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Numb toes due to diabetes

31 May 18

Numbness of the legs due to diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a serious incurable disease that is quite insidious for the patient. Often the disease is accompanied by other pathologies, and may be their cause. One of the most common diagnoses found in diabetes mellitus is peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Most patients mistakenly believe that numbness in the legs is a temporary phenomenon, so they do not pay attention to such a disease.

Dumbness of the toes in diabetes mellitus is fraught with dangerous consequences.

The disease negatively affects a person's motor ability. When such a disease is detected, certain measures must be taken to ensure a speedy recovery of the body.

Causes of numbness in toes in diabetes

The main cause of peripheral neuropathy of the toes is poor blood circulation. High sugar levels contribute to insufficient blood supply to the vessels of the extremities, which leads to loss of sensitivity. Numbness of the toes is sometimes caused by the patient wearing narrow, tight shoes. But in diabetes, a similar phenomenon is provoked by a violation of the outflow of blood.

The second reason why the toes of a sore toe go numb with developing diabetes mellitus can be neuropathy (damage to nerve endings that occurs as a result of disease in the walls of blood vessels).

If we briefly draw conclusions about the factors that can cause the considered pathology of the legs in diabetes, we can distinguish two main reasons:

  • Angiopathy - this disease is accompanied by deformation of human blood vessels. A diabetic does not immediately encounter angiopathy; the pathology develops gradually. The cause of this disease is an increased level of glucose in the patient’s body.
  • Nerve diseases or neuropathy - Diabetic neuropathy is divided into four types (autonomic, peripheral, proximal, focal), each type requires a separate treatment approach. The cause of the disease is often an advanced form of diabetes.
  • Symptoms of pathology

    Signs of the disease in question in diabetes are difficult to identify on your own. For this purpose, you need to visit a doctor from time to time and conduct the necessary examination to prevent possible pathology. When numbness in the legs continues to develop, the following features of the course of this disease are observed:

  • There is pain in the toes.
  • A burning sensation appears on the affected area of ​​the limb.
  • Sometimes the pathology is accompanied by chills, which are felt on the legs.
  • Heat in the legs.
  • A sick person quickly gets tired and tired.
  • I am tormented by a feeling of persistent heaviness in my limbs.
  • The affected areas of the skin will become pale in color.
  • At night, seizures occur due to dysfunction of nerve impulses.
  • Formation of varicose veins on the legs.
  • Any symptoms of pathology should be a reason to visit a neurologist.

    Numbness of the legs in diabetes mellitus rapidly progresses, which is dangerous for the patient’s health. A complicated form of the disease leads to diabetic foot syndrome, this phenomenon is preceded by an increased blood sugar level.

    Treatment of peripheral neuropathy should not be delayed. Gangrene and subsequent amputation of a limb are common consequences of ignoring or improper treatment of a disease associated with diabetes.

    Treatment methods for numbness in toes

    Healing from dumbness of the limbs caused by diabetes will be more effective if you begin health procedures in the early stages of the disease. The order of healing therapy is as follows:

  • First, you should take all measures to normalize blood sugar. Since diabetes contributes to peripheral neuropathy, the fight against this serious disease should be a priority.
  • You should think about a healthy diet: food should be rich in vitamins and healthy minerals.
  • Drug therapy consists of the use of B vitamins (introduced into the body).
  • The advanced form of the disease requires the use of anesthetics.
  • For seizures, special anti-convulsant drugs are used.
  • When the patient is under stress, it is advisable to prescribe various antidepressants.
  • Folk ways to combat the disease

    Any traditional healer can offer many effective recipes to combat muteness of the limbs. Aesculapians among the people recognize the following as the most effective means:

  • Eggs - for pain that accompanies the disease in question, eggshells are ingested. Several raw eggs are shelled, separated from the film, and then brought to powder form by friction. The resulting medicine is consumed one teaspoon per day.
  • Iodine - it is important to smear the affected feet and heels with this remedy.
  • Pumpkin - porridge made from this product serves as a compress, which is placed on the affected area of ​​the skin.
  • Black pepper - a similar type of seasoning (100 grams) should be mixed with a liter of vegetable oil, heated for 20 minutes, infused, then rubbed into painful areas of the limb.
  • Physiotherapeutic procedures and massage

    Physiotherapy for numb fingers is aimed at improving blood circulation. This treatment method should be used after medical advice. The following procedures will ease the course of the disease:

  • Exposure to cold on damaged areas of the skin.
  • Laser treatment (helps restore sensitivity in numb fingers).
  • Electrophoresis - necessary for the treatment of neuropathy, slows down the development of pathology.
  • To improve the functioning of the heart organ, brain and muscle productivity, magnetic therapy is necessary.
  • Foot massage has a beneficial therapeutic effect. This procedure promotes blood flow to the blood vessels of numb limbs. For a positive result, massage should be done by an experienced specialist who knows his business.

    Benefits of preventative measures

    The main task of prevention is constant monitoring of blood glucose levels. Every diabetic should be attentive to the changes occurring in the body. To avoid numb toes, it is helpful to do daily exercise to increase activity and improve blood circulation.

    If open wounds are found, they must be treated with antiseptic drugs. The most effective antiseptics are Miramistin and Furacilin. A solution of these products is rubbed onto damaged skin.

    Diabetics are recommended to wear special comfortable shoes to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy and further unwanted complications of the pathology. It is useful to do short-term but frequent self-massage of the affected areas. Don’t forget about foot hygiene; you should wash your feet every day. Socks should be made from natural materials.

    Diabetes mellitus is an incurable disease, but if you adhere to certain rules and guidelines of your treating specialist, you can live a full life for a long time without worrying about the consequences of the pathology.

    Why numbness in the legs occurs in diabetes and how to deal with it

    Popular programs and press publications repeatedly emphasize that the key to maintaining health in diabetes and minimizing complications is early diagnosis and prevention. It is known that the most dangerous lesions in diabetes mellitus are damage to small vessels and nerve endings of the legs. One of the earliest and most common subjective complaints that patients present is that their toes are numb.

    Causes of numbness

    All patients with diabetes should be observed not only by an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, surgeon, but also by a neurologist. It is known that with this diagnosis, not only the central, but also the peripheral nervous system suffers. Treatment of emerging complications and diseases should be carried out only by specialized specialists.

    Why does the feeling of numbness in the legs occur, especially with diabetes? The mechanism for the appearance of the symptom is explained by the fact that the constant presence of sugar in the bloodstream in excess amounts leads first to small and then to larger-scale lesions of blood vessels and nerve endings . Why do the legs suffer more? The fact is that it is the large and small vessels of the legs that form part of the systemic circulation.

    If the normal state of the vascular wall is disrupted, minor damage occurs, then atherosclerotic plaques appear, the elasticity of the walls is reduced, the speed of blood flow decreases, and stagnation appears:

  • swelling appears;
  • the venous pattern appears or intensifies;
  • Paresthesia occurs - a feeling of numbness, crawling, burning sensation.
  • This is especially true for the lower extremities - legs, fingers are especially affected. It is these complaints that worry patients with diabetes in the early stages.

    The toes are the most innervated and vascularized. At first, these sensations appear spontaneously and are most often associated with physical activity, stress or temperature changes (overheating and hypothermia). Then the fingers become numb more and more often, even at rest. Patients begin to do physical exercises and massage. But these measures bring relief only for a while, the intensity and duration increase.

    The above-mentioned phenomena cannot in any way be left without due attention. It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible. Of course, this must be done under the supervision of a neurologist. Numbness develops gradually, first affecting the fingers, then an increasing area of ​​the leg. If you do not constantly reduce the level of glucose, then the nerve endings gradually lose their membrane, and disturbances in peripheral nerve conduction in diabetes become persistent and irreversible.

    Pharmacies once again want to make money from diabetics. There is a smart modern European drug, but they keep quiet about it. This.

    This can lead to the following consequences:

  • persistent loss of sensation in the legs;
  • the appearance of gait disorders, including paralysis;
  • the occurrence of trophic ulcers, skin peeling, cracking, dry gangrene (diabetic foot);
  • If treatment is not started in time, the only solution will be amputation of the limb.
  • As circulatory disorders worsen, the intensity of loss of sensitivity increases. The risk of injury and external damage increases. Since the limbs become permanently numb, patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus may not pay attention to small wounds and scratches. They must be treated immediately. This must be done very carefully and in a timely manner.

    In diabetes, tissues, especially skin, carry out repair and healing processes very poorly. Therefore, even the most minor violations of the integrity of the outer skin can turn into long-term non-healing ulcers.

    Diabetes mellitus is a complex and, unfortunately, lifelong disease. It must be remembered that treatment of symptoms of diabetes mellitus implies, of course, constant monitoring of glucose levels and strict discipline of lifestyle.

    Type 2 diabetes is compensated by taking glucose-lowering medications. The main thing is that the dose of such a medicine is selected adequately and persistently reduces blood sugar levels, while ensuring normal vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, metabolic rates.

    Symptomatic therapy involves a set of measures only after stabilization of blood sugar levels. To effectively treat numbness of the lower extremities, it is necessary to use the following groups of drugs.

  • Vitamin preparations of group B, especially thiamine (B 1 ) and pyridoxine (B 6 ).
  • Anticonvulsant drugs that improve blood supply to the extremities.
  • Stimulation of nerve fibers using physiotherapy, for example, transdermal massage, balneological procedures.
  • Treatment of skin defects, wounds, cracks with the help of disinfectants and wound-healing preparations. This includes solutions of nitrofuran antimicrobial agents, for example, Furacillin. Miramistin has a good disinfecting effect; to stimulate the healing of bruises from bruises, you can use a 0.5% solution of Dimexide in novocaine.
  • After the surface has healed, massage and hydrotherapy are recommended.
  • Cracks in the skin surface on the feet and fingers also require close attention. Numbness of this part of the lower extremities leads to gait disorders, instability, and a tendency to increased injury. Treatment of microcracks in the feet also includes a set of measures to normalize blood flow and nerve conduction.

    Injections or oral administration of B vitamin preparations are also used for this purpose. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B 12 ) plus pyridoxine plus thiamine has a very good effect. This mixture of vitamins is supplemented with external use with retinol (vitamin A) and you can also use novocaine.

    Thus, shallow defects heal well, deep cracks in the foot are anesthetized and softened. Healing is proceeding at a good pace, infection of the deeper skin layers is excluded.

    It is always easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. In diabetes mellitus, this thesis is more relevant than ever. It was said above that this diagnosis is for life. Therefore, to prevent symptoms of varying severity that accompany diabetes, arising from different organs, first of all, you need to learn to live in a very disciplined manner and follow some rules.

  • Monitor blood sugar levels and avoid sudden drops and rises in numbers.
  • At the first signs of peripheral neuropathy (numbness of the feet, limbs), contact a neurologist.
  • Treat wounds, cracks, and bruises of the limbs in a timely manner.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, orthopedic ones if necessary. This is necessary to avoid chafing, maceration, and calluses.
  • Measures to prevent stress and nervous overload have a neuroprophylactic effect.
  • Control your nutrition:
    • reduce the consumption of sweet, flour, carbohydrate components to a minimum;
    • increase the share of sugars at the expense of fruits;
    • do not eat fatty, high-cholesterol foods, so as not to provoke the progression of atherosclerosis;
    • take vitamin and mineral complexes to prevent vitamin deficiencies and nerve conduction disorders, especially preparations containing zinc and magnesium.
    • Anyone with diabetes should remember a few basic points about their diagnosis. The first is that diabetes mellitus is, unfortunately, for life. The second point is that complications of the disease arise from different organs. Regular observation by specialized specialists is the key to a long and fairly high-quality life. The third and, perhaps, key point is that in diabetes it is very important that the level of glucose in the blood is constantly adjusted with an adequate glucose-lowering drug in the correct dose.

      Timely, comprehensive treatment of diabetes mellitus is determined by the patient’s absence of complications specific to this disease, including diabetic foot. Therefore, at the first unpleasant sensation of numbness or other unusual sensations in the feet and toes, you should immediately seek help from specialists.

      Find out how to get rid of diabetes and improve your condition forever with help. Read more.

      Why do your toes go numb with diabetes?

      With diabetes, patients face various health problems. One of the most common problems patients call numbness in the legs, or peripheral neuropathy. It may seem that such a nuisance does not pose a serious danger. However, this is not at all true. Damage to the legs in diabetes mellitus poses a threat in the form of restriction of the patient’s motor activity, increasing the risk of developing leg diseases, in which the likelihood of a disastrous outcome increases significantly, including amputation of the limbs. Let's talk about the causes of numbness in the legs and fingers, the accompanying symptoms, what treatment is prescribed in this case, as well as preventive measures aimed at preventing the development of this pathological condition in diabetes.

      The mechanism of development of numbness

      The occurrence of numbness in the legs in diabetes mellitus occurs as a result of angiopathy and neuropathy of the lower extremities. Let us consider in detail the essence of each of these states.

      Angiopathy of the lower extremities

      Diabetic angiopathy of the legs is considered by doctors to be a frequent companion to diabetes of all types. In case of diabetes, which has been present in a person for quite a long time, and the prescribed treatment turned out to be incorrect or ineffective, an excess of glucose in the blood causes destruction of the vascular walls. Angiopathy of the lower extremities is divided into two types:

    • microangiopathy, when capillaries are affected;
    • macroangiopathy, when arteries and veins are affected.
    • In both types of pathology, deformation of the vessels occurs: in certain places their walls become thinner, and in others, on the contrary, thicker. Fat deposits often form in the vascular walls, and substances such as mucopolysaccharides accumulate on the very surface (inner) of the vessels. As a result of all this, a narrowing of the vascular lumens occurs, which leads to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen starvation of the soft tissues.

      Hypoxia and tissue nutritional deficiency cause angiopathy. Most often in diabetes mellitus, this pathology affects the lower extremities. This can be explained by the fact that, due to the natural physiology of the legs, they are the ones that experience the strongest pressure and stress.

      Lack of nutrition and oxygen starvation contributes to the suppression of the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the extremities, that is, numbness is a consequence of angiopathy.

      Neuropathy of the lower extremities

      Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disease that develops in diabetes mellitus. Pathology is one of the complications that diabetics often face. The likelihood of developing the disease increases depending on the length of time you have diabetes and the age of the patient.

      There are four types of diabetic neuropathy:

      Each of the four types of pathology requires different treatment because one type of neuropathy affects some nerves, while another type affects others.

      The peripheral type of neuropathy in diabetes leads to numbness of the lower extremities: the patient may feel pain in the legs, and loss of sensitivity to external stimuli in the fingers, entire foot and even lower leg.

      Drawing a conclusion about the causes of numbness in the legs in patients with diabetes, we can say that there are two such causes: vascular deformation (angiopathy) and nerve diseases (neuropathy).

      Frequent associated symptoms

      The main danger of pathologies (both neuropathy and angiopathy) is that in the vast majority of cases the disease does not make itself known at the beginning of its development. This is why it is so important for diabetics to periodically undergo a full medical examination.

      When nerve disease develops or blood vessels become deformed, numbness in the legs is accompanied by a number of the following symptoms:

    • painful palpation of the lower extremities;
    • burning sensation;
    • the presence of uncharacteristic sensations in the legs, goosebumps, slight tingling of the skin;
    • it seems that the lower extremities are cold;
    • feeling of heat in the legs.
    • Less common symptoms include muscle atrophy (muscle volume becomes slightly smaller), decreased pressure in the arteries (hypotension), painful urination, and in some cases, erectile dysfunction occurs in males.

      Angiopathy, in addition to numbness of the legs, is often accompanied by:

    • increased fatigue;
    • constant feeling of heaviness in the legs;
    • Night cramps often occur;
    • the skin becomes somewhat paler and colder than healthy areas of the body.
    • If treatment is not carried out, then angiopathy progresses, ulcers appear on the legs, which constantly hurt slightly.

      The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chance that the treatment will be as effective as possible and the use of a surgical method will not be necessary.

    • The principle on which the treatment of numbness in the legs is based is the fight against the underlying disease (diabetes mellitus). Therapy includes normalizing blood glucose levels to acceptable levels, as well as removing toxic substances from the body.
    • The diet is adjusted; its vitamin and mineral composition should be more complete and correct from the point of view of treating diabetes.
    • Drug treatment of numbness in the legs and fingers involves the introduction of vitamin B (the entire group) into the body.
    • In case of severe pain, anesthetic drugs are prescribed.
    • If the patient often suffers from seizures, then anticonvulsant medications are also prescribed.
    • If necessary, medications are selected on an individual basis, the action of which is aimed at suppressing depressive conditions (antidepressants).
    • Various pain-relieving patches are prescribed, most often based on lidocaine, creams and ointments with an active substance such as capsaicin.
    • To cope with numbness in the legs, specialists always prescribe procedures that help increase the sensitive nerve endings (transcutaneous electrical stimulation procedures are usually recommended).

      Physiotherapeutic procedures, taking balneological baths, therapeutic exercise of moderate intensity, as well as massage of both the legs themselves and the whole body are highly effective. Light, magnetic and laser therapies are helpful.

      Diabetes mellitus is often called the “silent killer.” After all, approximately 25% of patients are unaware of the development of a serious pathology. But diabetes is no longer a death sentence! Chief diabetologist Alexander Korotkevich told how to treat diabetes once and for all. Read more.

      About preventive measures

      Treatment of decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities in diabetes takes a lot of time and effort. Takes up a lot of money. Therefore, in order to prevent the development of this pathological condition, you need to carefully monitor the condition of your body. It is imperative to follow all the recommendations of the doctor who monitors the course of diabetes.

      Particular attention should be paid to nutrition: the daily diet should be as balanced as possible in terms of the content of minerals and vitamins.

      Carry out thorough daily foot hygiene, and immediately treat the slightest cracks in the skin with antiseptic agents. As a preventive measure, you should pay more attention to the choice of shoes - they should be comfortable, not press on, it is advisable to give preference to shoes made from natural materials.

      How to quickly lower blood sugar levels for diabetics?

      The diabetes incidence statistics are getting sadder every year! The Russian Diabetes Association states that every tenth resident of our country has diabetes. But the cruel truth is that it is not the disease itself that is scary, but its complications and the lifestyle it leads to.

      What to do if your toes are numb: numbness on the right and left foot

      As you know, diabetes is an incurable disease. It also causes some changes in the body. Among the most common consequences of the disease is peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness in the toes.

      Signs of neuropathy in diabetics

      As the disease develops, the patient may feel a slight tingling and frequent goosebumps in the legs, the limbs begin to go numb, pain and burning are felt. In some cases, coldness disappears in the legs or, conversely, the foot or the entire leg becomes covered with heat.

      This phenomenon, when the toes go numb, does not develop immediately, but gradually, over several years. Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus can cause severe numbness in the limbs.

      Why do my toes go numb?

      There are several reasons for numbness in fingers:

    • Toes may become numb if the patient wears shoes that are too tight or narrow. Blood circulation in the tissues of the legs cannot fully function due to compression, so numbness occurs. This can lead to the formation of corns on the feet and swelling of the lower extremities.
    • Discomfort in the legs can also be caused by sitting in one position for too long or heavy load on the legs. Since the blood cannot fully move through the vessels, a feeling of numbness occurs, the legs often freeze and become cold to the touch.
    • Often the toes go numb due to any diseases of the blood vessels of the lower extremities. Due to atherosclerosis, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, blood flow is disrupted, blood vessels narrow, and as a result, the toes feel discomfort.
    • Neurological diseases, including neuroma, peripheral and diabetic neuropathy, can also be the cause. In this case, the feeling of numbness can spread to all parts of the feet, pain occurs, and wounds open that do not heal for a long time.
    • Neuropathy is often diagnosed in diabetes mellitus. In the extremities, there is a disruption in the functioning of blood vessels, which leads to poor blood supply to the organs.

      Nerve fibers and endings are damaged, nerve impulses cannot pass, as a result, sensitivity decreases and the ability to restore and heal the skin is impaired.

      The symptoms manifest themselves especially clearly in diabetes mellitus, when any wounds begin to have difficulty healing, and this is already diabetic polyneuropathy. If the disease spreads throughout the body, polyneuropathy develops, which can cause incoordination and, in some cases, paralysis.

      What to do if your toes are numb

      Treatment of the disease is effective if the toes are numb, only at the initial stage of the disease. In this case, there is a chance to save the nerve endings and preserve the functionality of the nervous system as a whole. To do this, the first step is to treat diabetes mellitus, restore damaged nerves and restore the activity of nerve impulses.

      If your toes often go numb during diabetes, your doctor will prescribe treatment aimed at normalizing the level of glucose in a person’s blood.

      In this case, no major operations are required, harmful toxic substances are removed from the body and the patient is prescribed a special therapeutic diet filled with vitamins and minerals.

      The treatment package includes:

    • use of B vitamins,
    • carrying out pain-relieving procedures,
    • use of anti-seizure drugs,
    • procedures are also carried out to stimulate nerve endings.
    • The patient is prescribed to do physical procedures every day, visit balneological baths, do regular physical exercises, and undergo a massage course.

      What to do for prevention

      If a patient with diabetes begins to notice that his toes sometimes go numb, you need to pay attention to your well-being and regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. To prevent your legs from going numb, you need to do special physical exercises aimed at treating and improving your well-being.

      If your toes go numb quite often:

    • it is important to observe the work of nerve endings,
    • it is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin,
    • if even the slightest wounds begin to appear, they should be treated immediately,
    • the same applies to cracked heels; if they are not dealt with in a timely manner, with the development of neuropathy, all sorts of health problems can arise, including amputation of a limb.
    • The fact is that due to the disease, the patient’s sensitivity is significantly reduced, for this reason a person may not notice that he has developed wounds on his skin. Diabetes mellitus, in turn, causes the wounds to take a long time to heal due to increased levels of glucose in the blood and grow into large wounds or ulcers. The worst thing is that gangrene can develop in diabetes mellitus.

      To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to treat the cracks with a light antiseptic, for example, a solution of furatsilin or miramistin, until the wounds disappear from the skin.

      It is recommended to wear only high-quality and comfortable shoes if your toes are numb. Diabetics can also use orthopedic shoes to avoid developing diabetic foot syndrome.

      Foot care for diabetes

      To prevent diabetic foot formation and numbness in your legs, you must:

    • do complex exercises regularly,
    • care for limbs
    • To prevent cracks from appearing on your feet, you should treat your feet with moisturizing cream every day.
    • Removing excess skin from your heels and feet will help you avoid the appearance of calluses. Meanwhile, it is not recommended to use too rich a cream for treatment, steam your feet to soften the skin, use chemicals for peeling and use pumice.

      Today in stores you can find convenient foot care products for diabetics in the form of soft socks soaked in a special cosmetic.

      This allows you to avoid applying compresses to your feet and quickly and gently get rid of mother-in-laws and calluses. This is also an excellent preventive remedy if your toes go numb.

      Causes of numbness in the legs in diabetes mellitus, consequences

      Numbness in the legs due to diabetes is a common problem that can cause dangerous consequences. The insidiousness of this disorder is that it does not appear immediately or is of an unexpressed nature. However, this condition can subsequently cause dangerous changes in the lower extremities.

      What to do if your legs go numb due to diabetes?

      Any patient with diabetes should be constantly monitored not only by an endocrinologist, but also by other specialists. One of them is a neurologist. This is due to the fact that with this pathology, damage to the peripheral and central nervous system is often observed.

      Numbness of the toes in diabetes mellitus is associated with the constant presence of increased amounts of sugar in the blood. This provokes a change in the structure of blood vessels and nerve fibers. The damage to the legs is due to the fact that their vessels are elements of the systemic circulation.

      If the condition of the vessels is disturbed, minor damage is observed, then atherosclerotic plaques form, the elasticity of the walls and the speed of blood circulation decrease. As a result, stagnation occurs.

      They manifest themselves in the form of such changes:

    • The appearance of swelling;
    • Manifestation or strengthening of the venous pattern;
    • The appearance of paresthesia - burning, tingling, numbness.
    • Similar processes often affect the lower extremities. The toes are primarily affected. Such manifestations are observed in the initial stages of diabetes development.

      At first, unpleasant sensations appear suddenly and are most often the result of stressful situations, physical activity and temperature fluctuations.

      Then the toes become numb with diabetes more and more often. This symptom is also present in a calm state. This forces patients to get massages and exercise. However, these measures give a temporary result, while the duration and severity of numbness only increases.

      If your legs go numb due to diabetes, treatment should begin immediately. This should be done under the supervision of a neurologist. If you do not reduce the amount of sugar, the nerve fibers gradually lose their membrane, and the disorder becomes irreversible.

      This provokes the following complications:

    • Persistent loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
    • Gait disturbance - sometimes even symptoms of paralysis are observed;
    • Formation of peeling, trophic ulcers, cracks, dry gangrene;
    • In the absence of therapy, limb amputation.

    As circulatory disorders increase, a person loses more and more sensitivity. This entails an increased risk of traumatic injuries. Since the numbness is persistent, patients with this diagnosis may ignore minor wounds and scratches.

    If your feet go numb due to diabetes, it is very important to consult a doctor immediately. The specialist will determine the degree of damage to the lower extremities, make adjustments to diabetes therapy and select a special treatment for neuropathy.

    Diagnosis of pathology includes the following:

  • Examination and checking the pulse in the legs;
  • Sensitivity test;
  • Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the extremities;
  • Assessment of neurological reflexes;
  • Electroneuromyography.
  • Numbness is the primary manifestation of more serious disorders. That is why it is so important to carry out complex therapy for the underlying disease.

    Doctors' actions are aimed at treating diabetes and restoring damaged nerve fibers. To do this, the following measures are used:

  • Normalization of glucose levels;
  • Removing harmful substances from the body is the longest stage of therapy;
  • Optimizing your diet.

    Therapy should include the administration of B vitamins, complete or partial anesthesia of the affected areas, and the use of anticonvulsant and antidepressant medications. There may also be a need to stimulate nerve fibers. For this purpose, a special procedure is used - transcutaneous electrical stimulation.

    To improve the condition of the lower extremities, people with this diagnosis should provide them with careful care:

    1. Inspect your feet daily, paying attention to the feet and the spaces between the toes. During the examination, even the smallest skin defects - blisters, cracks, cuts - should be identified.
    2. Wash your feet every day using neutral soap. Particular attention is paid to the skin between the fingers. You should dry your limbs with a soft towel.
    3. If symptoms of fungal diseases appear - white plaque, itching, redness - contact a dermatologist. The specialist will prescribe an antifungal cream.

    Possible consequences

    In the early stages, loss of sensitivity does not cause much concern, so many patients ignore this condition. As diabetes complications progress, significant impairment occurs.

    This condition is fraught with the following complications:

  • Diabetic foot;
  • Impaired healing processes, the appearance of purulent and inflamed wounds;
  • The development of gangrene is fraught with amputation of the limb.
  • There are several rules that, if followed, will help avoid such problems:

  • Constant and systematic monitoring of sugar content;
  • Wearing loose and comfortable shoes;
  • Periodic self-massage of the lower extremities;
  • Regular foot examinations;
  • Timely treatment of even minor skin lesions;
  • Careful foot hygiene;
  • Wearing socks made from natural materials without thick elastic bands.
  • Diabetes mellitus is a fairly serious pathology, from which it is not possible to completely get rid of it. However, provided you follow medical recommendations, you can live with this disease. Therefore, any symptoms of complications should be a reason to contact a specialist and adjust your lifestyle.

    Why can diabetes cause numbness in legs and other limbs?

    What you should know about diabetes and numb feet

    People with diabetes face many problems. One of the most common among them is numbness in part or all of the leg. The insidiousness of this process lies in the fact that it may not appear immediately or may have an indeterminate nature, in which the limbs retain 100% functionality until a certain time. More details about this problem and ways to solve it below.

    The diabetic begins to notice strange sensations in the extremities, namely:

    In some cases, a feeling of cold appears or, for example, the area of ​​the foot, as well as the entire leg, burns. Most often, the presented leg problems develop over several years; in certain situations, cases of accelerated development of leg problems in diabetes mellitus may occur. Most often, this takes two or three months, with numbness spreading over the entire surface of the leg.

    Experts have been thinking about why the lower extremities go numb for a long time, especially about the role chaga . As a result of destabilization of the blood supply system as a whole, damage not only to nerve endings, but also fibers, as well as deterioration in the passage of nerve-type impulses, there is a decrease in the degree of sensitivity and an increase in the ability to restore cells and heal them in diabetes mellitus.

    What are the causes of numbness?

    As a result of this, the legs simply do not receive the amount of blood they need, which means a deficiency is formed, which manifests itself not only in numbness, but also in other more serious problems. It should be noted that problems with the blood supply, in turn, are a consequence of another phenomenon, namely a total failure of the CNS (central nervous system) system.

    Thus, not only the flow of blood in the required quantity stops, but also the sensations in the leg area are dulled. As a result, each of the lower extremities does not receive the blood ratio it needs, and sensations are dulled. And, as you know, this disease, if not cured in time, becomes a catalyst for more serious problems. What are these consequences for diabetes and are they limited to numbness in the fingers or toes?

    The phenomenon of numbness known as diabetic foot is widely known and should be considered one of the most striking consequences of such problems. In addition, it is characterized by a lack of adequate hygiene, which plays one of the key roles in diabetes.

    It is in the case of diabetic neuropathy that healing of any, even the most minor, wounds occurs extremely poorly and slowly.

    This can be further expressed as:

  • violation of the degree of functionality of most organs;
  • again - diabetic foot;
  • amputation (as one of the most severe consequences that numbness leads to).
  • Over time, polyneuropathy, as well as its small branches, can form. In diabetes, they are characterized by the fact that the foci of the disease are not only multiple, but also located over the entire surface of the body, including the legs. This is what, in the absence of timely and competent treatment, most often leads to an absolute or partial loss of coordination and, in some cases, paralysis. Of course, serious treatment is necessary for this disease, which can develop in the most undesirable ways.

    About treatment methods

    Since numbness is just a primary symptom of more serious problems, comprehensive treatment should be carried out, which, at the same time, will be aimed at getting rid of the symptoms of foot problems. Only with an early “start” of treatment is there a possibility of not only saving the nerve endings, but also preserving the functionality of the nervous system as a whole.

    The efforts of specialists are aimed at treating the underlying disease (diabetes mellitus), restoring those nerve endings that have been damaged, and we should not forget about the flow of nerve impulses. Thus, numbness is treated not only by an endocrinologist, but also by neurophysiologists.

    In the process of treating the reasons why the toes go numb in the case of diabetes, special therapy is carried out, which is aimed at:

    • stabilization of the glucose ratio;
    • destruction of all toxic substances in the human body (most often the longest stage);
    • optimization and control of nutrition in accordance with the mineral and vitamin composition, which is extremely important for the legs.
    • As part of the treatment of manifestations, entire complexes of B vitamins should be administered, complete or partial anesthesia in the extremities should be provided, and anticonvulsants and antidepressants should be used. In addition, there may be a need to stimulate nerve endings.

      The presented method of treatment is called transcutaneous electrical stimulation, abbreviated TESN.

      All this cures numbness in a fairly short time.

      At each stage of neuropathy, physiological procedures, balneological baths, physical therapy exercises, massage and other procedures that a specialist deems necessary to use to treat the legs are mandatory.

      What should you know about prevention?

      Numbness of the legs, in general, can be prevented, but it is important that it is constant and does not have any interruptions. Due to a decrease in the degree of sensitivity, a diabetic may simply not pay attention to the injuries or wounds received, and due to increased glucose in the blood, they almost do not heal on their own.

      As a result, all this turns out to be a catalyst for the formation of sometimes simply huge wounds and ulcers that arise from smaller wounds. In this regard, any, even the most inconspicuous cracks must be treated with gentle antiseptics. These include solutions of furatsilin, miramistin and many other agents. All this is done until complete healing and until the numbness subsides.

      Experts recommend paying special attention to the quality, comfort and safety of shoes for those who have diabetes. Specific orthopedic shoes are one of the most reliable methods of preventing diabetic foot syndrome and other equally serious problems. Of course, we should not forget about the standards of personal hygiene, which remains mandatory for each diabetic

      Thus, numbness can be treated and also identified among all other symptoms of diabetes.

      Feet for diabetes

      A distinctive feature of diabetes mellitus is a persistent increase in blood sugar levels, which, in turn, is regulated by the pancreatic hormone insulin. Insulin helps the entry of glucose into cells, where it is included in metabolic processes to produce the energy necessary for the functioning of the body.

      Type 1 diabetes is considered to be caused by a lack of insulin; the disease most often develops in children and is hereditary. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, deviation of sugar levels from normal values ​​is due to a decrease in the susceptibility of insulin-dependent tissue cells to insulin, which is associated with poor nutrition and obesity.

      Disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism inevitably affect the metabolic processes of other substances in the body (proteins, fats), which affects the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and can cause pathology of internal organs.

      With a long course of the disease, a complication such as diabetic foot may develop. This pathology includes a whole complex of irreversible damage to the peripheral nerves, circulatory system and tissues of the lower extremities.

      Forms of leg lesions in diabetes

      1. Diabetic angiopathy (ischemic diabetic foot) - in this form of the disease, under the influence of an increased concentration of sugar, the vessels of the legs, especially the capillaries of the foot, are affected. The permeability of the walls of blood vessels is impaired, as a result of which the supply of nutrients to the tissues deteriorates. Due to disrupted microcirculation processes, the skin of the feet becomes dry, calluses and cracks constantly appear. Even small wounds and scratches take a long time to heal and are prone to suppuration, since there is practically no response of the immune system to infection and damage to the skin.
      2. Diabetic neuropathy (neuropathic diabetic foot) – this pathology is characterized by damage to the nerve endings of the legs. In this case, the patient loses pain, tactile and temperature sensitivity in the lower extremities. But pain is a kind of protective reaction of the body, warning a person about impending danger. A diabetic may not notice wounds or ulcers on the legs because they are painless, which is fraught with complications, including gangrene of the foot.
      3. Mixed form - the lesion affects both the nervous and circulatory systems of the lower extremities. It includes symptoms characteristic of the two previous forms of the disease simultaneously.
      4. Diabetic arthropathy - with a long-term disease, the joints of the legs are affected due to insufficient blood supply and changes in metabolic processes. The disease begins with painful sensations in the joints when walking, swelling and redness of the foot, then the foot changes shape and the toes become deformed.
      5. Symptoms of foot disease in diabetes mellitus

      6. The skin of the lower extremities becomes dry, cold, pale, prone to peeling, the formation of calluses and cracks;
      7. Reducing temperature and pain sensitivity of the feet;
      8. Feeling of numbness, tingling in the legs;
      9. Swelling of the legs;
      10. Changes in the shape of nails, fungal diseases of the feet and nail plates;
      11. Atrophy and weakness of the muscles of the lower extremities;
      12. Pain and cramps in the legs when walking;
      13. Tendency to form long-term non-healing ulcers on the legs;
      14. Changes in the shape of the feet and toes.
      15. Most often, patients with diabetes complain of leg cramps after walking or at night. Their duration usually ranges from a few seconds to several minutes and can be accompanied by severe pain. This happens due to the increased loss of beneficial microelements in the urine and energy deficiency in muscle tissue in diabetes.

        If the above symptoms appear, you should seek medical help and undergo an examination. There are specialized rooms where patients with diabetes can check the condition of their feet and receive the necessary help with hygienic treatment.

        Patients are referred to the “diabetic foot office” also when diabetes is first diagnosed, primarily for preventive purposes. Then it is recommended to undergo examinations at least once a year.

        When applying, the lower extremities are examined and the pulse is measured. Reflexes of the nervous system, pain and temperature sensitivity are required to be checked. The presence of pathological changes in the vessels of the legs is assessed using ultrasound, and electroneuromyography is used to diagnose lesions of peripheral nerve endings.

        Treatment of feet for diabetes

        There is a good foot cream Foolex (Fulex) for cracks, small wounds, calluses and corns.

        It moisturizes and softens rough skin, helps relieve swelling. The composition includes: soybean and coconut oil, horse chestnut extract, urea, mint essential oil, menthol.

        To prevent and successfully treat diabetic foot, it is necessary to normalize blood sugar levels and properly care for your feet. If necessary, vasodilators and antibiotics are prescribed. In some cases, surgery is used (to restore blood flow).

        To reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood, a special diet with a reduced carbohydrate content and drug therapy are prescribed.

        For type 1 diabetes mellitus, insulin injections are effective; for type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucose-lowering drugs are used. The dosage of medications must be adjusted depending on the blood sugar level.

        Under no circumstances should you neglect the rules of foot care for diabetes. Even the most minor wound, if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to negative consequences (osteomyelitis, gangrene).

        The most dangerous thing for the human body is the development of gangrene, as necrosis of the tissues of the foot occurs. Necrotic tissue releases toxic substances into the blood that affect many internal organs. In advanced cases of the disease, amputation of the leg cannot be avoided, otherwise the death of the patient is inevitable.

        Foot care for diabetes

      16. Every day you need to carefully examine the soles of your feet for damage, cracks, and blisters.
      17. It is better to wear comfortable shoes, orthopedic ones are best; they should be constantly checked for the presence of foreign objects. Due to reduced sensitivity, the patient may simply not notice the stones that have fallen. You should avoid wearing open shoes on bare feet, sandals with buckles or straps, they can injure the skin.
      18. Proper massage of the lower extremities is considered an effective method of restoring sensitivity and getting rid of cramps.
      19. You should wash your feet every day with warm water and soap, especially carefully washing the spaces between your toes. The water temperature must be checked by hand or with a special thermometer, since temperature sensitivity is often impaired in diabetic patients. A person may simply not feel that the water is too hot and scald their feet. After washing, any remaining moisture should be removed with a soft towel.
      20. It is better not to cut your nails, but to carefully file them, rounding the edges. If the nail plate is thick, you need to carefully grind it off from above, leaving a couple of millimeters of thickness.
      21. Iodine, potassium permanganate, brilliant green are contraindicated for diabetic feet. If cuts are found, the wounds should be treated with chlorhexidine or furatsilin, then bandaged. To prevent or treat suppuration, you can use medicinal ointments containing antibacterial substances. After initial treatment of injuries, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
      22. In case of increased dryness of the skin of the feet and the formation of calluses, special moisturizing ointments based on urea (Diaultraderm, etc.) are prescribed. Treatments containing antifungal drugs have been successfully used to treat fungal infections of the feet. Balms based on natural propolis are used for cracked feet.
      23. You should walk at least half an hour a day, drink more fluids, and avoid sitting in uncomfortable positions.
      24. Damaged skin must be removed with pumice.
      25. Hardware pedicure is very effective for diabetic feet. The specialist will carefully remove calluses, apply a special cream to moisturize and soften the skin, and restore the nails to their proper form.

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