Stepping Up: Why Peripheral Neuropathy Warrants A Visit To The Podiatrist
When the nerves are damaged, it can be painful and make it hard to move around and have any kind of sensation. This is called peripheral neuropathy. People dealing with this challenging condition must know its symptoms, causes, and treatment alternatives.
Symptoms
- Feeling numb and tingling sensation in the feet. These sensations, if not treated on time, can spread and move up to other parts of the body, including arms.
- Patients may feel a burning or prickling sensation that won’t go away.
- Muscle weakness and trouble moving some of them. Problems with balance and rhythm.
- Being sensitive to touch. More pain or sensitivity, even with a light touch.
- The loss of reflexes.
Causes
- Diabetes: The most typical cause is nerve damage. This is from having high blood sugar for a long time.
- Trauma or Injury: Nerves can be hurt by crashes, injuries, or surgeries.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Nerve damage can happen because of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some Conditions: Neuropathy in the extremities can be caused by some diseases, like shingles or HIV.
- Medicines: Toxins or the side effects of some medications can also play a role.
Treatment
- Medication: Painkillers, drugs that stop seizures, and stimulants may help ease the effects.
- Physical Therapy: Ways to get stronger, more balanced, and better coordinated.
- Nerve Stimulation: Electrical waves might be able to ease pain.
- Surgery: In cases of pressure, surgery might be an option.
- Changes to your lifestyle: Taking care of underlying diseases like diabetes. Adopting a good way of life by eating right and working out.
People with peripheral neuropathy can have a hard time with daily tasks, but knowing its signs, what causes it, and the treatments that are available can help them deal with it better. Consulting with medical professionals, such as podiatrists who specialize in nerve-related problems, is the best way to get rid of pain and improve your general health. People with peripheral neuropathy can improve their quality of life by getting it diagnosed early and taking care of it before it gets worse.
Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
