Diabetes Complications: What Is Femoral Neuropathy?

Diabetes mellitus refers to a range of disorders that alter how the body uses blood sugar (glucose) (glucose). Glucose is a key source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It is the principal source of energy for the brain.

Blood sugar levels determine the severity of diabetic symptoms. Some patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, may not have symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms typically arise unexpectedly and are more severe. It may also cause diabetic complications like Femoral Neuropathy.

What is Femoral Neuropathy?

When the femoral nerve, in particular, is injured, you can develop femoral neuropathy due to femoral nerve damage, also known as femoral nerve dysfunction, which prevents you from moving or feeling a portion of your leg. This might happen as a result of an injury, persistent pressure on the nerve, or disease-related damage. The majority of the time, this condition will resolve on its own. However, if symptoms don’t go away, medicines and physical therapy can be required.

Femoral neuropathy could result from diabetes. Diabetes can cause extensive nerve damage as a result of changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Peripheral neuropathy is the term for nerve injury that affects your legs, foot, toes, hands, and arms. 

Symptoms of Femoral Neuropathy

Having trouble moving around can be a result of this nerve issue. You can feel weak in your leg or knee and find it difficult to apply pressure to the injured leg.

Radicular pain, also known as femoral nerve pain, is a typical symptom of femoral dysfunction. It spreads from your back and hips into your legs. Additional signs include:

• Numbness in any area of the leg (usually the front and inside of the thigh, but sometimes all the way down to the feet) (typically the front and inside of the thigh, but potentially all the way down to the feet)
• Any area of the leg tingles
• Genital pain that is dull and painful
• Weakened lower extremity muscles
• Inability to fully extend the knee due to weak quadriceps
• Feeling as though your knee or leg is about to buckle

How are Issues with the Femoral Nerve Injury Identified?

Your healthcare professional will examine you physically and assess your symptoms. Your provider may also order one or more of these tests to reach a diagnosis:

• In order to measure the electrical signals sent through the neural system, electromyography and nerve conduction studies are used.
• MRI or X-rays to check for cancers, muscle damage, and broken bones.
• Neuromuscular Ultrasound is used to detect inflammation, tumors, and nerve damage in the muscles.

Preventing Nerve Damage – Useful Tips

These steps can help keep your nervous system in good shape:

• Adopt healthy stress-management techniques such as meditation, walking, or listening to music.
• Be physically active on the majority of weekdays.
• Consume a well-balanced diet.
• Get rid of excess weight (if needed).
• Manage neuropathy-causing illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Seek assistance in quitting smoking. Tobacco reduces the flow of blood to the nerves.

Controlling your blood sugar levels can reduce your risk of femoral neuropathy caused by diabetes. This helps to protect your nerves from the effects of this condition. Consult your doctor for guidance on the best preventive measures for you.

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/femoral-nerve-dysfunction#prevention
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21786-femoral-nerve