Diabetic neuropathy causes damage to the nerves after the patient has had diabetes for many years, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). The diabetic nerve pain can occur in the patient's hands, arms, toes, fingers, legs and feet.
Causes
The NDIC states that the causes for diabetic nerve pain include high blood glucose, alcohol use, smoking, a long history of diabetes, nerve inflammation, abnormal blood fat levels and mechanical injury to the nerves.
Types of Neuropathy with Pain Symptoms
The NDIC notes that only three forms of neuropathy have symptoms of pain: peripheral neuropathy, proximal neuropathy and focal neuropathy. Only these three forms of diabetic neuropathy can be treated with pain medication.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat diabetic nerve pain include non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, acetaminophen and topical anesthetics, according to American Diabetes Services.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medication to relieve diabetic nerve pain, according to American Diabetes Services, are prescription strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Celebrex and Lodine), anti-convulsants (Neurontin and Dilantin), antidepressants (Prozac and Cymbalta) and narcotics (opioids). Narcotics, however, can be habit forming and are avoided when possible.
Considerations
The NDIC notes that over-the-counter medications may not be effective enough to treat severe diabetic nerve pain; in addition, these medications have numerous side effects, such as liver and kidney damage from long-term use.
