Leg pain and cramps can happen because of diabetes-related nerve damage. Blood sugar management and certain medications may be able to help treat this diabetes complication symptom.
People with diabetes who develop a complication known as neuropathy may experience an array of symptoms, including pain, numbness, burning, tingling, or cramps.
A key way to help prevent or manage these symptoms and pain is managing blood sugar levels, which are directly tied to any diabetes complication.
Other treatment options with guidance from your healthcare team may also be possible, including prescription or over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Your feet and diabetes management
Diabetes-related neuropathy is
This diabetes complication can become debilitating, impacting your lower limbs and possibly leading to amputation.
The most important thing you can do to lower your risk of all complications, including those affecting your feet and legs, is to keep your blood sugar level within target range.
Over-the-counter pain medications may be an option to treat nerve damage and any pain that stems from that complication.
Over-the-counter meds
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, both available OTC in local stores and pharmacies, may help relieve mild or moderate pain. These may include:
- Tylenol
- Advil
- Motrin
- Aleve
Prescription medications
Your doctor may also consider a prescription medication to help relieve pain and symptoms from diabetes neuropathy. These may include:
- duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- pregabalin (Lyrica)
- gabapentin (Horizant, Gabarone, Gralise, Neurontin)
These are prescription drugs tied to depression, and you will want to consult your healthcare team before considering these as possible options to treat pain from diabetes-related neuropathy.
Certain dietary supplements may also help ease pain, including leg discomfort tied to diabetes.
While these are not all tied to treating neuropathy and related symptoms, some dietary supplements and nutrients may be beneficial in general because they affect your body’s nerve health.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): To help alleviate pain and possibly prevent further nerve damage. Some research supports the use of oral ALA, but it’s not conclusive. While found in some foods like broccoli and carrots, ALA is also available as an oral supplement.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine: Some
researchTrusted Source suggests ALC may help produce healthy nerve cells and reduce pain from diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy. This supplement has a risk of side effects, such as vomiting, and can interact with blood-thinning medications. - Vitamin B-12: Vitamin B-12 is present in meats and fish and helps support red blood cells. This vitamin may also potentially promote healthy nerve function to prevent damage.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D can also help support healthy nerve functions and decrease swelling that can lead to pain.
A healthy eating style is critical for overall health and leg pain relief in diabetes. However, it’s important to discuss supplements with your doctor before taking them for diabetes-related leg pain or any D-complications, especially if you take other medications.
You can also take actions to ease your toe or leg pain that include:
- going for short, frequent walks
- using a stationary bike to increase blood flow
- soaking your legs in a warm bath
- using a bed cradle at night to protect your legs from discomfort caused by bedding
Leg pain or related symptoms tied to diabetes neuropathy can affect your quality of life.
You can manage your blood sugars as part of a diabetes management plan, but you may also discuss medications and other treatment options with your healthcare team.