Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may help provide pain relief for people with diabetic neuropathy. However, more research is necessary.

Some research suggests that high and low frequency TENS may help manage different types of diabetic neuropathy pain.

If you wish to consider TENS for pain management, talk with your doctor about whether they think it would be suitable.

Read on to learn more about whether TENS can be an effective method for managing diabetic neuropathy pain.

TENS uses a mild electrical current to help provide pain relief.

A TENS machine is a small device with wires that are connected to electrode pads. You stick the electrode pads to your skin and turn on the machine. It then transmits small electrical impulses to that part of your body.

A medical professional can administer TENS, and they may teach you how to use the device for home use.

A 2010 study examined three randomized controlled trials involving 78 people with symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Researchers found that average pain scores were significantly reduced in people receiving TENS therapy than those in the placebo group.

Another 2010 study found that TENS has the potential to provide modest pain reduction for people with diabetic neuropathy.

A very small 2022 report also suggests that TENS shows promise in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Researchers looked at the effects of a ReBuilder TENS and electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) machine alongside other treatments.

However, the report notes that larger studies are necessary to better understand the possible benefits of TENS in cases of diabetic neuropathy.

According to a 2022 study, both high and low frequency TENS may help with managing diabetic neuropathy pain. The frequency is the speed at which the TENS device administers the stimulation.

Researchers assessed the possible benefits of high frequency TENS using monophasic impulses with a frequency of 100 hertz (Hz). They also looked at the benefits of low frequency TENS using monophasic impulses with a frequency of 1 Hz.

Researchers found that physical pain responded better to high frequency TENS than emotional pain.

Affective aspects of pain responded better to low frequency TENS. Affective aspects of pain describes the emotional response to physical pain.

More studies are necessary to understand the possible benefits of both high and low frequency TENS therapy for people with diabetic neuropathy.

Because there’s limited research into the benefits of TENS for diabetic neuropathy pain, it’s unclear how frequently you should use TENS to manage symptoms.

A 2017 review looked into the possible benefits of TENS for neuropathic pain in adults. Researchers found a variety in application times, with some people using TENS for anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes daily.

It’s best to speak with a doctor before using TENS for diabetic neuropathy. Your doctor can advise on how frequently they recommend TENS based on your individual circumstances.

You may choose to use TENS therapy alongside other treatments for diabetic neuropathy.

A 2013 review suggests that TENS could be an effective adjunctive treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This means it could help with pain management alongside other treatments. Some studies found improvement in painful symptoms of neuropathy and unusual sensations of neuropathy in people with diabetes.

Talk with your doctor if you’re considering incorporating TENS into your treatment plan for diabetic neuropathy. TENS may not be as effective if you’re taking certain medications, such as opioids.

TENS is generally a safe treatment. However, the electrode pads can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

TENS is also not safe for everybody. Consult a doctor for advice before using TENS if you:

  • are pregnant or might be pregnant
  • have a heart condition
  • have a pacemaker or other metal or electrical implant
  • have epilepsy
  • have an overactive bladder

It may be possible to treat pain and unusual sensations caused by diabetic neuropathy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. The treatment uses mild electrical currents to provide pain relief.

If you wish to consider adding TENS therapy to your current treatment plan for diabetic neuropathy, you can speak with your doctor about the safety of the therapy and whether they recommend it alongside other treatments.