What Is Neuropathy Of The Foot?

Neuropathy of the foot is a chronic neurological issue that affects over 42 million Americans. It’s caused by damage to peripheral nerves, which is most often associated with complications of diabetes mellitus. While there’s no cure for this disorder, there are several treatments that can ease the symptoms. Twin Rivers Podiatry, of Easton, PA, has the resources and expertise to diagnose and treat the symptoms of your peripheral neuropathy.

What Causes Neuropathy Of The Foot?

Neuropathy is the result of damage done to the small nerve fibers in the extremities. If you have trouble managing blood sugar, or if you have certain nutritional deficiencies or an autoimmune disorder, you might be at risk of developing the condition yourself. Neuropathy of the foot usually begins as numbness and tingling in the toes and the soles of the feet, which may then develop into pain in the nerve endings throughout the foot. It can also affect the hands, where the symptoms are substantially the same. Ultimately, the only reliable way to diagnose foot neuropathy is with a visit to the podiatrist for a medical history, physical exam and possibly a biopsy.

How Can Foot Neuropathy Be Treated?

Once you have a diagnosis, you and your doctor can talk about your treatment options. Treatment is generally aimed at both relieving the symptoms of neuropathy and at reducing or eliminating the underlying cause. Obesity, for example, is a contributor to both neuropathy and several of the conditions that can cause it, such as diabetes. In this case, losing excess weight could reduce or eliminate the symptoms of neuropathy in the foot. While long-term treatments are being tried, your doctor may prescribe pain medication for you to improve your comfort.

The symptoms of foot neuropathy range from unpleasant to painful, but you don’t have to silently suffer from the condition. With improvements to your diet and exercise, medication to ease the symptoms and even laser treatments of the layer of skin where the damaged nerve endings are located, you can overcome the worst of this chronic condition and function at a normal level for the rest of your life.

If you have neuropathy of the foot, or if you’ve just started showing signs of this common disease, you can find the help you need to manage it by calling Twin Rivers Podiatry, of Easton, PA, at 610-253-2251, or by setting an appointment via our website.