Diabetic Neuropathy and the Feet
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that frequently affects the feet and lower leg. It results from high blood sugar levels, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, along with muscle weakness that can impact walking. Reduced sensation also makes it difficult to feel injuries, leading to unnoticed cuts or sores that heal slowly. Left untreated, these injuries may worsen, heightening the risk of infections and ulcers. For those with diabetic neuropathy, routine foot care is essential to prevent complications. A podiatrist can assist by evaluating the feet, monitoring any signs of damage, and providing guidance on footwear and skin care. This foot doctor can also suggest lifestyle modifications to support foot health and help manage the condition effectively. Regular checkups with a podiatrist help to reduce the risk of severe foot problems that are associated with diabetic neuropathy. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and regular treatment.
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 doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. 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 Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
