Peripheral neuropathy of feet

Have you heard of peripheral neuropathy?  People dealing with peripheral neuropathy experience symptoms caused when the tiny nerves farthest from our spine are damaged.  The number one cause of neuropathy involves diabetes and high blood sugars which damage the nerves.  According to the American Diabetes Association, 60-70% of people who have diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy. 

What are symptoms of neuropathy?  Burning, numbness, tingling, shooting or stabbing pain, and a change in the sensation of toes.  While these symptoms aren’t any fun to deal with, the potential is that as the nerves are damaged more and more, the person will lose feeling in their feet/toes.  When a person does not have normal feeling, he can suffer injuries to his feet and toes and not be aware of the injury.  An open sore can become infected and jeopardize the person’s feet/legs. 

Here’s some suggestions from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

·        If you have diabetes, work with your family doctor to control your blood sugars

·        Inspect your feet on a regular basis and get medical help for any sores, injuries, infections

·        If you cannot inspect your feet, have a loved one help you with this important aspect of your health

·        Wear properly fitting shoes

·        Find a podiatrist to help you care for your feet.  Check with your insurance/Medicare.  Routine care by a podiatrist may be a covered part of your plan, especially if you have diabetes

http://www.apma.org/learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=1864