Fax: (239) 692-9436
Tel: 239-430-3668Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that carry signals between the brain and the feet and legs. It is one of the most common reasons patients come to Family Foot & Leg Center, and because the feet are the farthest point from the spinal cord, they are usually where symptoms appear first. In the video below, Dr. Kevin Lam explains what neuropathy is, why it happens, and how it is treated.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Neuropathy occurs when the small nerves in the feet are injured by disease, pressure, or reduced blood flow. The result is a change in sensation — sometimes too much (burning, tingling, electric pain) and sometimes too little (numbness). Numbness is especially dangerous because a patient may not feel a blister, cut, or ulcer until it becomes infected.
Common Symptoms
- Burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the toes and soles
- Numbness or a feeling of walking on cotton
- Sharp, electric, or stabbing pain that is often worse at night
- Sensitivity to light touch, such as bed sheets
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness when walking
What Causes It
Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, but it is far from the only one. Other causes include nerve compression (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, chemotherapy, alcohol use, certain medications, and inherited conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is essential, because treating it can slow or stop the nerve damage.
How We Diagnose and Treat Neuropathy
Our board-certified specialists evaluate sensation, circulation, and nerve function in the office, and order bloodwork or nerve studies when needed. Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include blood-sugar control, prescription nerve medications, topical therapies, vitamin support, MLS laser therapy, custom orthotics or diabetic shoes to protect numb feet, and surgical nerve decompression when a nerve is being pinched. Regular diabetic foot exams are one of the most effective ways to prevent the wounds and amputations that uncontrolled neuropathy can cause.
Don’t Ignore Numb or Burning Feet
Nerve symptoms tend to progress when left untreated. Early evaluation protects your sensation, your balance, and — for diabetic patients — your feet.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.
Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.
