By Chantell Peterson
Do you or someone you know experience pain, tingling, burning or numbness in your feet? There can be many contributing factors but one that is complicated and often seen without being diagnosed, is neuropathy. Neuropathy is nerve damage in the central nervous system that sometimes results in pain. It is not a single disease, it is a complication that is found in a number of different underlying medical conditions.
Peripheral neuropathy is neuropathy that occurs in the extremities and may cause pain, such as foot or hand pain. It could also cause deformities in the foot, foot ulcers or an inability to lift the foot. Not everyone will feel pain but about 1 in 5 people with diabetes will feel shooting, burning, pins and needles pain in their feet or hands. There are can be many causes but one crucial cause is high glucose levels over a long period of time that injures the walls of the tiny blood vessels supplying the nerves, especially in the legs.
Below is a list of causes that contribute to neuropathy:
- -Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes and about half of them have some type of nerve damage.
- -Physical trauma, repetitive injury, metabolic problems
- -Exposure to toxins and some drugs
- -Chronic Liver or Kidney Disease
- -HIV Infection and AIDS
- -Long-term excessive alcohol intake
- -Vitamin B deficiency and other nutritional deficiency
- -Cancer, lymphoma or multiple myeloma
- -Lyme disease
IS THERE A CURE?
Unfortunately, there is not a miracle cure or treatment for neuropathy. There are some treatments that are helpful and provide relief but there is no way to heal or replace nerves that have been damaged. Some people may find relief by keeping their blood sugar levels as closely controlled as possible, getting regular exercise and keeping their weight under control. In some cases taking non-narcotic pain relievers during the day may help as symptoms typically worsen at night. But neuropathy is not always consistent and varies for each individual. So what should you do? After all, your feet should be your biggest investment and it is important that you take care of both of them.
WHEN IN DOUBT, SEEK AN EXPERT
While there is no miracle cure, there are treatments available. But first things first, you should seek a foot specialist to evaluate, diagnose and treat your symptoms properly. Here at Southwest Foot and Ankle Center, our specialists are highly trained to help diagnose and treat issues such as neuropathy. With our expertise, patients can expect the best treatment and care with the most technological equipment and advances offered to them.
We care about your feet…you should too. Southwest Foot and Ankle Center has two convenient locations in Plano and Lewisville and we are here to help you five days a week! So why wait? Call us today at 972-316-0902.
For further information go to www.swfacenter.com. You can also find additional information on our affiliated company DFW Wound Care Center at www.dfwwoundcarecenter.com. We look forward to helping you care for your feet!
