Neuropathy

What are the causes of neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a chronic condition that leads to nerve damage all over your body. One of the most well-known causes of neuropathy is diabetes because blood sugar spikes can break down your nerves. However, not everyone who has neuropathy struggles with diabetes. Your case of neuropathy may stem from:

• Injury or trauma, as with car accidents or sports injuries
• Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Vascular or blood problems (or poor circulation)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Serious infections
• Chemotherapy

When you have neuropathy, nerves can’t communicate efficiently. It’s like there’s a broken wire in your body. This can lead to a wide variety of symptoms.

How does neuropathy affect me?

The signs and symptoms of neuropathy depend on which nerves are affected. When you come into Southwest Foot & Ankle for your neuropathy evaluation, it’s important to let your podiatrist know if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

• Tingling
• Burning
• Numbness
• Poor coordination
• Muscle spasms or twitching
• Poor bladder or bowel control
• Extreme sensitivity to pressure, even from socks

Without proper treatment, the underlying cause of neuropathy can worsen. Your dedicated podiatrist at Southwest Foot & Ankle conducts a comprehensive neurological exam, evaluates your medical history, and performs any necessary nerve conduction studies so they can find a neuropathy treatment that’s going to help with your condition.

Can a podiatrist treat neuropathy?

Southwest Foot & Ankle provides personalized neuropathy management plans to relieve symptoms and to prevent ongoing nerve damage. You may benefit from any of the following neuropathy treatments:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Antiseizure or antidepressant medications
• Topical numbing patches or creams
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Bracing or splinting

Your dedicated podiatrist at Southwest Foot & Ankle can also partner with your primary care physician or specialist to help you manage your diabetes if blood sugar fluctuations are causing your nerve damage. It takes time, but with ongoing neuropathy care, you can expect relief from your symptoms and few-to-no neuropathy issues in the future.

If you have neuropathy or are starting to experience new symptoms, contact Southwest Foot & Ankle for an exam. You can request a neuropathy visit through the website or by phone with either clinic.