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NEUROPATHY
Neuropathy — especially peripheral neuropathy — is one of the most common complications we see in our podiatry practice. It can affect people for many reasons, causing pain, tingling, or even loss of feeling in the feet. At Summit Foot + Ankle, we provide advanced diagnosis and treatment to protect the health of your feet, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.
You may have Neuropathy
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is nerve damage that affects the communication between your brain/spinal cord, and the rest of your body. When it occurs in the feet and legs, it’s called peripheral neuropathy. This condition can cause anything from mild tingling to complete loss of sensation — making it harder to detect injuries, infections, or wounds.
What Causes Neuropathy?
There are many possible causes of neuropathy. The most common include:
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages nerves over time (diabetic neuropathy).
- Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow can harm nerves.
- Injury or Trauma: Nerve damage from accidents, fractures, or surgery.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Especially B vitamins.
- Alcohol Abuse: Can lead to nerve damage with long-term overuse.
- Certain Medications or Chemotherapy: Some drugs can cause neuropathy as a side effect.
- Other Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, infections, or genetic factors.
Symptoms
Neuropathy symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of nerve damage. Common signs include:
- Tingling, burning, or “pins and needles” sensations
- Numbness in feet or toes
- Sharp, stabbing, or electric-like pain
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Reduced ability to feel temperature, pain, or injury
There are many levels of treatment that we employ to give you the best chance of success. Neuropathy is very damaging to the nerves and so can require many levels of treatment to restore. But with our team and multitude of options we are confident we can help reduce and even, often times, eliminate the symptoms of neuropathy.
TREATMENTS:
Nerve Biopsy
Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) testing can help diagnose small fiber neuropathy using a soft tissue biopsy. The small nerve fibers innervate the skin, aid in temperature perception, pain, and autonomic regulation. ENFD testing can aid in the process of understanding what is causing your symptoms and create a targeted treatment plan.
Nerve Supplements
Nerve health supplements can help support proper nerve function and may reduce symptoms such as tingling, burning, or numbness. Nutrients like B vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid are commonly recommended as part of a complete care plan. While not a cure, these supplements can complement medical treatment and slow the progression of your neuropathy.
E-Stim
Electrical stimulation (E-stim) can help relieve pain and improve nerve function in patients with neuropathy. During treatment, mild electrical currents are delivered through small pads placed on the skin, stimulating the nerves and improving blood flow. This can help reduce symptoms like tingling, burning, and numbness while promoting nerve health. E-stim is safe, painless, and often used alongside other therapies as part of a comprehensive neuropathy treatment plan. E-stim can be done on a regular basis at home with the right equipment.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications can be an important part of managing neuropathy symptoms. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend medications to reduce nerve pain or address underlying causes of nerve damage. Our team will work with you to find the safest and most effective option to relieve your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help relieve neuropathy symptoms and support nerve health. Using low-level laser light, this therapy stimulates blood flow and cellular repair in the affected areas, which may reduce pain, tingling, and numbness. Laser therapy is painless, safe, and often used alongside other treatments as part of a comprehensive neuropathy care plan.
Nerve Block Injections
Nerve block injections are a targeted treatment that can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by neuropathy. During the procedure, a small amount of medicated solution is injected near the affected nerve to promote healing and even restore nerves through new nerve growth. This can provide significant relief from symptoms such as burning, tingling, or numbness, often allowing patients to improve mobility and quality of life. Nerve block injections are safe, minimally invasive, and can be used alongside other therapies as part of a comprehensive neuropathy treatment plan.
NEUROPATHY Q&A
Can neuropathy be cured?
Why is neuropathy dangerous?
When should I see a podiatrist?
Can lifestyle changes help?
How often should I check my feet if I have neuropathy?
