Get the Facts about Peripheral Neuropathy

At NY Foot Health, we know that peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition that can result in harm to your feet and the rest of your body if not detected and properly managed. Neuropathy is another word for nerve damage and the peripheral nerves are those in your feet and hands.

Signs and Symptoms

Unusual sensations such as tingling, burning, stabbing, or shooting pains are all potential signs of neuropathy. Numbness or a decreased ability to perceive sensations in your feet can also be symptomatic of this condition. Nerves play other roles too such as helping control motor and autonomic functions in the body. For this reason, your ability to move your feet properly or maintain adequate moisture levels in the skin of your feet can be impacted. Extremely dry skin and cracked heels are possible indicators of neuropathy.

Who’s at Risk?

The leading cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association estimates that 60 to 70 percent of diabetics will develop neuropathy. There are other potential causes of neuropathy, however. A family history of this condition and aging raises the risk of developing neuropathy. Other possible causes include:

  • Arthritis

  • Alcoholism

  • Neurological disorders—such as fibromyalgia and spina bifida

  • Certain medications, including some chemotherapy medicines.

  • Injury

Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment is Key

The danger of neuropathy is that an inability to accurately perceive sensations in your feet could mean that a cut, puncture wound, burn, or other injuries may not be detected at the time it occurs. This can lead to significant damage to the feet and/or the development of an infection. For patients with diabetes or other diseases that decrease circulation, this poses a significant medical threat because decreased blood flow makes healing more difficult. Wounds that don’t heal can become infected and may ultimately require amputation. That’s why it’s important to report any unusual sensations in your feet to your podiatrist right away. If you don’t currently have a foot doctor it’s essential that you find one and our online directory can help.

Although there is no cure for neuropathy, the podiatrist will talk to you about ways to protect your feet such as:

  • Inspecting your feet daily for signs of injury

  • Avoiding walking barefoot

  • Testing the water temperature of your bath or shower

If you have diabetes, your podiatrist will also work with other members of your care team to help you better control your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication which can slow the progression of your neuropathy and help keep your feet healthy.

To learn more about conditions that affect your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

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