Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the term for nerve damage in your feet diabetes causes. This damage is permanent, but with prevention and effective diabetic foot care, you can reduce or delay nerve damage. Common types of neuropathy that affect the feet include:

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your feet.

Charcot’s joint

Charcot’s joint is an advanced condition wherein you no longer experience any sensation in your foot and you cannot control the muscles or the position of your foot.

Foot drop

This typically occurs on only one side when you can’t lift your toes upward, so your foot drops or drags when walking. This condition can improve.

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs when high glucose and fat levels in your blood cause permanent damage to the nerves in your feet. This can occur in other areas of your body as well.

Your nerves are responsible for sending information – like temperature and pressure – to your brain and responding to signals from your brain – like moving your foot to avoid injury. Without normal nerve function, the nerves in your feet cannot feel if you step on something painful – like a rock – or if a foot wound is developing.

How is neuropathy managed?

Prevention is the first step to reducing the severity of diabetic neuropathy. There are many precautions you can take to protect your feet and avoid foot wounds. Your doctor may recommend any of the following measures.

• Daily foot inspection
• Washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap
• Trimming toenails straight across
• Avoiding extreme temperatures on your feet – like placing your feet near a fireplace or in cold water
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Wearing seamless socks or compression socks, if needed

Your doctor can also recommend appropriate products to care for your feet, including soaps, lotions, socks, and orthotic supports.

How is neuropathy treated?

For diabetic wounds, ulcers, and ingrown toenails, your doctor at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle provides thorough treatment to eliminate infections and help your foot heal.

Total contact casts may be used to support the healing of diabetic ulcers and early stages of Charcot’s joint. If you have a foot deformity or more severe Charcot’s joint – including fractures – a custom walking boot can help.

No matter the stage of your neuropathy, help is available at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle. Call or click online to schedule your visit.