Neuropathy is a common side effect of diabetes, but it can also be the result of a range of other conditions and lifestyle habits. Treatment for neuropathy is important to avoid complex foot problems, including total loss of sensation and possible limb loss. Newtown Foot & Ankle Specialists provide comprehensive resources for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of neuropathy.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, also known as Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that is the result of peripheral nerve damage in the arms, hands, and feet. The brain stops receiving signals from these nerves and can no longer provide feedback such as pain. Patients with peripheral neuropathy begin to experience feelings of tingling, numbness, and shooting pain in their hands and/or feet as it sets in.
There are two major types of Peripheral Neuropathy with distinct causes: alcoholic neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. If you consider yourself at risk for either of these conditions, it is important to monitor the health and function of your feet and seek treatment as soon as any symptoms are noticed.
Common causes of neuropathy can include:
- diabetes
- alcoholism
- trauma to the nerves
- certain medications
- age and heredity
- certain neurological disorders such as fibromyalgia
How Is Neuropathy Treated?
Currently, there is no cure for neuropathy, but a range of treatments are available to minimize its impact and maintain limb health. Our foot doctors and podiatrists work with patients on an individual basis to evaluate their condition and needs.
The best treatment is that which will address your symptoms, adjust lifestyle habits affecting your condition, and be supportive of your overall health and wellness.
Based on the extent of existing nerve damage, our doctors may recommend a variety of ways to manage pain and protect your feet and limbs. Our doctor will conduct testing to identify any areas of lost feeling and tissue damage. Treatment will also depend on the underlying cause of your neuropathy and other medications you take.
Treatment options for neuropathy can include:
- Controlling blood sugar for diabetic patients
- B-12 injections, often for alcoholic neuropathy
- Topical ointments for pain
- Magnetic therapy
- Galvanic stimulation (electric current to stimulate the nerves and muscle tissue)
Neuropathy FAQs
Learn about neuropathy treatment in Newtown, PA, with answers to these common questions:
Can you stop neuropathy from getting worse?
If you are suffering from neuropathy, patients may benefit and stop its progression from some lifestyle changes. If you are overweight, losing some excess weight can help stop neuropathy from getting worse. Exercising regularly can also be helpful to stop the progression of neuropathy.
What are the stages of neuropathy?
There are four stages of neuropathy. The first is stage one, where patients experience some numbers and varied achy pain. In the second stage, patients begin to experience constant pain that does not go away. The pain becomes more intense and sharp in the third stage. In the last stage, patients lose feeling, nerves are damaged, and they feel numbness.
How long does it take to cure neuropathy?
Sometimes neuropathy can be more difficult to cure than others. If it was caused by radiation or chemotherapy, it may take between 2 and 5 years to treat. In most cases, neuropathy goes away within 3 to 5 months after your last treatment.
How do you know if neuropathy is getting worse?
When neuropathy gets worse, you may notice that the symptoms happen more often and feel stronger. Common signs include numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in your hands or feet. At first, these feelings might come and go. But as neuropathy gets worse, they can become a part of your everyday life.
Is neuropathy a disability?
The Social Security Administration considers neuropathy a disability. Patients who want to receive disability benefits must meet the medical requirements and complete paperwork.
What are the worst foods for neuropathy?
Some foods that worsen neuropathy include sugary, salty, and processed foods. Eating too much sugar can raise blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes, which can worsen nerve damage.
Processed foods like chips, fast food, and packaged snacks are often high in unhealthy fats and chemicals that increase inflammation. Too much salt from these foods also increase blood pressure and affect circulation.
White bread, pasta, and other foods made from refined grains can spike blood sugar levels, which isn’t good for nerve health. Also, drinking too much alcohol can damage nerves and worsen symptoms like numbness and tingling.
What’s the difference between neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a general term for damage to or problems with nerves in the body. It can happen in any part of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral neuropathy is a specific type of neuropathy that affects the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves send signals between your body (like your hands, feet, and organs) and your brain. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain, often in the hands and feet.
What is often mistaken for neuropathy?
Several conditions are often misdiagnosed as neuropathy because they share similar symptoms. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. A pinched nerve in the neck or back can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness, which can feel like the discomfort caused by neuropathy. MS can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness and weakness, which may be confused with neuropathy. These conditions can mimic neuropathy symptoms, so getting a proper diagnosis from a doctor is essential.
Schedule an Exam and Neuropathy Consultation
An important part of treating and controlling the effects of peripheral neuropathy is to monitor the condition of the feet, hands, and extremities. Our podiatry team provides individualized care for your needs. We’ll work with you to minimize the impact and progression of peripheral neuropathy. If you have Neuropathy issues or other podiatry problems, call our experienced doctors at 215.234.3772 today.