Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a general term for nerve damage or nerve disease. Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to your peripheral nerves that send signals from your brain and spinal cord to your limbs. A common complication of diabetes, neuropathy can cause problems with your feet, legs, hands, and arms.

Diabetic neuropathy can result from uncontrolled blood sugar, which affects your circulation. Your feet are especially vulnerable to circulatory problems because they’re located farthest from the heart. Even if you don’t have issues with blood flow, your heart has to work harder to supply your feet with blood.

When you have uncontrolled blood sugar, your circulation gets worse. If the nerves in your feet don’t receive the oxygen they need, they may sustain nerve damage.

Neuropathy interferes with your nerves’ ability to send signals, causing symptoms that can be extremely painful and disabling. The condition is manageable, but without treatment, you may be unable to reverse nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

In the early stages of diabetic neuropathy, it’s common to feel tingling sensations in your legs and feet. Your legs and feet may also feel numb or weak, and you may not be able to feel temperature changes.

In addition to numbness, diabetic neuropathy can cause significant pain. You may feel burning, stabbing, or shooting pains. Instead of numbness, you may become extremely sensitive to touch, so much so that it hurts for bedsheets to touch your feet.

Neuropathy can cause problems with walking, balance, and coordination. You may fall more often, have difficulty sensing your position, or notice changes in the way you walk.

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms usually affect both sides of your body and are worse at night.

Schedule an appointment at Premier Foot & Ankle as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. Early intervention is key to controlling symptoms and preventing permanent nerve damage.  

How is neuropathy treated?

If you have diabetic neuropathy, your podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle can help you manage the symptoms. You may feel more comfortable if you wear diabetic shoes or custom orthotics. To help you deal with the pain, your podiatrist may recommend pain medication or in-office pain relief procedures such as nerve blocks.

If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to take care of your feet. Reduced sensation and circulation in your feet can lead to diabetic foot ulcers and infections. These complications are treatable and preventable if you inspect your feet regularly and see your podiatrist if you see any signs of injury or infection.

As with other diabetes complications, the best way to manage neuropathy is to keep your blood sugar under control. Be sure to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and take any medication prescribed.

To schedule an appointment at Premier Foot & Ankle, call or use the online booking tool.