Common Conditions
Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathy, particularly in the feet and lower legs, can cause pain, numbness, and discomfort that interferes with your daily life. Whether due to diabetes, injury, or other medical conditions, nerve damage can severely impact your mobility and quality of life.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we understand how challenging neuropathy can be, and we’re here to provide compassionate, tailored treatment options to help you regain control over your health and comfort.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. When these nerves become damaged, the resulting symptoms can range from mild tingling to debilitating pain or loss of sensation. Neuropathy in the feet is especially common and can make simple tasks like walking or wearing shoes difficult.
- Tingling or burning sensations, especially at night.
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
- Sharp or shooting pain in the feet or legs.
- Muscle weakness or difficulty walking.
- Sensitivity to touch, even from clothing or bed sheets.
Neuropathy can develop for a variety of reasons, and understanding its cause is essential for effective treatment. Common causes include:
High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, the most common type of neuropathy affecting the feet.
Physical injuries that impact the nerves can cause neuropathic symptoms.
Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can trigger nerve damage due to inflammation.
Viral and bacterial infections, such as shingles or Lyme disease, can cause neuropathy.
Exposure to certain toxins or the use of chemotherapy drugs can lead to nerve damage.
A lack of vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can contribute to nerve issues.
Diagnosis at Sheehy
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, our comprehensive approach to diagnosing neuropathy involves a thorough physical exam, detailed patient history, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:
- Nerve Conduction Studies: This test measures how quickly electrical impulses move through your nerves.
- Electromyography (EMG): An EMG can assess the electrical activity in your muscles and identify areas of nerve damage.
- Blood Tests: These can help identify underlying conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, that may be contributing to your neuropathy.
Our goal is to determine the root cause of your neuropathy so we can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Neuropathy treatment at Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center is focused on relieving pain, improving function, and preventing further nerve damage. Depending on the severity of your neuropathy and its underlying cause, we offer a range of treatment options.
- Medications: Prescription medications, including anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, or topical treatments, can help manage neuropathic pain.
- Lifestyle Changes: For patients with diabetic neuropathy, managing blood sugar levels is crucial to slowing the progression of nerve damage.
- Vitamin Supplements: If a vitamin deficiency is contributing to neuropathy, we may recommend specific supplements to improve nerve health.
- Foot Care: Regular foot exams, proper hygiene, and the use of orthotic devices can help protect the feet from injury and relieve pain caused by neuropathy.
- Nerve Stimulation Therapy: Techniques like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help reduce pain by sending mild electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can improve strength, balance, and mobility, particularly for those experiencing muscle weakness due to neuropathy.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is a non-invasive option that can promote healing and reduce pain by increasing blood flow and stimulating nerve regeneration.
- Pain Injections: In some cases, nerve blocks or steroid injections can provide relief from severe pain.
While not all cases of neuropathy can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect your nerve health:
If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is critical for preventing further nerve damage.
Both substances can contribute to neuropathy and impair your body’s ability to repair damaged nerves.
Ensure your diet includes plenty of vitamins, particularly B vitamins, which are essential for nerve health.
If you already have neuropathy, take extra care to avoid injuries or cuts to your feet, as numbness may prevent you from feeling injuries that could lead to more serious complications.
Regular physical activity improves circulation, reduces nerve pain, and strengthens muscles, helping to prevent neuropathy-related issues.
Dealing with the pain, discomfort, and complications of neuropathy can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we’re committed to helping you manage your neuropathy with effective, personalized treatments that address both the symptoms and underlying causes. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, providing the care and expertise you need to live a fuller, more comfortable life.
If you’re experiencing the signs of neuropathy, don’t wait — schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward relief.
