Peripheral neuropathy in the feet occurs with many warning signs and symptoms. You may experience a gradual increase of tingling, prickling or numbness as when a limb falls asleep which can spread upward and into your legs. As the condition worsens, the feeling may be a sharp pain that feels as if it is burning, throbbing, freezing or jabbing. You can experience feet that are very sensitive and tend to have lack of coordination when walking that may cause you to fall often.
If peripheral neuropathy is not treated, it can cause muscle weakness and paralysis when it affects motor nerves.
Types of Peripheral Neuropathy in Feet
Monoeuropathy is when only one nerve is affected with peripheral neuropathy in your feet. Multiple mononeuropathy affects two or more nerves and polyneuropathy affects many nerves in your body at once. The most common form is polyneuropathy, which affects many nerves and can be painful.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy in Feet
Many items can cause nerve damage in your feet. Autoimmune diseases can affect nerves in the feet and about 50% of all persons with diabetes will develop neuropathy. Poisons found in heavy metals or chemicals increase the chances of neuropathy. Infections and medications that treat cancer can cause neuropathy. Peripheral nerves can be damaged from falls, auto accidents and sports injuries when pressure is placed on the nerves.
Nerve pressure also occurs when a motion is repeated many times as in the case of carpal tunnel in the hands. Vitamin deficiencies of all B vitamins or vitamin E and niacin lead to neuropathy, as they are essential for good nerve health. Neuropathy can also be hereditary.
Your best course of action is to contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists to evaluate your situation as soon as you notice the first signs of peripheral neuropathy in your feet. Treatments are available for the underlying symptoms as non-surgical options to reduce the pain of neuropathy. Please contact us by calling (214) 366-4600 today.
