Find clinic locations for Fort HealthCare and affiliated clinics and services in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
Find services offered by Fort HealthCare and affiliated clinics in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
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Peripheral neuropathy is a term that refers to temporary or permanent damage to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This damage is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Find out more about peripheral neuropathy by taking this quiz.
Symptoms are often worse at night. Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheries of the body. These are the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms, the NIDDK says. Symptoms include:
Treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar. Bringing blood sugar under control helps prevent further nerve damage. This may be done by better meal planning, exercise, medicine, and watching blood sugar and A1c levels. Symptoms may get worse at first. But then they may ease as normal blood sugar levels are maintained, the NIDDK says. If pain is a problem, your healthcare provider also may prescribe a pain reliever or other medicines that treat pain. Your provider can also help with problems linked to digestion, urinary and sexual functions, and dizziness. You may have nerve pain from more than one cause. Some of those other causes may be helped by surgery. So work with your healthcare provider to have a full assessment of your condition.
Pay special attention to areas of your body affected by neuropathy. If your feet and legs are affected, check those areas every day for wounds or sores or other problems. Call your healthcare provider if you have an open sore or have any injury to your arm, legs, fingers, or toes.