There are pain management techniques that can be used by those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. However, it may be impossible to alleviate all pain because it is caused by damaged nerve function.
The use of prescription drugs can reduce pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, but physical and psychological therapies also need to be implemented. The combination of these therapies will work together to provide the best possible reduction in pain and to help the sufferer learn to cope with the remaining pain. If therapy doesn’t relieve the pain adequately, the diabetic patient should see a pain reduction specialist or attend a pain clinic on a regular basis.
Exercise
One of the best pain reducing treatments is exercise. Though the diabetic patient is often in severe pain, exercise is necessary. Walking is especially useful as pain reduction therapy. The sufferer should begin by walking short distances three to four times a day, and then walk longer distances as the pain is reduced, until they are walking twenty minutes three times a day. This should not be rushed, but done in small increments. By the time the diabetic has reached a walking time of ten minutes three times daily, neuropathy pain will be greatly reduced.
Behavioral Therapy
This involves setting goals and monitoring behavior patterns to assure they are being achieved within a reasonable time period. Negative thoughts must be reversed to positive. Expectations and goals have to be looked at from an optimistic point of view in order to change eating habits and other lifestyle changes to ensure that diabetic neuropathy sufferers don’t fall victim to amputation, heart attack or stroke.