Of the many afflictions that can affect the feet, neuropathy is perhaps the most insidious and deceptive. Neuropathy can occur in the feet when the nerves are so badly damaged you might not feel pain when something is wrong with your foot and you may also feel that something is causing pain when nothing is. This nerve damage can occur from an injury, illness, infection, or other cause. Any range of symptoms can be felt because there is a spectrum of different nerves that may be affected. However, there are some self-care tricks that you can utilize for your neuropathy if it is not very severe. For example, you might try soaking your feet in a foot bath filled with chamomile or nettle leaves. These leaves are rich in antioxidants and aid in the pain relief of muscles and joints. It is beneficial to soak in this foot bath for approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, you might try giving yourself a massage or asking a friend to massage the affected areas. The purpose is to promote blood circulation. Lastly, you might consider applying an ice pack to the affected area for short intervals of time about twice a day. These are just some of the many different self-care tricks you might use for your neuropathy. It is always best, however, to consult a podiatrist about your condition.
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 James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
