
Is TENS Advisable For Diabetic Neuropathy?

Question: my wife has diabetic neuopathy?, the local Dr. don't have many solutions, so my friends recommended the TENS units. do they do any good and if so what is a good unit to look into
Brief Answer:
Several studies show benefit with TENS therapy.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Guidelines for treatment of diabetic neuropathy symptoms do not currently include TENS.
However there are a number of published studies indicating improvement from TENS therapy with significant decrease in pain levels. So given that it is a very safe method of treatment, I would certainly try it if other options have failed.
By other options I mean medication like gabapentin, pregabalin or duloxetin as well as anesthetic creams like capsaicin. If those options have bee exhausted I would recommend TENS.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several studies show benefit with TENS therapy.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Guidelines for treatment of diabetic neuropathy symptoms do not currently include TENS.
However there are a number of published studies indicating improvement from TENS therapy with significant decrease in pain levels. So given that it is a very safe method of treatment, I would certainly try it if other options have failed.
By other options I mean medication like gabapentin, pregabalin or duloxetin as well as anesthetic creams like capsaicin. If those options have bee exhausted I would recommend TENS.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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