Neuropathy

Why does neuropathy commonly affect the feet?

Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a type of nerve damage commonly caused by untreated high blood sugar. If you have diabetes and don’t take steps to keep your blood sugar within the healthy range, it can build up in your bloodstream and damage the nerve fibers in your legs, feet, and toes.

If the nerves in your lower body don’t work, you’re more likely to cut yourself and/or develop slow-healing wounds (diabetic ulcers). These injuries increase the risk of serious complications, including infection, gangrene (tissue death), and amputation.

Partnering with a qualified podiatrist is an easy and effective way to protect yourself. Annual checkups and foot exams reduce your risk of nerve damage so you can stay active and healthy. 

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Uncontrolled muscle movements (spasms)
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain

As the nerve damage worsens, you may experience a loss of balance, increasing your risk of falls and injuries.

How is foot-related neuropathy diagnosed?

Your Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and if they’re worse at specific times, like in the morning when you first get out of bed.

Let your provider know if you have diabetes or another chronic medical condition that increases the risk of nerve damage.

Your provider completes a physical and neurological exam. They test your reflexes and muscle strength and assess your gait (how you walk) and balance. They also order bloodwork and imaging tests, like ultrasound, to look at your nerves and the surrounding tissues.

How is foot and ankle neuropathy treated?

The Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team uses a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treat neuropathy. They could suggest:

• Medications to relieve pain and increase blood flow
• Physical therapy to promote balance and prevent falls
• Wearing a boot or a walking cast
• Wearing custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Wound care
• Corticosteroid injections
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

If your symptoms continue or worsen after conservative treatments, you might be a candidate for surgery. Neuropathy surgery repairs the connections between severed nerves and removes damaged or malfunctioning nerves to relieve pain, tingling, and numbness.

Call the nearest Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists office today to schedule neuropathy treatment, or book your visit online.