control glucose levels, obesity and high blood pressure. Neuropathy is more common in patients who have suffered from diabetes for 25 years or more. It can strike anywhere--including the heart, sex organs and outer limbs. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain and swelling in the affected area. The muscles in your feet and legs can also waste away, causing neuropathy. You may experience tingling, pain or numbness in your knees as well. Neuropathy in the knees indicates extensive damage that is completely beyond repair without surgical intervention. Three types of neuropathy affect the legs, knees and flank regions of your body.
Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. You can experience pain or loss of feeling in the legs, as well as the hands, arms and feet. Symptoms are usually worse at night, but some patients feel no symptoms at all. Peripheral neuropathy can cause such problems as muscle weakness, loss of reflexes--especially at the ankle, causing a change in walking--and foot deformities can occur. Loss of balance and weakness or numbness in the knees is another indicator, and extreme caution should be exercised when walking. Areas of the foot and leg may become numb, and therefore even the smallest injury can go unnoticed, leading to infection. Untreated, the infection could spread deep into the bone; in some cases, amputation becomes necessary. Paying attention to your legs and feet and close examination can help to reduce your risk of infection and long-term injury.
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy can cause pain in the flank regions and weakness in the legs, especially at the knees. It's more common in older adults with Type 2 diabetes and usually starts on one side of the body. It becomes increasingly difficult to go from a sitting to standing position without assistance, and vice versa. With proximal neuropathy, your knees could weaken and give way, causing you to fall. Treatment options are available, but the success of treatment depends solely on the extent of the nerve damage.
Focal Neuropathy
As its name suggests, focal neuropathy is focused on one group of nerves and can cause weakness and pain anywhere on the body. Focal neuropathy also occurs mostly in older diabetic patients; however, symptoms usually clear up on their own and leave no extensive damage in their wake. This healing process could take weeks or months.
How to Treat Diabetic Neuropathy
Treatment for this condition can be very simple. Controlling glucose levels in the body is a good way to start. If nausea or vomiting occur, it may become harder to keep up these levels, so it's important to make your doctor aware of this. Medications such as antidepressants and pain killers can also be used to control symptoms and promote healing. Anti-nausea medications may be added to keep your stomach calm and glucose at a normal level. Make sure you have regular foot exams. Keep track of your feet at home and have your physician examine them at every visit. This can identify any sores, lesions or other areas of concern and prevent infection and loss of limb. It's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of diabetic neuropathy to avoid long-term complications.
