Peripheral neuropathy indicates damage to nerves that serve the extremities, and it commonly affects the lower limbs, feet, and toes. This condition is often caused as a result of sustaining high levels of blood sugar and is common among diabetics. Symptoms include sensations of numbness and tingling in the feet and toes, mainly because the nerves that serve those areas are unable to send messages to the extremities. Other symptoms are loss of the ability to feel pain and changes in temperature. This puts a patient in danger of ignoring cuts and sores that develop on the feet. It also means they cannot tell if they are walking on an extremely hot surface that could burn their feet. Burning and shooting pains are common in people who have developed peripheral neuropathy, and these frequently occur during the night. In addition, the skin is overly sensitive to touch, and even having a sheet over the lower extremities can cause discomfort. If you believe you may have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly test for this condition and offer treatment options.
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 Cascade Foot 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 offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
