How to Treat the Leg Pain Caused by Diabetes

In America alone, over 34.2 million people live with diabetes. This is about 10.5% of the population. Diabetes is a chronic condition that spikes one’s blood sugar levels. As a result of these spikes, the individual can suffer various complications, including leg pain.

One of the most prevalent issues these individuals face is the sensation of heaviness in their legs, which impacts mobility and reduces their overall quality of life.

If you’re here to find a reliable treatment for heaviness in the legs, this guide will give you practical approaches to managing the situation.

Risk Factors for Leg Pain

If you also suffer from this, know that you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 26.4% of people with diabetes experience neuropathic symptoms, such as leg pain and numbness.

You’re likely to be among this 26.4% if any of the following risk factors apply to you:

• Alcoholism
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infections such as Shingles
• Inadequate exercise
• Improper dieting
• Inconsistency in taking medications

Remedies for Leg Pain

Some cases of leg pain cannot be completely cured, especially in cases where peripheral neuropathy is the underlying trigger for the pain.

However, it is possible to manage the pain and get enough relief to go back to your old life. Here are a few remedies to try:

Eating the right food

Diabetic patients can use certain foods as medicine to keep the pain and swelling in check. They are often advised to eat foods that control their blood sugar levels. Some of the best foods for diabetic patients include the following:

• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Complex carbohydrate
• Minimal fat from olive oil, fish, etc.
• Lean proteins
• Non-starchy vegetables

If these foods cannot be ingested directly, you can opt for supplements or vitamins that contain the same nutrients. Before you begin a diet, be sure to have your doctor go through the list and approve your meal plans.

Taking leg workouts seriously

As the pain progresses, you can gain some relief from foot rubs, massages, and even workouts. All of this helps to improve blood flow and circulation in the feet, thereby reducing the pain. For individuals experiencing persistent leg discomfort, consulting a Stamford vein doctor may help identify whether the pain is linked to underlying vein issues rather than, or in addition to, diabetic complications.

Health experts guarantee that an increase in physical activity can help reduce leg pain, swelling, and soreness. Do your best to move around for a bit, no matter how much it hurts. The pain only gets worse if you do not move.

It’s important to note that not every form of physical therapy works for everyone. If you talk to your doctor about the exact symptoms you’re experiencing, they should be able to recommend the best workout routine for your specific condition.

Giving up the triggering bad habits

Smoking, drinking, and other unhealthy habits contribute to leg pain in diabetic patients. Smoking particularly impairs the circulation of blood in the vessels, thereby causing discomfort to the patient.

You should consider restraining yourself from engaging in any of these practices, at least until the condition improves.

Get the doctor’s help

If you’ve tried a few treatment options and the pain still doesn’t subside, your next course of action will be to talk to your doctor. Ask them if there are other interventional strategies that you can try. They should be able to recommend the best ones for you.

Considering topical treatment

Topical agents have been used by some diabetic patients for leg pain, and according to their feedback, it’s an effective option.

Lidocaine patches, tricyclic antidepressants, capsaicin creams, and other over-the-counter pain relief methods are known to be the best options.

Wrapping Up

Dealing with diabetes can be tough and mentally exhausting. You’ll not only deal with the physical complications, you’ll also suffer the mental strain of not being able to live your life as usual.

Leg pain is one of the leading symptoms diabetic patients face. With the strategies we’ve listed above, you should be able to get some relief. Some people combine multiple strategies at once. If your doctor approves it, feel free to do so.