Foot and Leg Pain
Roughly 23 million individuals in the United States have diabetes, and more of the population is pre-diabetic. However, many do not know they have diabetes or are at risk for it. Others soon realize that they have diabetes when they start to develop a chronic pins-and-needles sensation in their feet and legs, also known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition is caused by diabetes-related nerve damage. Other symptoms include tingling, throbbing, sharp pain, numbness, and the sensation of being prodded by pins in the lower extremities.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, can cause long-term complications due to exposure to excessive blood glucose levels over an extended duration. Heightened blood sugar results in nerve damage to legs, feet, arms, and fingers. In the worse case scenario, untreated diabetic peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot ulcers and may require total amputation.
