Understanding Your Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your chances of developing peripheral neuropathy increase. If you already have a neuropathy diagnosis, the experts at Foot and Ankle Specialists in Houston, The Woodlands, and Huntsville, Texas, offer services to prevent your condition from worsening.

Our podiatry team provides cutting-edge services to make it easier to manage neuropathy symptoms that interfere with your mobility and quality of life. We also provide ongoing care to keep your feet healthy, so you can stay active.

What it means to have peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy describes nerve damage that affects your peripheral nerves. These are nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord that provide sensations to your limbs and other areas of your body.

When you have diabetes that’s not properly managed, high blood sugar levels can damage nerve fibers and affect how your body feels pain and temperature changes. This results in a condition known as diabetic neuropathy.

You can also develop peripheral neuropathy from other types of autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as:

• Pinched nerves
• Injuries
• Infections
• Kidney disease
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve or many and typically develops over time. Symptoms of the condition depend on which nerves are damaged and can include muscle weakness, numbness, increased sensitivity to touch, and persistent pain.

Managing a peripheral neuropathy diagnosis

Podiatry services are often a part of your treatment plan for peripheral neuropathy because of the complications the condition causes to your feet.

When you lose sensation in your feet and experience ongoing numbness, even small cuts can lead to serious infections and tissue death. Our providers specialize in diabetic foot care to minimize your risk for permanent damage.

Our specialists also customize a treatment plan to decrease pressure on your nerves and relieve pain. They may recommend one or more strategies like:

• Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Foot braces or orthotics
• Nerve stimulators
• NeuRx-TF Tablets® and other supplements

You may also find pain relief from injectable medications we deliver directly into your foot.

Physical therapy is an effective way to restore strength and function in your muscles. You may benefit from physical therapy as an alternative to other treatments or following foot surgery. Our providers discuss your options during your initial consultation.

Surgery may also be an option

When conservative strategies aren’t working well for you or your peripheral neuropathy symptoms are severe, you may be a candidate for surgery. Surgery can relieve pressure on your nerves due to bone spurs or tumors, so you can enjoy long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

Surgery may also be part of your neuropathy care plan if you have open wounds or damaged tissue on your feet. The goal of this type of surgery is to preserve your remaining healthy skin and prevent the need for amputation to remove your toes or foot.

To learn more about your treatment options for peripheral neuropathy, call the Foot and Ankle Specialists office near you to schedule an evaluation or book an appointment online today.