Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves carry messages about feeling and movement. Symptoms in the feet include numbness, tingling, or burning pain. Some patients notice sharp pain, muscle weakness, or sensitivity to touch. Balance can also suffer because the feet provide less reliable information about the ground. Symptoms can remain steady or come and go. Diabetes is a leading cause because high blood sugar can damage nerves in the lower limbs and feet. Other causes include physical injury, infection, or heavy alcohol use.
Loss of feeling in the feet can create serious risks. A patient might not notice a cut, blister, or pressure point because they do not feel the pain. Without prompt care, a small wound can develop into an ulcer or infection. Severe infections can damage tissue and raise the risk of limb loss. Weakness and poor balance can also make falls more likely. People with diabetes or known nerve damage can benefit from regular foot examinations. A podiatrist can check sensation, circulation, and muscle strength. The examination also includes a search for skin damage and changes in foot shape.
Podiatric treatment focuses on protecting the feet and addressing problems early. A podiatrist can trim thick nails safely, treat calluses, and care for wounds. These services matter when reduced feeling makes an injury more likely to be ignored. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and improve stability when weakness changes how weight is carried. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to monitor sensation, examine the skin, and respond to new concerns. Early diagnosis can limit further nerve damage, protect daily mobility, and preserve independence. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.
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 Zina Cappiello, DPM from Dr. Zina B. Cappiello DPM, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Clifton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
