Living with diabetic neuropathy can feel overwhelming, but if you or a loved one are struggling with persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in your feet, know that you’re not alone—and more importantly, that relief is possible. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting nearly half of people with the condition over time. Left unmanaged, it can interfere with your daily life, making even simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable.
At Kriz Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping people regain control over their pain—without medications, injections, or surgery. In this guide, we’ll explore what diabetic neuropathy is, why it occurs, and most importantly, what you can do to relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Over time, excess glucose in the bloodstream damages the nerves, particularly those in the legs and feet. This condition doesn’t happen overnight—it develops gradually, often beginning with mild symptoms that worsen if left untreated.
While the most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the feet and legs, diabetic neuropathy can also impact other areas of the body, including digestion, circulation, and muscle function.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most commonly reported issues include:
✅ Tingling or burning sensations in the feet and legs
✅ Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens at night
✅ Numbness or reduced sensitivity, making it harder to detect temperature changes or injuries
✅ Muscle weakness or difficulty balancing
✅ Foot ulcers or slow-healing wounds, increasing the risk of complications
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take action now—waiting too long can lead to worsening nerve damage and a higher risk of mobility issues.
Why Does Diabetic Neuropathy Cause Pain?
Pain from diabetic neuropathy occurs because damaged nerves misfire, sending pain signals even when there’s no actual injury. This can make daily activities—like walking, standing, or wearing shoes—painful and frustrating.
Additionally, reduced sensation in the feet means you might not notice minor injuries, leading to further complications. Foot health is crucial for those with diabetes, as even small wounds can develop into serious infections.
While there’s no way to reverse nerve damage completely, the right treatment plan can significantly reduce symptoms and improve function.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Diabetic Neuropathy Pain
Many people believe their only option for managing diabetic neuropathy is medication or injections. While these may offer temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause.
At Kriz Physical Therapy, we focus on natural, hands-on solutions that work with your body to restore function and reduce pain. Here’s how:
1. Balance and Strength Training
Weakness and instability can make walking more difficult, increasing the risk of falls. We use targeted exercises to strengthen key muscles, improve balance, and enhance mobility.
2. Nerve Stimulation Techniques
Through specialized therapy techniques, we help stimulate the nerves and improve circulation, which can reduce pain and restore sensation in the feet.
3. Gait Training and Foot Mechanics
If you have difficulty walking due to diabetic neuropathy, our therapists will assess your movement patterns and provide personalized strategies to make walking safer and more comfortable.
4. Pain Relief Through Manual Therapy
Hands-on therapy helps reduce tension, improve blood flow, and relieve nerve pain naturally. Many of our patients feel relief after just a few sessions!
5. Education on Foot Health & Prevention
We help you understand how to protect your feet, prevent further nerve damage, and make small lifestyle changes that support long-term relief.
At Kriz Physical Therapy, we believe that with the right plan, you can manage diabetic neuropathy and stay active—without relying on pain medications.
Lifestyle Tips to Help Manage Diabetic Neuropathy
In addition to physical therapy, making small daily changes can help reduce pain and prevent further nerve damage. Here are some key lifestyle strategies:
✅ Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check – High blood sugar accelerates nerve damage, so managing diabetes effectively is the first step in preventing neuropathy from worsening.
✅ Stay Active – Regular movement improves circulation and reduces pain. Even gentle activities like walking or stretching can help.
✅ Practice Good Foot Care – Since diabetic neuropathy affects sensation, inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection.
✅ Wear Proper Footwear – Supportive, well-fitting shoes reduce pressure on the nerves and prevent discomfort.
✅ Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing – Staying in one position too long can increase nerve pain and stiffness. Shift positions frequently to keep circulation flowing.
✅ Try Relaxation Techniques – Stress can make nerve pain worse, so incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or gentle stretching can help manage symptoms.
With the right combination of physical therapy, movement, and self-care, you can keep diabetic neuropathy from controlling your life.
Take the First Step Toward Relief—For FREE!
If you’re tired of living with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, now is the time to take action. Don’t let diabetic neuropathy stop you from doing the things you love.
For a limited time, we’re offering a FREE Discovery Visit at Kriz Physical Therapy. This is a no-obligation session where you’ll get:
✔ A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Tiffany or Dr. Mike Kriz
✔ A personalized assessment to identify the root cause of your pain
✔ Expert guidance on what steps to take next for lasting relief
📅 Spots are limited—call today to reserve yours!
📞 (239) 992-6700
📍 Kriz Physical Therapy, 26651 Dublin Woods Circle, Bonita Springs, FL
Take back control of your health and start feeling like yourself again. We can’t wait to help you on your journey to relief!
