The lead author was Yu-Wen Chen, PhD. of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. The results support exercise as a nondrug alternative treatment for neuropathic pain and suggests it may work by reducing inflammation-producing substances like cytokines. Neuropathy is commonly seen in diabetics, who have nerve damage in their feet. Dr. Chen and his colleagues studied the effects of exercise on neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve injury in rats. After the nerve injury, some rats performed excessive exercise for several weeks, such as swimming or treadmill running. Pain behavior was monitored and evaluated against neuropathic pain severity. The results showed significant reductions in neuropathic pain in rats who swam or ran on the treadmill. The exercise reduced abnormal responses to temperature and pressure, both of which are characteristics of neuropathic pain.
Exercise lead to an increased production of a protein, heat-shock protein-27, which may have contributed to the decreased amount of cytokines. Neuropathy can be a difficult condition to treat, both with medication and without medication. Antidepressant and antiepileptic drugs can be helpful, but have significant side effects. Exercise reduced pain by 30 to 50 percent. The study also added new evidence that inflammation contributes to the development of neuropathic pain.
If you are a diabetic who suffers from neuropathy and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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