Diabetic Neuropathy Pain Relief Patches

Patches are a great alternative to having to take drugs orally. There are patches that help to stop smoking, to lose weight and even to manage pain for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

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Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain affects approximately 60 to 70% of people with diabetes, especially those that have had diabetes for over 25 years. This is why it’s very important to control your blood glucose and levels of insulin.

Over time, people with diabetic neuropathy can develop tingling or pain in their toes, feet, legs, hands and arms. Most doctors treat this condition with pain medication, but many people have the option of using a lidocaine patch.

Lidocaine patches are used for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, as well as diabetic nerve pain. The patch contains 5% lidocaine, which is safe to use with other medications. Studies have found that most patients show a significant reduction of pain.

Just recently a study in Stockholm performed a study on a capsaicin 8% patch and found that patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy benefited from less pain and better sleep quality after they used this patch. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers, which is produces the spicy burning sensation.

In the U.S. a capsaicin patch exists for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, but not for diabetic neuropathy. When applied to the area where you have pain, the high concentration of capsaicin contained in the patch is released into the skin where it overstimulates the pain-sensing nerves. It can take up to 2 weeks to take full effect and can last up to 12 weeks following a single application.

Hopefully the diabetic neuropathy patch will soon come to the U.S. Capsaicin is a popular ingredient found in topical creams and ointment. Many people use the over-the-counter products that help relieve pain that include this ingredient. Talk to your doctor before trying any pain medication.

NEXT: 7 Reasons to Add Cayenne Pepper to Your Diet