Diabetes is a metabolic disease. When left unmanaged, it can lead to several complications. Sensory and motor neuropathy are among the known complications of the disease. At least half of those with diabetes suffer from it. Aside from being the most common, sensory and motor neuropathy are also among the most unpleasant complications of diabetes.
The loss of nerve function among diabetics doesn’t just impede the motor abilities but can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias, foot ulcers, sprains, fractures, and even amputations. These greatly reduce a diabetic’s quality of life and in worst some cases, can be the cause of one’s death.
Sensorimotor Neuropathy
In sensory motor neuropathy, the senses and reflexes on the limbs are reduced. This usually begins on the lower extremities, particularly on the toes then gradually moving up along the leg. It is characterized by bouts of numbness, loss of sensation and prickling, and burning pain at night. Sometimes, the patient would complain of proprioception, a kind of feeling on which the person doesn’t have a clue on where his limb is.
This loss of sensation on the limbs makes it harder for a diabetic to notice that he has stepped into a foreign object. A lot of videos have shown diabetics stepping on a nail but barely noticing it until he saw his foot bleeding.
This is actually the worst complication of the disease as this causes delay in treatment. It can also aggravate the person’s condition. A simple wound can end up in toe or foot amputation due to deep infection or ulcers.
Other complications of sensorimotor neuropathy include the following:
Charcot joint which is a result of numerous fractures on the ankle, foot, or knee
Toe contractures which may cause the hand or toe to look gaunt or without muscles
Reduced dorsiflexion
Managing Sensorimotor Neuropathy
Because sensorimotor neuropathy could sometimes be detected as early as the diabetes itself, your doctor should already be vigilant for signs of this condition and make plans to manage it. Failure to diagnose this early can lead to drastic consequences like amputation or death.
Most management plans for sensorimotor neuropathy can either fall into those that provide short-term relief or those that can be categorized as progressive therapies.
Short-term relief management plans aim to address bouts of pain or discomfort while progressive therapies aim to slow down the effect of the condition.
Apart from therapies, here are other ways to manage the complications of sensorimotor neuropathy:
Stabilize glycemia
Manage pain through medications
Take care of your feet
