Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
medium

Due to the weakness of the ankles, degenerative arthritis of the ankle, knee, or hip may develop over years and require joint replacements.

Osteoarthritis

long term
medium

Neuropathic (burning, tingling, shooting) pain may occur as a result of the neuropathy, while bone and joint pain may result from pressure on the feet. Muscle cramps and restless legs may also occur.

Neuropathic pain can be treated with gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and amitriptyline.[14][44] Topical lidocaine patches may help localised pain.[44] Potentially addictive medications, such as narcotics, opioids, and muscle relaxants, should be avoided when possible. Non-pharmaceutical approaches should be used in conjunction with medications for pain lasting >6 months, ideally within a specialised multidisciplinary team.[14]

Joint, bone, and muscle pains require different approaches and should be treated appropriately.

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