Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a disease of the nerves and a common side effect of chronic underlying health conditions, especially diabetes.

This nerve damage can affect your peripheral nerves that travel throughout your body and your autonomic nerves that control breathing, digestion, and blood circulation.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

There are two primary types of neuropathy symptoms that can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.

Lack of sensation

Neuropathy can cause a lack of sensation in your nerves when they can’t pick up signals from your environment. This can lead to injuries, infections, and ulcers that develop unnoticed, putting you at risk for severe medical complications.

Unexplained sensations

Nerve damage can also result in chronic pain, even when there’s no injury. This can cause persistent burning or tingling sensations or sharp, shooting pains anywhere in your body that make it difficult to stay active.

How is neuropathy treated?

If you have the symptoms of neuropathy or you have diabetes, the medical team at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. works closely with you to manage your symptoms and condition.

Because each person has unique medical needs, your podiatrist creates a custom treatment plan that focuses on what you need to improve your quality of life. The goal of your treatment is to address more than just your symptoms, and you can expect your doctor to work with you on your diet and the proper management of your diabetes or other health conditions to prevent neuropathy symptoms.

If lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications aren’t enough to alleviate chronic numbness or pain, the Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. team offers several in-office therapies, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which sends electrical currents of energy into the nerves to disrupt pain signals.

You may also be a candidate for laser therapy which delivers energy into the deep tissues that surround your nerves. This energy stimulates increased blood flow that can heal damaged nerves and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Schedule a diagnostic appointment for your neuropathy symptoms today by calling the Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. office nearest you or by booking an appointment online now.