Due to the subjectivity of pain symptoms in diabetic foot ulcer cases, a recent study has found that patients experiencing neuropathic pain often go undiagnosed.

Other aspects of a patient's life, such as depression and anxiety, may influence their perceptions of pain, and its symptoms may go undetected. Often it is found that patients are more concerned about their visible ulcer, rather than the invisible pain, ignoring the symptoms of neuropathic pain. These symptoms can include tingling, redness, burning and sensitivity to the touch.

The International Wound Journal reports that at least 25% of patients attending clinics for chronic pain also experience neuropathic pain. In their study, the researchers assessed 44 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. It was estimated that 43.2% of these patients experienced neuropathic discomfort, while only 18.2% were being treated for it.

The benefits of treating diabetic foot patients without symptomatic pain necessitates further assessment.

Image: Pain. Credit: ben.seid on Flickr.