Leg Pain and Cramps
Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common cause of leg pain and cramping. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs when diabetes causes nerve damage in the arms or legs. In diabetics, this condition can be caused by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include pain, burning, tingling, and numbness. Peripheral neuropathy can potentially cause major foot and limb issues. Preventing symptoms requires early detection of damage to the nerves and can potentially help prevent lower leg amputations. The most significant thing you can do to reduce your risk is to keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range. One of the first steps is to treat the pain with medicine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two over-the-counter drugs that can help relieve mild to severe pain. Other drugs and therapy alternatives include the use of opioids like tramadol and tapentadol, as well as topical treatments and sprays.