Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for sending information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This condition often results in tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected areas, typically the hands and feet. Due to high blood sugar levels common in diabetes, people with this disease are more prone to peripheral neuropathy and the associated lack of sensation in the feet. This loss of feeling means that injuries, pressure sores, or other foot problems may go unnoticed. Without prompt and proper care, such untreated injuries can develop into diabetic foot ulcers, serious wounds that heal very slowly due to impaired circulation. If these ulcers become infected and treatment is not working, the ulcer can progress to gangrene, which involves the death of body tissue. This sometimes necessitates amputation to prevent further health complications. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, can help manage peripheral neuropathy and prevent severe complications. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your regular care team.
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 Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner 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 Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
