Neuropathy in Feet
Are you experiencing nerve pain or numbness in your feet? You’re not alone. Neuropathy in feet is a common problem, but with the help of a certified podiatrist, you can find relief. Our experienced team provide the highest level of foot care with the latest technology and techniques. We will assess your feet for numbness and nerve pain and provide a treatment plan that best suits your situation. So, to discuss neuropathy in feet or make an appointment, call our friendly team at Sure Step Podiatry in Coffs Harbour today.
Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves) is a comparatively common problem caused by a wide range of underlying diseases and conditions. Perhaps the most common cause is diabetes, with approximately 50-60% of all people with diabetes being affected to some degree. Other conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include autoimmune disorders. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Also, infections such as Lyme disease and Shingles, Vitamin B deficiencies, alcoholism, kidney failure, and hereditary diseases like Charcot-Marie-Tooth. Finally, trauma to the nerve and certain toxic substances such as organic pesticides and chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment. There is also a percentage of cases with no known cause.
Neuropathy in feet signs and symptoms include numbness, tingling, pins and needles, burning sensation or freezing pain, muscle weakness, cramps and muscle spasms, unusual sweating, the feeling of wearing an invisible sock, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, sharp stabbing pain, changes in heart rate and blood pressure. So, if you have one or more of these symptoms, having one of our qualified podiatrists conduct a full neurological assessment to ascertain which of the 3 nerve pathways have been affected is a good idea.
Motor nerves control movement, so your podiatrist will conduct muscle strength, reflexes, coordination and balance tests. Also, sensory nerves give feedback on touch, temperature and pressure. Therefore, testing includes using a tuning fork to measure vibratory sensation, monofilament detection to test pressure, and sharp/dull or two-point discrimination to test touch. Finally, autonomic nerves control sweating, blood pressure, heart rate and adrenalin response, so we test reflexes and take a thorough history to see if this nerve pathway is affected.
During this assessment, we also look at the overall health of your feet, including the skin, nails, and muscles. In addition, we take a detailed look at your lifestyle, including diet and exercise. This helps us better understand your overall health situation and the best course of treatment.