Do you have diabetes and experience burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet or hands? You could be suffering from diabetic neuropathy — one of the most common and painful complications of diabetes. The good news is that with the right treatment, diabetic neuropathy can be managed effectively, and pain relief is possible. At Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic, Pune, Dr. Priya Rathi, a leading pain specialist in Pune, helps hundreds of diabetic patients regain their quality of life through advanced, non-surgical treatments. What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by persistently high blood sugar levels. Over time, high glucose levels damage nerve fibers throughout the body — most commonly in the legs and feet. It is one of the most widespread complications of diabetes, affecting nearly half of all diabetic patients at some point in their lives. If you have diabetes, being aware of the early signs of neuropathy is essential — because catching it early makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Types of Diabetic Neuropathy There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy: 1. Peripheral Neuropathy – The most common type, affecting the feet, legs, hands, and arms. This causes pain, burning, and numbness in the extremities. 2. Autonomic Neuropathy – Affects nerves that control the heart, bladder, digestive system, and blood pressure. 3. Proximal Neuropathy – Causes pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks and can lead to leg weakness. 4. Mononeuropathy – Damage to a single nerve, causing sudden weakness or pain in a specific area. Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy – Don't Ignore These Warning Signs Many patients ignore early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which leads to worsening nerve damage. Watch out for these common symptoms: • Burning or tingling sensation in feet and hands • Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature • Sharp, jabbing, or electric-shock-like pain • Extreme sensitivity to touch — even a bed sheet can feel painful • Muscle weakness or loss of balance • Foot ulcers or infections that don't heal • Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, or bloating • Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a pain specialist in Pune immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent further nerve damage. What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy? The primary cause is uncontrolled blood sugar over a long period. However, several other factors increase the risk: • Long duration of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) • Poor glycemic control • Obesity • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Vitamin B12 deficiency • Smoking and alcohol use • Kidney disease How Is Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosed? Detailed neurological examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and assessment of sensory and motor nerve function. A proper diagnosis is essential before starting any treatment — because not all foot or leg pain in diabetic patients is neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment in Pune – What Are Your Options? While diabetic neuropathy has no complete cure, the right treatment plan can slow its progression, significantly reduce pain, and improve your daily quality of life. Dr. Priya Rathi follows a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored to each patient. 1. Blood Sugar Management The most important step in managing diabetic neuropathy is achieving good glycemic control. Keeping blood sugar levels stable can slow nerve damage and even improve existing symptoms over time. 2. Medications for Nerve Pain For nerve pain relief, commonly used medications include antidepressants like duloxetine and amitriptyline, and anticonvulsants like pregabalin and gabapentin. Dr. Rathi carefully selects medications based on each patient's individual profile, pain severity, and other health conditions — ensuring maximum effectiveness with minimum side effects. 3. Nerve Blocks and Interventional Pain Procedures For patients with severe or treatment-resistant diabetic neuropathy, advanced interventional procedures offer significant relief. These include ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, pulsed radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound guided dry needling sessions. 4. Topical Treatments Capsaicin patches and topical lidocaine gels can provide localized relief for painful nerve areas without significant systemic side effects — a good option for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications. 5. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Physiotherapy plays a critical role in managing diabetic neuropathy. It helps improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, and overall physical function. At Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic, physiotherapy is an integral part of every patient's treatment plan. 6. Lifestyle Modifications Dietary changes, regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and weight management play a critical role in slowing the progression of diabetic neuropathy and improving nerve health. Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Prevented? Yes — especially in its early stages. The key is tight blood sugar control from the time of diabetes diagnosis. Regular screening for neuropathy symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and getting regular foot examinations can significantly reduce your risk of developing neuropathy or prevent it from worsening. Why Consult Dr. Priya Rathi for Diabetic Neuropathy in Pune? Dr. Priya Rathi is one of Pune's most experienced chronic pain and neuropathy specialists. With advanced training in interventional pain management, she offers treatments that go beyond basic pain medication. Her approach is: • Accurate diagnosis – identifying the true cause of your nerve pain • Non-surgical – avoiding unnecessary procedures • Personalized – a treatment plan built specifically for you • Evidence-based – using the latest internationally proven techniques Whether you have mild tingling in your feet or severe, disabling nerve pain, Dr. Rathi can help you find lasting relief. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Can diabetic neuropathy be reversed? A: Complete reversal is rare, but with early treatment and good blood sugar control, symptoms can significantly improve and further damage can be prevented. Q: Is diabetic neuropathy painful? A: Yes, for many patients it causes burning, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain — especially at night. Q: Which doctor should I see for diabetic neuropathy in Pune? A: A pain specialist with expertise in neuropathic pain, like Dr. Priya Rathi at Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic, Pune, is the right choice. Q: What is the best treatment for diabetic foot pain? A: A combination of blood sugar control, nerve pain medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, interventional procedures like nerve blocks , dry needling , botox injections gives the best results. Q: How long does it take to see improvement with treatment? A: It varies from patient to patient. Some people notice improvement in pain within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may take a few months. Consistency with treatment and blood sugar control is key. 📍 Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic, Pune 📞 Book an Appointment with Dr. Priya Rathi Today Don't let nerve pain control your life. Get expert diabetic neuropathy treatment in Pune and take the first step towards pain-free living.