Everything You Need to Know About Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a fancy term for nerve damage that affects your ability to feel and balance. It is widely known that this condition is most present in the hands and feet of diabetics, but there are exceptions that we at Step By Step Family Foot Care will highlight in this article. From causes, risks, complications, and what to do about it, we’ve got you covered.
Peripheral Neuropathy Causes and Risk Factors
Here’s the science: peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, are damaged or diseased. This damage can disrupt communication, leading to sensory, motor, or autonomic nerve dysfunction in the feet and ankles.
Common causes and risk factors for peripheral neuropathy in the feet and ankles include:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet, making diabetes the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy.
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nerve damage, particularly affecting the feet and ankles.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies in B vitamins can contribute to neuropathy in the feet.
- Inherited Disorders: Some forms of neuropathy are inherited, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which can cause weakness and deformities in the feet and ankles.
Symptoms and Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy
The classic symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are numbness or tingling in the feet and toes, burning or shooting pain in the feet and ankles, heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature, changes in the skin, hair, or nails, and muscle weakness or cramps in the lower legs and feet.
Due to this loss of sensation, you may not be able to judge how bad cuts or wounds are getting, which increases the risk of infections. In severe cases, untreated infections or tissue damage may require amputation of toes, feet, or even parts of the leg. You may even be more prone to falling and fracturing your foot or ankle.
Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy
Living with peripheral neuropathy can be challenging, but proactive management can help improve your quality of life. This includes:
- Medications: Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants can help manage nerve pain. Talk with your podiatrist to determine the best options.
- Lifestyle changes: Controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes, reducing alcohol consumption, and improving nutrition can help slow the progression of neuropathy.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies can help improve strength, balance, and coordination in the feet and ankles.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure and improve foot alignment.
- Protective footwear: Wear cushioned, well-fitting shoes that protect your feet and offer good support.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: To us, this is a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the ability to manage your stress!
Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with your podiatry needs. To make an appointment with Dr. Debra Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready and eager to help.
