Peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, occurs when high levels of fats or sugar in the blood damage nerves throughout the body, particularly in the extremities like the feet and hands. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in these areas. Peripheral neuropathy often progresses gradually and can be unnoticed until its more advanced stages. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist to assess reflexes, sensation loss, and skin changes. Additional tests like electromyograms, EMG, or nerve conduction velocity tests, abbreviated NCV, may be required for confirmation. While there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, managing blood sugar levels is the best way to slow its progression. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, such as ulcers. It is important to seek care from a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle health, for comprehensive management of peripheral neuropathy. To help maintain mobility and prevent complications like ulcers and amputations, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist in your medical team.

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 John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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:

• 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 Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.