The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves that reach receptors in the skin for sensations and muscle fibers for motion. Everything starts in the spinal cord and nerves branch out until they reach their destinations. Specific parts of the brain are responsible for moving muscles or sensing pain locations. Peripheral neuropathy is a term that refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system. Different types of peripheral neuropathy create different symptoms. Sensory symptoms include numbness, pain, hot or cold sensations, needle-pricking sensations, and complete loss of sensation. Motor manifestations present themselves as muscle weakness, twitching, paralysis, tremors, and severe cramps. Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is challenging, both in the condition created and the underlying cause. The condition and its cause are especially important if there is a lack of sensation, as this can make extremities liable to injury without care. Wounds can become infected, and limbs can be in danger. If you feel you might have peripheral neuropathy, contact a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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 New York Foot and Ankle. 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 Franklin Square, Bethpage, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
