Signs You May Have Developed Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the feet, specifically causing them to lose feeling. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you have developed a serious foot condition and can not feel the symptoms of it. Neuropathy may also alter the shape of your foot. Your arch may be raised, your toes can begin to bend downward, and the bones at the ball of your foot may protrude outward. When the shape of the foot changes, it in turn changes its overall function as well. To keep your feet comfortable, you may want to look into wearing shoes with extra support. Other signs that indicate you may have developed neuropathy include sensations of numbness, stinging, burning, and stabbing aches and pains. Hypersensitivity, as well as dry or cracked skin may develop due to neuropathy. In order to receive a proper diagnosis, and a suggested plan for treatment, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.