Foot neuropathy refers to nerve damage in the feet, leading to sensory loss, tingling, or pain. It often results from conditions like diabetes, where prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, including those in the feet. Diabetes-related foot neuropathy is common due to poor circulation and nerve damage caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include numbness, burning sensations, or sharp pains in the feet. Left untreated, foot neuropathy can lead to complications such as foot ulcers and infections. If you have foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide comprehensive foot assessments to monitor nerve function, offer preventive measures to reduce the risk of complications, and prescribe medications or nerve-stimulating treatments to alleviate symptoms.
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 our podiatrist from Dr. Powers Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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:
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 one of our offices located in Bloomington, Bedford, and Washington, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.