Dealing with neuropathy in your feet can look a lot like tingling, numbness, or weakness in either foot or both. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can help manage these issues. Specializing in foot care, podiatrists offer treatments to improve your comfort and mobility. They can assess nerve damage, provide care for neuropathy, and recommend treatments like custom orthotics or therapies to reduce numbness & improve sensation. They also offer guidance on proper foot care to prevent further complications down the road!
What Is Neuropathy & What Are Its Signs
Neuropathy is a condition that affects your peripheral nervous system. This system includes the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord that send information throughout your body. When you have neuropathy, these nerves DON’T work like they are supposed to. This can cause problems with how you feel sensations and control your muscles.
Common Causes of Neuropathy
The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. When your blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can damage your nerves. Other causes include drinking too much alcohol, not getting enough vitamins like B12, and some health conditions like thyroid problems. Sometimes, injuries or certain medicines can also cause neuropathy. In some cases, doctors can’t find a specific cause, and they call this idiopathic neuropathy.
Symptoms of Neuropathy in Feet
Neuropathy often starts in your feet. You might feel tingling or numbness in your toes or the soles of your feet. Some people would describe it as a “pins and needles” feeling. You might also experience burning or sharp pain in your feet. As neuropathy progresses, you could lose sensation in your feet, making it harder to balance or walk.
This lack of feeling can prevent you from noticing if you step on something sharp or if your shoes are too tight, putting you at risk for injuries or sores that you can’t feel. Neuropathy can also make your feet feel weak, leading to trouble moving your toes or lifting your foot when you walk. This can change the way you walk and increase your risk of falling. If you have neuropathy, it’s important to check your feet often for any cuts, sores, or changes in color. This is very important if you have diabetes as regular foot checks can help prevent serious foot problems.
Podiatrists in Neuropathy Management
Podiatrists play a large role in managing neuropathy when it affects your feet. They have the knowledge to help you deal with the challenges of this condition. They offer a range of services to diagnose, treat, and monitor neuropathy, helping you maintain foot health and improve your quality of life.
Diagnostic Foot Assessments
When you visit a podiatrist for neuropathy concerns, they start with a thorough examination. This includes a physical exam and a review of your health history. They check for signs of nerve damage using simple tests. These might include checking your reflexes, testing your ability to feel different sensations, and assessing muscle strength. Your podiatrist might also use specialized tests to get a clearer picture of your nerve function. These could include nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG). In some cases, they might recommend a nerve or skin biopsy for a more detailed analysis.
Customized Treatment Plans For Neuropathy
After diagnosing neuropathy, your podiatrist will create a treatment plan that fits your needs. The goal is to slow the disease, keep your feet healthy, and manage symptoms. Treatment options depend on how severe your neuropathy is. Your podiatrist might prescribe medications for pain or suggest lifestyle changes like a healthier diet or regular exercise to help manage conditions like diabetes. In some cases, they may recommend specialized treatments like MLS laser therapy or Neurogenx to help heal nerves and reduce inflammation.
Neuropathy Monitoring and Care
Managing neuropathy is an ongoing process, and your podiatrist is there to support you every step of the way. They recommend regular check-ups, at least once a year, to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed. During these visits, they perform foot checks to look for any injuries or infections that you might not have noticed due to reduced sensation. They also teach how to care for your feet at home, which is important for preventing complications. This includes showing you how to inspect your feet daily, choose appropriate footwear, and maintain good foot hygiene.
Treatments Offered by Podiatrists for Neuropathy
Podiatrists offer a range of specialized treatments to help you manage neuropathy in your feet. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve sensation, and prevent complications.
Custom Orthotics and Footwear
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made just for your feet. They can help relieve a lot of your problems if you have neuropathy.
These inserts cushion your feet and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. This can help prevent blisters and ulcers, which are serious risks when you can’t feel your feet.
Your podiatrist will carefully assess your feet to create orthotics that fit you right. They’ll consider factors like how you walk and any areas of your feet that need extra support. The goal is to make walking more comfortable and safer for you. Custom shoes might also be part of your treatment plan. These shoes are designed to protect your feet and reduce the risk of injury.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Your podiatrist might recommend exercises to help with your neuropathy. These exercises can improve blood flow to your feet, which is important for nerve health. They can also help maintain muscle strength and flexibility in your feet and ankles.
One simple exercise you can try is ankle pumps. This involves moving your foot up and down at the ankle. It helps boost circulation in your lower legs and feet. Another useful exercise is towel scrunches. You use your toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor. This strengthens the small muscles in your feet. Your podiatrist might also suggest balance exercises. These can help you feel more stable on your feet, which is important if neuropathy has affected your balance.
Podiatrist Medication Management
In some cases, your podiatrist might prescribe medications to help manage your neuropathy symptoms. These could include pain relievers or drugs specifically designed to treat nerve pain. Your podiatrist will work with you to find the right medication and dosage for your needs.
Remember, managing neuropathy is an ongoing process. Your podiatrist is there to support you every step of the way. They’ll monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you maintain the best possible foot health.
Do You Need A Podiatrist For Your Neuropathy?
Podiatrists are very important for managing neuropathy in the feet. They offer various services that help you along the way. Regular visits make sure of ongoing care and quick responses to new issues. By helping patients understand their condition and care for their feet, podiatrists play a vital role in improving quality of life and keeping those with neuropathy active & healthy.
Victoria Foot & Ankle is a trusted podiatry practice serving the Victoria, Texas, community. We specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care. Our team of skilled podiatrists is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and improved mobility through personalized treatment plans. From routine check-ups to advanced surgical procedures, Victoria Foot & Ankle is committed to keeping you active and healthy. For more information, please visit Victoria Foot & Ankle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy
What are the most effective medications for treating neuropathy?
The primary medications recommended for neuropathic pain include amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin & gabapentin.
How is neuropathy in the feet treated?
Management of peripheral neuropathy may involve the use of non-prescription hand and foot braces to compensate for muscle weakness. Orthotics can improve walking, and relaxation techniques like yoga can help alleviate both emotional and physical symptoms.
Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?
Yes, a podiatrist can prescribe oral medications to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy. They also conduct comprehensive foot examinations to check for injuries or infections and educate patients on how to perform similar inspections at home. Additionally, podiatrists guide patients on proper foot care techniques.
What type of footwear should someone with neuropathy wear?
Individuals with peripheral neuropathy should take extra care of their feet, especially if they have diabetes. It’s advisable to check the feet daily for blisters, cuts, or calluses. Wearing soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes can also help manage the condition.
