If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if ointments can help with diabetic neuropathy. You are not alone in this quest for information; many people who suffer from diabetes also experience nerve damage, which is known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, and numbness. In this blog post, we will explore the research on ointments and diabetic neuropathy and try to answer the question: Can ointments help?
How topical creams can relieve pain from Neuropathy
Analgesic Creams
When people think of diabetes, they often think of insulin injections and blood sugar levels. However, diabetes can also cause problems for the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that causes nerve damage, and it can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. This can make it difficult to walk, and it can also increase the risk of foot ulcers and amputations. Topical pain relief creams can be a helpful way to manage foot pain. These creams contain capsaicin, which helps to block pain signals from the nerves back to the brain. As a result, topical pain relief creams can provide significant relief for diabetic neuropathy and other types of foot pain.
Anesthetic Creams
Diabetes is a condition that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. One way to relieve some of this pain is through the use of topical creams like EMLA. These creams work by numbing the area of discomfort, making it much easier to bear. Lidocaine is one common ingredient in these creams, and it can be very effective at numbing the skin within an hour of application. Another option is a lidocaine patch, which can also be used to relieve pain from neuropathy. If you are suffering from diabetes-related pain, talk to your doctor about whether one of these options might be right for you.
Over-the-counter creams
Some of the over-the-counter capsaicin creams that can be found in the pharmacy include:
- Capzasin – P
- Dolorac
- Zostrix
Prescription Creams
diabetes is a condition that results when the body is unable to properly process glucose, or blood sugar. This can lead to an array of symptoms, including fatigue, blurred vision, and increased thirst. Over time, diabetes can also damage the nerves, which can cause pain and numbness in the extremities. For many people with diabetes, capsaicin cream can provide relief from nerve pain. Qutenza is a prescription-only form of capsaicin that contains a high dose of the drug. When applied by a healthcare professional, Qutenza can help to relieve pain and improve quality of life for people with diabetes.
Lidocaine
Lidocaine-containing skin creams and ointments are used to treat a variety of injuries ranging from scrapes and bug bites to mild burns. They work by producing a loss of feeling in the skin surrounding regions of localized pain, which prevents pain signals from being sent through the sensory nerve system. This can provide significant relief for people suffering from injuries or chronic conditions such as diabetes. In addition, lidocaine creams can be used to numbing the skin prior to injections or other medical procedures. As a result, lidocaine is an important tool for pain management.
Over the counter creams
Common over-the-counter lidocaine based creams include:
- Xylocaine
- Anestacon
- Senate
- LidoRX
- Lidoderm
Prescription Creams
If you have diabetes, you know that minor cuts and scrapes can quickly turn into serious wounds. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable way to numb your skin when injury occurs. EMLA cream is a prescription-based cream that numbs the skin within an hour of application. It’s ideal for diabetic patients because it provides fast-acting relief from pain and helps to prevent further damage to the skin. In addition, EMLA cream is safe to use on a regular basis and has few side effects. So if you’re looking for a reliable way to numb your skin, ask your doctor about EMLA cream.
Menthol
In fact, many over-the-counter pain creams now contain menthol as an active ingredient. In addition to topical application, menthol can also be inhaled or ingested in order to provide relief. For example, some people find that sucking on a menthol candy helps to ease the pain of neuropathy. Menthol is a safe and effective way to treat the pain of neuropathy, and it can be used both short-term and long-term.
Over-The-Counter-Creams
diabetes. For people with diabetes, however, menthol can cause low blood sugar levels. In addition, people with diabetes should avoid using products that contain camphor, as it can also cause low blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and you are using a product that contains menthol, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
Prescription creams
DicloStream is a topical cream that contains diclofenac and menthol. It is applied to the skin over the affected area. The diclofenac in DicloStream works by reducing inflammation and pain. The menthol provides a cooling effect that helps to soothe the skin. DicloStream is a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and diabetes.
Other Herbs that can be used for relieving pain
Diabetics often suffer from neuropathy, which is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet. Topical herbal medications are a popular non-prescription option for treating this condition. These medications contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and ease the pain. In addition, many of these treatments also contain menthol, which can help to cool the skin and provide relief from the burning sensation associated with neuropathy. If you are suffering from this condition, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
Prescription medications that are FDA-approved to treat diabetic peripheral Neuropathy:
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an antidepressant that also reduces diabetic nerve pain. Common side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, nausea, and constipation. Some other antidepressants also reduce nerve pain and maybe a treatment option. However, Cymbalta is the only antidepressant approved for diabetic Neuropathy. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is an anti-seizure drug that also reduces diabetic nerve pain. Common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, swelling, and dry mouth. Some other anti-seizure drugs also reduce nerve pain, and your doctor may choose to prescribe them. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if either of these medications may be right for you.
Antidepressants
There are a variety of medications that can help block pain messages from getting to your brain. Examples include amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, and duloxetine. These medications can be effective in treating pain associated with conditions like diabetes. While they do not work for everyone, they can provide significant relief for many people. If you are struggling with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about whether one of these medications may be right for you.
Anti-seizures:
It’s important to understand that just because you’re prescribed an anti-seizure medication, it doesn’t mean that you actually have seizures. Rather, these medications work by slowing down the nerve signals going to your brain, which can help to reduce pain. This is especially beneficial for those with diabetes, as diabetes can often lead to nerve damage (known as diabetic neuropathy). These medications can help to relieve pain and improve quality of life for those with diabetes.
Opioids:
Opioids are carefully-crafted jewelry pieces that can provide immediate relief from intense pain. They can be addictive, though, so you must use them under a doctor’s supervision and recommendation. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and central nervous system, blocking the transmission of pain signals. This can provide welcome relief for people suffering from acute pain, such as after an injury or surgery. However, opioids can also be highly addictive, and users may develop tolerance to their effects over time. For people with diabetes, opioids can also pose a serious risk due to the way they affect blood sugar levels. As a result, it is important to use opioids only as directed by a doctor and to closely monitor blood sugar levels when taking them.
Other medications that can help:
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting up to 50% of people with the disease. However, as the condition progresses, the pain may become more severe and difficult to treat. At this stage, prescription medications may be necessary to provide relief. In addition, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and getting regular exercise can also help to manage the pain of neuropathy.
Acetaminophen
Although acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed, there are some potential side effects that users should be aware of. In rare cases, acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially when taken in large quantities or for extended periods of time. People with diabetes may also be at higher risk for developing liver problems from acetaminophen use. If you are concerned about the potential risks, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
Conclusion paragraph:
Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. However, treatments are available to help lessen the symptoms and make life easier for those who suffer from it. If you have diabetes and are experiencing nerve damage, please talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. There are many options available, and with careful management you can live a full and happy life. Thank you for reading our blog post on ointments and diabetic neuropathy. We hope that you found it helpful.
