Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage. It’s characterized by a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and burning. As the condition progresses, it can even affect your ability to maintain your balance or control your bowels and bladder. 

Neuropathy occurs for various reasons, but common culprits include metabolic diseases like diabetes, exposure to certain toxins, and alcoholism. There’s no cure for neuropathy, but early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• Throbbing, jabbing, or burning pain
• Heat intolerance

As the nerve damage spreads and gets worse, you might also experience lightheadedness, nausea, or excessive sweating.

When should I see a podiatrist about neuropathy?

Make an appointment at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center if you regularly experience tingling or burning sensations in your hands or feet. That’s especially true if you’ve been diagnosed with a metabolic condition like diabetes. 

Who is at risk of neuropathy?

Anyone can experience neuropathy, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Kidney or liver disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Family history of neuropathy

You’re also more likely to experience neuropathy as a result of a vitamin deficiency.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

To diagnose neuropathy, your Advanced Foot & Ankle Center provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if there are certain times of the day when they’re worse. 

Next, they conduct a comprehensive exam and order blood tests, nerve function tests, and imaging tests. 

If these steps don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, they might also order a nerve biopsy or skin biopsy. 

How is neuropathy treated?

There’s no cure for neuropathy, but it’s possible to relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, routine check-ups, and prescription medication. 

Following a discussion of your symptoms and a comprehensive exam, Advanced Foot & Ankle Center might prescribe:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-seizure medications
• Topical treatments
• Antidepressants
• Physical therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

These treatments can make it easier to perform daily tasks while improving your quality of life. 

To explore the different treatment options for neuropathy, make an appointment at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.