If you are experiencing burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the feet, you may have developed nerve damage that is known as neuropathy. The nerve damage can be caused by an injury, an underlying medical condition, or by side effects from medication. Damage to the nerves that serve the foot inhibits the brain’s ability to send appropriate signals. For instance, leg and foot muscles may not get the message to move, or the feet do not sense hot and cold temperature changes. Nerve pain can begin from an injury in the spine, usually involving the nerves that form the sciatic nerve. The nerve pain may also come from a specific nerve in the pathway to the foot. This usually affects both feet and may be sporadic, or can become progressively worse over time. If the symptoms of neuropathy in the feet begin to affect your daily activities, it is a strongly urged to consult a podiatrist for a complete examination followed by treatment options that are correct for you.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.