Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage. The damage can provoke chronic symptoms along the nerve pathway and in the part of your body that houses the nerve.

What causes neuropathy?

Diabetes is a leading cause of neuropathy because excess blood sugar frequently causes damage to the nerves. Additional factors that contribute to neuropathy include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Traumatic injury
• Exposure to toxins

Certain hereditary disorders can also lead to permanent nerve damage.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy is associated with a variety of symptoms, depending on which nerves have sustained damage. Some of the most common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Sharp, stapping, or throbbing pain
• Freezing or burning sensations
• Sensitivity
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Loss of feeling

If you have diabetes, neuropathy can cause severe complications because it can lead to loss of sensation in your feet. This means you could develop a wound or ulcer in your foot, and you might not realize it until it has become infected or progressed to severity. For this reason, regular foot care with a qualified medical professional is essential for diabetic foot health.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose neuropathy, your podiatrist will perform a thorough evaluation of your feet; they’ll check your reflexes and look for signs and symptoms that indicate you may have the condition. They’ll also review your medical history, and take X-rays of your feet. They may order additional tests to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

How is neuropathy treated?

The team of caring podiatrists at podiatry team at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey specialize in the treatment of neuropathy and in diabetic foot care. Your provider will design a custom treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Treatment options may include:

• Medications to relieve symptoms
• Topical numbing creams
• Physical therapy

If your neuropathy is caused by structures or growths in your foot that are causing pressure on your nerve, surgery may be necessary to alleviate your symptoms. The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey are expert foot surgeons who can safely perform surgery to relieve the discomfort of neuropathy.

To learn more, schedule a neuropathy evaluation at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey today. Call the office, or make an appointment online.