Why Does Diabetic Nerve Pain Intensify at Night?

Diabetic Nerve Pain

Diabetic nerve pain usually means pain, burning, and tingling all day, but for many people with diabetes, it means pain and tingling all night, too. The keeps many people with diabetic nerve pain wide awake, tossing and turning all night. Dr. Johnson treats patients with nerve pain caused by diabetes and other conditions, getting them back to a good night’s sleep.

Why Does Diabetic Nerve Pain Intensify at Night?

One theory about why diabetic nerve pain gets worse at night is that pain medication has worn off by bedtime, leaving sufferers to experience higher levels of pain after being numbed all day. Others think that the pain doesn’t change between daytime and nighttime, but with the distractions of work and life, you simply don’t notice how bad your pain is during the day. Another theory is that pain increases when you are tired because your nerves become inflamed from activity during the day. This argument may hold some weight, as many people with diabetic nerve pain, other types of neuropathy, and even arthritis find that their pain decreases after a night of rest.

How to Soothe Diabetic Nerve Pain

Control Your Blood Sugar. The first way to control diabetic nerve pain is to keep your blood sugar in check. High blood sugar for prolonged periods leads to inflammation of your nerves, which in turn causes pain to flare up. Relax. A warm foot soak or a hot bath helps you relax, which eases the pain of diabetic neuropathy for some people. Take care not to make your bath too hot because diabetic neuropathy can dull your pain sensors, which could leave you with burns. Get Moving. Regular exercise can reduce your nerve pain because it prompts the body to release endorphins, which help to reduce pain. Exercise also increases blood and oxygen flow to your feet, which contributes to reducing inflammation.

Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Stem cell therapy can also stop your diabetic nerve pain. Using your fat stem cells, Dr. Johnson can provide you with long-term relief from pain and inflammation. For more understanding read our blog Understanding Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Call Dr. Johnson today (972) 893-9849 to discuss how stem cell therapy can help your diabetic nerve pain.