What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged and stop functioning properly. The peripheral nerves are sensory nerves that control how your brain sends and receives sensation signals and affects what you feel, like pain, touch, and temperature. Damage to these nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet and toes, as well as balance and gait issues that make it difficult to walk. Without the proper care, your condition and symptoms can become more severe, and significantly hinder your quality of life.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Many factors can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy, including:
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Genetic predisposition
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Advanced age
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Excessive weight gain
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Injuries and infections
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Certain medications and environmental toxins
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Chemotherapy agents
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Alcoholism
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Autoimmune disorders, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV
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Neurological disorders, like spina bifida and fibromyalgia
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Diseases of the liver, kidneys, and thyroid
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Diabetes
Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States today. About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy. This is caused by high blood sugar levels that can damage the nerves in your legs and feet. Diabetic nerves are also more susceptible to compression in tight areas like the ankle because the by-product of sugar attracts water, which causes them to swell.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet are often described as:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is highly critical to see a qualified, reputable podiatrist for treatment as soon as possible. Any change in sensation in the fingers or toes could be an early indicator of a more serious problem, such as diabetes. Numbness is a particular concern, for if you cannot feel your feet, you may not know if you have an injury that requires treatment, and a small injury, like a cut or blister, can become infected. This is especially true for diabetic patients, for whom infections can spread quickly and can be more difficult to heal, due to the poor circulation issues they often experience.
How is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?
Although there is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy, there are many treatment options that can help relieve your symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the overall quality of your overall health and wellness. Treatment options include:
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Medications, injections, or patches to alleviate discomfort and pain
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Nutrient-rich foods and vitamins supplements, to protect and restore nerve tissues
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Immunosuppressant Medications for conditions caused by an autoimmune disorder
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Physical Therapy to help improve your strength, balance, and function (i.e. walking with ease)
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Custom Orthotics, to reduce foot movement and protect your feet while you are wearing shoes
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Light Therapy Boots, to help relieve pain and improve circulation
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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation treatments, to relieve your discomfort by preventing pain signals from traveling to your brain
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MLS Laser Therapy, to improve blood flow, decrease inflammation and pain, and facilitate nerve tissue healing
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Surgery, for more severe cases, to repair, destroy, or alleviate pressure on the nerves
If you have peripheral neuropathy, you should have your feet examined by a qualified podiatrist at least once per year. Because without the proper care, your condition and symptoms will most likely get worse and possibly result in permanent damage.
What Home Remedies Might Help?
If you have peripheral neuropathy, there are lifestyles changes you can make to help slow the progression and relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including:
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Avoid smoking, alcohol, toxins, and weight gain
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Eat healthy meals with essential vitamins and minerals
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Exercise regularly, to improve circulation and strength
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Wear properly fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot to prevent injury
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Examine your feet, especially with decreased sensation, to identify and treat an injury before it becomes a much larger problem.
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For patients with diabetes, manage blood sugar levels carefully, because high blood sugar can exacerbate nerve damage.
How can I Prevent Peripheral Neuropathy?
The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy from occurring is to live a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet with proper nutrition, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, toxins, and weight gain. For diabetics, it is very important to control your blood sugars.
Dr. Kelly Geoghan is a board-certified podiatrist with over 25 years of experience caring for patients.
Renowned for her clinical expertise, gentle manner, and outstanding results, Dr. Geoghan will work with you to treat your condition and relieve your pain, so you can live an active life in comfort.
Take the first step towards a happier, healthier, more comfortable life today! Contact us online or call 410.753.4422 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
