Have you noticed any strange sensations in your legs, feet, or even hands lately? It might be pain that feels like a tingle, shock, burn, freeze, or even stab, despite no obvious injury of any kind. You might even experience periods of numbness or weakness, either intermittently or all the time.
If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from early signs of peripheral neuropathy. Although you might currently feel that the symptoms are only a mild inconvenience, we have bad news for you: without treatment, they will almost certainly get worse. Peripheral neuropathy is a progressive disease, and if you don’t step in during the early stages, you risk more severe symptoms—and permanent nerve damage.
But what is peripheral neuropathy, exactly? Basically, what’s happening is that nerves in your extremities, typically the hands and feet, are no longer working properly due to damage. That damage is often caused by high blood sugar, which is toxic for nerve health—and a major reason why people with diabetes very commonly develop peripheral neuropathy at some point in their lives. However, other potential causes include alcohol, injury, infections, or other diseases. In a small minority of cases, we don’t really know what it happens.
Phantom sensations like pain and numbness are the most common symptoms, but certainly not the only ones. Your peripheral nerves also fulfill tasks other than sensing, such as controlling muscles and regulating autonomic systems like blood pressure and bladder control. Peripheral neuropathy can damage these functions as well, leading to symptoms as wide ranging as muscle weakness, loss of balance, heat intolerance, problems with digestion, dizziness, and more.
Fortunately, you can get help. The Absolute Foot Care Specialists team provides comprehensive neuropathy treatment to help you relieve pain, restore nerve function, and eliminate or manage the root causes of nerve damage. Our suite of advanced treatments include electrical nerve stimulation, plasma exchange, surgery, and more. To find out more about how we can help, or to set up your appointment, please give us a call at (702) 839-2010 today.
