but to really grasp what is going on go to this site.....one I have referenced many times:
http://www.telemedicine.org/stamford.htm
Click on the left menu 'diabetes in skin disease' and be very sure to read the introduction and abstract....then go to 'diabetic neuropathies' of the different types. WHY? Because this explains in WORDS the whole process of what is happening to your nerves and skin when and while this neuropathy is 'active' and then to a lesser degree what happens after damage is done.
I myself, do NOT have diabetic neuropathy. But I caught on early that the treatments for most neuropathies are similar and that the precautions you must, MUST take are similar as well. I deal with my appendages as carefully if not MORE than many diabetics. I've done the broken foot thing, leg thing and while my 'numbness' gauge should'nt say I could hurt so much? Well I do, It DID and I wasn't a happy camper.
That you have had PN pain for a decade says it all, that you had some MAJOR relief for a few days? I gotta ask - Hey what was different? For me I had a few HOURS of a break the day following some medical tests for which I'd gotten anesthesia - Took me a bit to really realize that what was 'missing' was that pain? I decided to just enjoy it and savor every single second! That after five years of PN progressions.... So hat's off to you!

Hugs and hope to all! - j