posted: Aug. 08, 2017.
Neuropathy symptoms can make your life miserable. Luckily, podiatrists offer effective treatments that can reduce or relieve your painful
symptoms. The podiatrists at The Foot and Ankle Group in Philadelphia, PA, and Mt. Laurel, Columbus and Bordentown, NJ, discuss neuropathy and explain several treatment options that may be helpful.
Nerve damage causes painful symptoms
Nerve damage is the cause of neuropathy, a condition that commonly affects people who have diabetes. The condition can also be caused by medication side effects, infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or aging.
If you have neuropathy, you may notice numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in your feet. Although none of these symptoms is very pleasant, numbness is a particularly serious consequence of neuropathy because it may lead to serious foot infections. If you can't feel your feet, you can't tell when you experience a cut or other minor injury. Without proper treatment, small scrapes or burst blisters can easily become infected.
Other signs of neuropathy include burning or shooting pain, hot or cold sensations, extreme sensitivity to touch or pressure, cramps, swelling, balance issues and difficulty walking.
Foot doctors offer effective treatments for neuropathy
We offer a variety of treatments that may be helpful, such as prescription medications that decrease pain and burning. If your condition is caused by an autoimmune disorder, we may recommend an immunosuppressant medication.
Physical therapy treatment can help you improve your balance and your ability to walk easily. Orthotics, custom-designed shoe inserts, may also be recommended, particularly if your feet have become numb. Orthotics reduce foot movement when you wear shoes, preventing blisters.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment may be helpful in relieving neuropathy symptoms. The therapy uses gentle electrical currents to prevent pain signals from traveling to your brain.
Reduce pain,tinglingand other neuropathy symptoms with a visit to The Foot & Ankle Group. Call the Philadelphia, PA, office at (215) 332-5300, the Mt. Laurel, NJ, office at (856) 234-0195, the Bordentown, NJ, office at (609) 291-0960 or the Columbus, NJ, office at (609) 298-7000 to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
The podiatrist may prescribe oral medication to help with symptoms. He or she will also perform a thorough foot check to look for any injuries or infections and will teach you how to do the same. Your podiatrist will also show you how to take care of your feet at home.
What will a podiatrist do for neuropathy? ›
The podiatrist may prescribe oral medication to help with symptoms. He or she will also perform a thorough foot check to look for any injuries or infections and will teach you how to do the same. Your podiatrist will also show you how to take care of your feet at home.
What is the most effective treatment for foot neuropathy? ›
Treatment for neuropathy symptoms might include tricyclic antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or electrical stimulation. Physical therapy can also help with managing neuropathy and improving mobility.
How to reverse neuropathy in feet? ›
While you can't reverse the damage from neuropathy, there are ways to help manage the condition, including:
- lowering your blood sugar.
- treating nerve pain.
- regularly checking your feet to make sure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection.
Sugary Snacks: Snacks or desserts such as ice cream, cookies, candy, and even excess fruit consumption should be avoided by neuropathy patients. High levels of blood sugar impact nerve damage, especially in those with diabetic neuropathy.
What can you put your feet in if you have neuropathy? ›
Ways to Treat Nerve Pain at Home
- Soak in Warm Water and Epsom Salt. Soaking in Epsom salt can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with nerve pain. ...
- Compression Socks/Neuropathy Socks. ...
- Rest. ...
- Ice the Pain. ...
- Check Feet Daily. ...
- Avoid Alcohol. ...
- Anesthetic Lidocaine. ...
- Massage Your Feet.
Improved circulation: Walking stimulates blood flow to the feet and legs, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort caused by poor circulation. It can also help prevent complications such as ulcers and infections, common in people with peripheral neuropathy.
What drink is good for neuropathy? ›
Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. of water each day.
What triggers neuropathy flare-ups? ›
High levels of stress and anxiety can amplify your pain. Physical stress and exertion can increase your nerve pain as well. Strenuous exercise and the accompanying soreness can contribute to nerve pain during the night. Living in a chronic state of stress will wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.
What is the number one medicine for neuropathy? ›
The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Do compression socks help neuropathy? ›
Do compression socks help manage neuropathy? The short answer is yes! Brands like OrthoSleeve are recommended choices when it comes to peripheral neuropathy due their ability to improve blood flow thereby alleviating symptoms that accompany this condition.
Does eating bananas help with neuropathy? ›
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is present in foods such as lentils, beans, and bananas. NAC may protect the neurological system from inflammation and damage, which may help prevent or treat neuropathy.
What part of the foot hurts with neuropathy? ›
Peroneal neuropathy (foot drop)—The peroneal nerve is in the leg below the knee. Damage to the peroneal nerve can cause pain, tingling or numbness at the top of the foot. It may become difficult to raise your toes, your toes or ankle may feel weak, or your foot may feel like it is dropping when walking.
What are the first signs of neuropathy in your feet? ›
The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include:
- numbness and tingling in the feet or hands.
- burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas.
- loss of balance and co-ordination.
- muscle weakness, especially in the feet.
Nerves recover slowly, and maximal recovery may take many months or several years. Regular checkups allow your healthcare professional to make sure your recovery is on track. If your injury is caused by a medical condition, your healthcare professional treats the condition.
What surgery can be done for neuropathy in the feet? ›
Our research suggests that nerve decompression surgery to release compressed nerves from surrounding tissue could offer lasting relief for those individuals.” In diabetic neuropathy, nerves can swell and eventually be compressed by surrounding semirigid tissue, causing pain, muscle weakness, or both.
symptoms. The podiatrists at The Foot and Ankle Group in Philadelphia, PA, and Mt. Laurel, Columbus and Bordentown, NJ, discuss neuropathy and explain several treatment options that may be helpful.