You Don't Need to Suffer with Numbness, Burning or Loss of Sensation Anymore!

Article submitted by Dana Hudson, MSPT of TLC Rehab. If you would like more information she can be reached at 719-275-1014

If you know someone suffering with numbness, burning, or loss of sensation in their hands or feet, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a fairly common complication of diabetes and has been thought to be progressive and irreversible. Between 26% and 50% of people diagnosed with diabetes will have neuropathy. DPN is characterized by numbness, tingling or burning, or pain in the feet, legs, and/or hands. These symptoms are worse at night often interrupting sleep and can make exercising, walking and even driving a car difficult.

DPN is due to the deterioration of the peripheral nerves from the diabetic process and usually starts in the toes or fingers and progresses towards the torso. The diminished sensation that is associated with DPN has significant risk factors such as diabetic wounds or unknown injury. This loss of sensation also can cause an increased risk for falls among the elderly. These symptoms can be delayed and sometimes prevented by excellent blood glucose control, through proper diet and exercise as well as medical management through your physician.

While the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and its complications have been difficult or impossible to resolve, there are comprehensive treatment programs offered that can help. It starts with a complete evaluation to assess the functional limitations and needs of the client. Then a comprehensive treatment program is designed to personally help them achieve their goals. The treatment plans usually involves 10 - 24 sessions that may include: monochromatic infrared therapy to increase circulation and reduce pain in the impaired tissues, stretching and strengthening exercises, dynamic and static balance exercises, and massage or use of other therapeutic modalities for pain.