What could be my problem?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness and pain in your feet. Your peripheral nerves sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body.
What causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
This condition that causes weakness and numbing of the feet, could be caused by a number of possibilities that include:
- Trauma or pressure on the nerve
- Infection
- Metabolic problems
- Inherited disorders
- Exposure to toxins
- Alcoholism
- Autoimmune disease
- Medications
- Tumors
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Bone marrow disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Other diseases
When to see a foot pain specialist about Peripheral Neuropathy:
- If you’ve had a gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet, especially if spreading upwards into your legs
- If you have sharp, jabbing, throbbing, freezing or burning pain in your feet
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Lack of coordination and falling
- Experiencing muscle weakness or paralysis
- Experiencing heat intolerance and altered sweating
- Bowel, bladder or digestive problems
- If you’ve had changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness
Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to your peripheral nerves.
What are the treatment options for Peripheral Neuropathy?
Non-Surgical:
- Medications: pain relievers, anti-seizure, topical treatments, anti-depressants
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) therapy
- Physical therapy