Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a problem involving your peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that send and receive messages from your brain and spinal cord. At Montgomery Podiatry in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, the team of experienced podiatrists manages neuropathy that affects the feet. That is a common problem for people with diabetes, increasing the risk of foot infections and other complications. For help with foot neuropathy, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature today. 

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs when you have damaged or dysfunctional peripheral nerves, affecting communication between your peripheral nervous system and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). 

Your peripheral nervous system has three types of nerves:

Motor nerves

Motor nerves receive messages from your brain to move muscles, allowing you to stand and walk.

Sensory nerves

Sensory nerves send messages to your brain about the environment around you, including temperature, touch, smell, and pain.

Autonomic nerves

Autonomic nerves control unconscious body functions, like breathing and digestion.

Neuropathy may affect any type of peripheral nerve, causing a wide range of symptoms. Anyone can develop neuropathy, but it’s most common in people with diabetes.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on the type and location of the affected nerve. People with diabetes experience sensory and motor nerve damage in the extremities (feet and ankles).

Common symptoms you may have with neuropathy in the feet include:

• Tingling
• Pins and needles sensation
• Foot pain
• Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
• Numbness
• Foot pain at night
• Loss of foot or ankle muscle mass
• Poor balance

The most concerning problem with neuropathy and diabetes is a lack of sensation in the feet. If you have a wound on your foot, you may not know it. When left untreated, this wound may lead to a serious infection and limb amputation.

When should I see a podiatrist for neuropathy?

If you have any numbness, tingling, or other nerve-related problems in your feet, you should schedule an appointment at Montgomery Podiatry. Everyone with diabetes needs regular diabetic foot care from a skilled podiatrist.

The team reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your feet. They may also perform nerve conduction studies (NCS) to determine the type of nerve damage you have. 

What are the treatments for neuropathy?

In most cases, neuropathy is irreversible. However, the team at Montgomery Podiatry creates a plan that reduces the risk of further nerve damage and complications. Treatment for neuropathy may include:

• Change in footwear
• Use of foot padding
• Custom orthotics
• Regular foot exams

If you have diabetes, the team at Montgomery Podiatry encourages you to take steps to improve blood sugar control.

Don’t ignore your foot tingling and numbness; call Montgomery Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.