Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, most commonly in the feet and legs. Causes include prolonged uncontrolled diabetes, poor circulation, and nerve inflammation. Symptoms may involve tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain that can worsen at night. Risk factors include duration of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and being overweight. This condition increases the chance of foot injuries, ulcers, and infections because loss of sensation makes it harder to notice problems early. A podiatrist can help by monitoring foot health, treating complications, and providing guidance on protective care. If you have diabetes and have symptoms of foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to find relief, and manage this serious condition.
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.
