Knowing If It’s Neuropathy

It may be difficult to imagine, but more than 30 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. It is impacting their daily routines, and it can even be painful. Do you know the signs? The doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center treat patients who are living with this condition, and they are here to help if you think you may be among those diagnosed.

One of the biggest challenges with neuropathy is the dangers that can come along with nerve damage. For example, patients who have diabetes are at risk of developing foot ulcers. These ulcers start because of undetected cuts or scratches usually on the bottom of their feet.

If you aren’t sure about whether we are talking about you, keep reading. We will walk you through the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips. We’ll even help you understand what it takes to receive a diagnosis.

Common causes

There are a variety of scenarios or conditions that can cause neuropathy. Here are a few examples:

• Diabetes

• Injuries or trauma

• Poor nutrition

• Alcoholism

• Cancer

Physical symptoms

While each person may have a different experience with neuropathy, here are a few common symptoms:

• Tingling, numbness, or burning in hands or feet

• Loss of sensation

• Muscle weakness

• Intense pain

Tips for prevention

Of course, we can’t guarantee that you won’t develop neuropathy. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.

If you have diabetes:

• Manage your blood sugar

• Eat a healthy diet

• Stop smoking and start exercising

If you walk barefoot:

• Stop leaving your feet unprotected, wear socks and shoes instead

• Beware of dangerous and unknown surfaces

• Keep cuts clean and call your doctor if you have an injury

So, how do you know if you have neuropathy? There are ways to tell, but it first starts with a visit to our doctor. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t dismiss these changes to your feet. A doctor will then conduct a physical and neurological exam. These findings will help you know for certain. Who wants to keep guessing about tingling or numb feet?

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.