Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves carry messages between the brain, feet, and the rest of the body. When the nerves do not work correctly, they can send the wrong signals or fail to send signals at all. This problem frequently affects the feet first because the longest nerves travel to the toes. Symptoms include numbness, burning pain, or sharp discomfort. Some patients also notice weakness or a reduced ability to feel heat, cold, or pressure. Balance can become less steady because the feet cannot sense the ground as well while walking. Among the leading causes of peripheral neuropathy is high blood sugar from diabetes.
A podiatrist plays an important role in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy and preserving foot health. Diagnosis begins with a medical history and a careful foot examination. The podiatrist checks sensation, strength, and circulation. Additional testing can help measure how well the nerves are working or identify another condition causing the symptoms. Regular foot evaluations help detect skin changes, pressure areas, and small injuries before they become more serious. Early diagnosis also helps reduce the risk of infections and other complications that can threaten foot health. Patients with reduced feeling benefit from professional monitoring because even minor foot problems can become more difficult to manage when sensation is limited.
Treatment focuses on the cause of the nerve damage and protecting the feet from further problems. A podiatrist provides routine foot care and treats wounds. This foot doctor also recommends custom orthotics or shoes that provide proper support while reducing pressure on sensitive areas. Additionally, the podiatrist monitors changes in sensation and foot structure while helping lower the risk of ulcers and other complications. Consistent podiatric care supports comfort, mobility, and safer movement while walking. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with One of our podiatrists from Aurora Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
