HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Pain Between Knee And Ankle From Neuropathy Due To Diabetes?

default
Posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2014
Question: I have a pain in my leg half way between my knee and ankle. It goes to my foot. It feels like my leg is asleep (like when your foot is asleep) but it also hurts. I am diabetic and wonder if it could be nerothapy (can't spell) from diabetes or if it is pain from having back problems (two surgeries 2012.) On my shin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: likely diabetic neuropathy Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the symptoms that you have described, it is possible that it is related to your diabetes. Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It can affect parts of the nervous system of the body including the nerves in the limbs. It is said to have affect the glove and stocking areas of the limbs. The symptoms related to neuropathy can vary, they can be negative ( reduced feelings or sensations such as the numbness/foot falling asleep) or positive ( such as pain, tingling, burning, shock like sensations, prickling). There is medication available that can help to reduce the pain and the abnormal sensations. Some examples are amitriptyline, tegretol, gabapentin, lyrica, the SSRI antidepressants. Though the above mentioned medications are all either antidepressants or anti seizure medications, they are also used for other reasons such as nerve related pain. It would be best to be assessed by your doctor to determine what would be the best treatment for you. In some cases of diabetic neuropathy , if there is tight control of the blood sugars, they can be mild improvement of symptoms. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Pain Between Knee And Ankle From Neuropathy Due To Diabetes?

Brief Answer: likely diabetic neuropathy Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the symptoms that you have described, it is possible that it is related to your diabetes. Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It can affect parts of the nervous system of the body including the nerves in the limbs. It is said to have affect the glove and stocking areas of the limbs. The symptoms related to neuropathy can vary, they can be negative ( reduced feelings or sensations such as the numbness/foot falling asleep) or positive ( such as pain, tingling, burning, shock like sensations, prickling). There is medication available that can help to reduce the pain and the abnormal sensations. Some examples are amitriptyline, tegretol, gabapentin, lyrica, the SSRI antidepressants. Though the above mentioned medications are all either antidepressants or anti seizure medications, they are also used for other reasons such as nerve related pain. It would be best to be assessed by your doctor to determine what would be the best treatment for you. In some cases of diabetic neuropathy , if there is tight control of the blood sugars, they can be mild improvement of symptoms. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions