Uncovering The Hidden Culprits: What Causes Neuropathy In Feet?
Neuropathy in the feet is a mysterious and often debilitating condition that affects countless individuals around the world. It has a range of symptoms, including tingling sensations, numbness, and even sharp, shooting pains. Uncovering the hidden culprits behind this condition is essential for understanding its causes and seeking effective treatment. If you have neuropathy in your feet, it is important to seek professional medical advice to ensure that the underlying cause of neuropathy is correctly identified. If you have neuropathy in your feet, reach out to Northern Ankle Foot Associates! We have skilled podiatrists specializing in neuropathy who are dedicated to diagnosing and treating this condition with precision and care.
Common Causes Of Neuropathy In Feet
Neuropathy is a serious condition that, if not addressed early, can lead to severe damage of the feet. So it is essential to understand the common causes of neuropathy in the feet to prevent or manage the condition effectively. Here are some common causes of neuropathy in the feet:
Diabetes
Diabetes patients who have high blood sugar levels may develop neuropathy, which damages the nerves in the foot. In fact, over time, neuropathy may manifest itself in up to 60% of diabetics. Long-term diabetes patients are more susceptible to neuropathy, and poorly controlled blood sugar levels can exacerbate the illness. To avoid or manage neuropathy, patients with diabetes must keep their blood sugar under control.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficits in vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can cause foot neuropathy. These vitamins are essential for energy metabolism and neuronal health. A kind of neuropathy known as pernicious anemia can be brought on by a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is particularly prevalent in elderly people. Additionally, it is common in those who consume a vegan diet or have gastrointestinal conditions that impair nutrient absorption. Supplements or dietary changes frequently help with neuropathy brought on by vitamin deficiency.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism in excess can harm nerves and produce neuropathy, especially in the hands and feet. Up to 50% of those who consume large amounts of alcohol are thought to develop peripheral neuropathy. Abstinence can reverse alcohol-induced neuropathy, but in severe cases, the nerve damage might be irreversible. To avoid or control neuropathy, alcohol use must be kept to a minimum.
Autoimmune Diseases
In some instances, autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome can result in neuropathy. Inflammation and damage can result from the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, including neurons, as a result of certain disorders. Neuropathy and other consequences of autoimmune illnesses can be avoided or managed with early diagnosis and treatment.
Trauma And Toxins
Toxin exposure, such as being exposed to heavy metals, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals, can harm nerves and result in neuropathy. Trauma, such as nerve compression or damage, can also cause neuropathy in the feet. To prevent or manage neuropathy, it’s imperative to limit exposure to chemicals and take measures to protect your nerves from harm.
Metabolic Conditions
In some circumstances, metabolic problems like thyroid, liver, or kidney disease can lead to neuropathy. These ailments can impair the body’s capacity to correctly process nutrients and get rid of waste, which can harm the nerves. Neuropathy and other consequences can be avoided or managed by identifying and treating metabolic problems early.
Symptoms Of Neuropathy In Feet
Here are common symptoms of neuropathy in the feet:
Numbness And Tingling
The sensation of numbness and tingling in the feet is one of the most typical signs of neuropathy. Before spreading up the legs, this frequently begins at the toes. It’s frequently described as having “pins and needles”. The numbness might make it difficult to detect temperature changes or discomfort, which can result in injuries that go untreated.
Burning Or Shooting Pain
Additionally, neuropathy can result in a shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation in the feet. It’s possible that this pain will become more intense at night. It can start suddenly, with some people experiencing brief moments of relief and then sharp pains.
Muscle Weakness And Loss Of Coordination
Loss of coordination and muscle weakness can result from neuropathy in the feet. This occurs as a result of damaged nerves that govern muscles, making it difficult to move the feet appropriately. People could encounter frequent trips or falls as a result.
Sensitivity To Touch And Temperature
Increased touch and temperature sensitivity are common symptoms of neuropathy. As a result, even a gentle touch, such as the feel of a bedsheet against the skin, might be painful or uncomfortable. Likewise, feet could be extremely sensitive to heat or cold.
When a person has significant neuropathy, they can not feel the ground as they used to. An inability to feel the ground leads to an unsteadiness and difficulty balancing in stance and in walking. Wearing rubber soled shoes to avoid slipping are a very important protection tool. In order to aid in effective walking, a cane or walker may be necessary to prevent falls. When first getting up out of a chair, people with neuropathy need to look at their feet and make sure the positioning of their feet are flat on the ground and ready for ambulation. This is imperative to prevent tripping. Looking where you are going will also help prepare you for items in your path or uneven ground.
Changes In Foot Appearance And Skin Texture
Skin texture and foot appearance can both change as a result of neuropathy. Due to the decrease in sweat gland function, the feet may seem redder or paler than usual, and the skin may become dry and flaky. On the legs and feet, hair loss is also possible.
Complications And Associated Symptoms
Untreated foot neuropathy can have major problems, including undiscovered injuries. Untreated injuries can lead to infections, ulcers, and foot abnormalities. Neuropathy symptoms include poor wound healing, balance problems, and lower extremity numbness. Gait changes may require mobility aids. To avoid these problems and improve quality of life, neuropathy symptoms must be detected and managed early.
How To Diagnose Neuropathy In Feet
Neuropathy in the feet can be diagnosed through a medical history, a physical exam, and basic neurological tests. To diagnose neuropathy, your doctor may also carry out various tests and procedures, including:
Examining Medical History And Physical Examination
Diagnosing neuropathy in the feet usually begins with a thorough examination of the patient’s medical background. The doctor will inquire as to the nature, severity, and length of the patient’s symptoms, as well as any preexisting conditions. This aids in diagnosing foot neuropathy and determining its underlying causes, such as diabetes or exposure to toxins or drugs.
The detection of neuropathy also relies on a thorough physical examination. The doctor will look for numbness, muscle weakness, and other symptoms of neuropathy by examining the patient’s feet. Assessing the patient’s muscle strength and reflexes and looking for skin abnormalities, ulcers, or deformities are all examples of possible diagnostic procedures.
Conducting Neurological Tests And Assessments
Additional examinations and evaluations focusing on the nervous system can help confirm a diagnosis of neuropathy in the feet. In order to determine if sensation has been lost or altered, it is necessary to do sensory tests on the feet. Muscle weakness may be an indication of nerve injury; thus, testing for reflexes and other neurological responses is helpful.
These tests are important for gauging nerve function and quantifying neuropathic damage. Whether the neuropathy is motor, sensory, or autonomic, these tests can help determine the best course of treatment.
Blood Tests
When trying to pinpoint the cause of foot neuropathy, blood testing is invaluable. Metabolic problems, autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and vitamin shortages are all examples of such ailments.
These blood tests can aid in the diagnosis of neuropathy by looking for certain indicators or abnormalities. Some antibodies, for instance, may point to an autoimmune disease, whereas high blood sugar levels may indicate diabetes. In order to effectively treat neuropathy, it is essential to understand its underlying cause.
Treatment Options
Treatment for neuropathy in the feet can vary depending on the underlying cause as well as the severity of the symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to your doctor’s instructions are two of the most important aspects of treating foot neuropathy. There are a few different treatment options for treating foot neuropathy, including:
Medications
Several medications are used to treat the neuropathy condition’s symptoms. Antidepressants like tricyclics and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can block the chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that regulate pain. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin are commonly used to treat neuropathic pain and slow down overactive nerves.
The use of any pain medication, from over-the-counter NSAIDs to prescribed opioids, should be a last choice when all other options have failed. Localized pain relief can be achieved using topical therapies such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patche or CBD creams with menthol. The pain and discomfort caused by neuropathy in the feet can be managed and alleviated with the help of a variety of drugs.
Physical Therapy
When dealing with foot neuropathy, physical therapy is essential. Physical therapy for the foot consists of a series of exercises and treatments designed to restore normal foot function, lessen discomfort, and increase range of motion. The goal of many of these routines is to boost flexibility, balance, and coordination by using the muscles in the feet and legs. Massage, heat, or cold therapy are all examples of treatments that physical therapists may use to alleviate discomfort.
They are also qualified to advise on the use of orthotic devices and protective footwear for the treatment of foot neuropathy. Physical therapy aims to do more than just reduce discomfort; it also teaches patients how to take control of their condition and avoid future problems.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for treating foot neuropathy in severe cases. This is typical when a neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome is the underlying cause of the neuropathy. In order to alleviate symptoms, surgical treatments might be performed to release pressure on the nerves. However, surgical procedures have both advantages and disadvantages.
Despite its ability to alleviate symptoms and boost the quality of life, surgery carries dangers like infection, bleeding, and structural damage. Therefore, the choice to have surgery should be made after carefully considering the benefits and risks involved with the procedure with your healthcare professional.
Prevention And Lifestyle Tips
Numbness, tingling, and sometimes burning are all symptoms of foot neuropathy, a disorder that affects the nerves in your feet. A healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the likelihood of contracting this disease. Healthy lifestyle tips to prevent foot neuropathy include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol
- Regular exercise can lead to a more robust neural system.
If you have been diagnosed with foot neuropathy, making certain changes to your routine might help you cope with the condition and prevent it from getting worse. In addition to avoiding high-impact activities and always using supportive footwear, this also includes eating well and being active. It is also important to inspect your feet periodically for symptoms of damage or illness and to visit a doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything wrong.
Trust Northern Ankle Foot Associates For Your Foot Neuropathy Needs!
Neuropathy of the feet can be a difficult and painful condition that affects millions; however, it is important to remember that there is hope in treating and even preventing this condition. There are many different treatment options available to reduce symptoms and improve one’s quality of life. Through diet changes, exercise, and visiting a podiatrist, it’s possible to alleviate neuropathy pains. Foot neuropathy is a life-altering condition, however, you can trust Northern Ankle Foot Associates to treat your neuropathy. Start by contacting us to book an appointment today! With a combination of our amazing strategies to deal with everything, you can take back control of your day-to-day life and be free from your foot neuropathy!
