Take Control of Your Neuropathy Symptoms with Expert Podiatric Care
For many people, neuropathy can be a debilitating and painful condition, but it's one that can be successfully treated with the help of a podiatrist. If you experience symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs and feet, you may be suffering from neuropathy. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our board-certified podiatry team offers a number of treatments to effectively manage your condition and relieve your symptoms. To get an accurate diagnosis of your foot problem, call today to book your appointment.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to numbness, tingling, and pain caused by damage to the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord, called the peripheral nerves. Neuropathy commonly affects the peripheral nerves in the legs and feet.
Your nerves are responsible for transmitting information between your central nervous system and the different parts of your body. Damage to these nerves can result in a variety of symptoms, including:
- Sharp, throbbing pain
- Tingling sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of sensation or numbness
Neuropathy can be caused by underlying problems, including injuries, infections, autoimmune diseases, bone marrow disorders, and kidney disease. The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes. At Foot & Ankle Centers, our board-certified podiatrists can diagnose the underlying problem that is causing you to suffer from neuropathy and get you started on the right treatment plan.
How Is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Before beginning treatment, one of our podiatrists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of your condition and the underlying cause of your symptoms. In order to figure out the right treatment plan, your podiatrist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Then a physical exam will be completed to check your foot for redness, tenderness, and swelling. In addition to a physical exam, your podiatrist will perform a neurological exam, checking your foot and ankle reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, your podiatrist may perform an X-ray, MRI, or 3D CT scan. After pinpointing the exact cause of your neuropathy, your podiatrist will determine the most effective treatment to improve your nerve function. It is important to schedule your appointment as soon as you develop signs of neuropathy as your nerve damage will only get worse without proper treatment.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans for Neuropathy Relief
Once your podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers has a diagnosis for your neuropathy, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan that fits your individual needs. This plan may include medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain, physical therapy to help strengthen and stabilize muscles, and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain activities or wearing protective footwear.
Many of our patients do well with conservative treatments, but for some patients, we may recommend surgical options, such as nerve decompression, nerve repair, or removal of severely damaged nerves. Our podiatric surgeons have experience performing these types of surgeries in order to improve nerve function and reduce pain in our patients.
At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our expert podiatrists strive to help you find the best possible solution for your individual needs. To speak with one of our board-certified podiatrists about your neuropathy symptoms, book your appointment today.