How to Manage Leg Pain in Type 2 Diabetes

Leg pain is a common symptom and complaint of type 2 diabetes. In serious case,it even can affect the patients’ normal activity. What is the cause of leg pain in type 2 diabetes and how to manage it?

Causes of leg pain in type 2 Diabetes

Peripheral arterial disease

People with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of developing peripheral arterial disease due to hyperlipidemia,insulin resistance,and high blood pressure.The conditions can cause arteries to become clogged with fatty deposits,leading to the hardening and narrowing of these blood vessels in legs and feet. Insufficient blood supply to leg may lead to leg pain.

Nerve damage

Having diabetes increases the risk of developing nerve damage due to long-term high blood glucose.Nerve damage can cause decreased sensation in the feet and legs.It can also cause uncomfortable feelings in the arms and legs, like shooting pain, tingling, or aching.The decreased sensation can cause a person not to notice small injuries to the foot,which can increase the risk of developing infection significantly.In serious case,the infection even can cause amputation.

Treatment for leg pain in type 2 diabetes

Leg pain in type 2 diabetes results from peripheral arterial disease and nerve damage.To control it effectively,the patients should have treatments to control those two conditions.The treatment options for peripheral arterial disease include life style changes, drug treatment and surgery.Antidiabetic drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs,and medications for high blood pressure can reduce the risk of peripheral arterial disease effectively.Angioplasty is often to treat this condition when there is a blockage leading to the heart.Another surgery is artery bypass which is used when angioplasty does not work.

In addition,it is important to avoid the following risk factors.

-Smoking

-High blood pressure

-High blood cholesterol

As for nerve damage in diabetes,it is important to keep blood glucose level under control.Several medications are used to relieve nerve pain, but they often cause many adverse effects.

The above are the possible causes of leg pain in type 2 diabetes and some tips to manage them. If you want to learn more about the condition, you can email to kidneycares@hotmail.com .