If your feet are always cold or numb, you may have a condition known as neuropathy. To prevent long-term health complications, the podiatry team at InStride Family Foot Care offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for neuropathy at their office in Concord, North Carolina. Whether you need medications or referrals for physical therapy, the experienced podiatrists customize your care plan for neuropathy to enhance your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at the InStride Family Foot Care office nearest you today online or by phone.

Neuropathy Q&A

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that develops due to nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. This system is responsible for sending information from your central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to other parts of your body and for providing sensations throughout your body.

Nerve damage relating to neuropathy occurs from trauma injuries or from underlying health issues, like infections or diabetes.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

The nerves in the peripheral system each have a specific job. If the damage is in your sensory nerves, you may lose sensations in your hands and feet. Loss of feeling in your feet is especially dangerous, as it can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and other issues that go unnoticed.

Other common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Burning or throbbing pain

If there’s damage in your motor nerves, you may also experience paralysis.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Seeking treatment for neuropathy in the earliest stages is important for preventing long-term health complications. The team at InStride Family Foot Care offers comprehensive in-office exams to confirm or rule out neuropathy as the cause of your symptoms.

In addition to reviewing your existing health and your symptoms, your InStride Family Foot Care provider examines your foot, checking your reflexes and your muscle strength. They may also ask you to walk to evaluate your coordination.

In some cases, you may need to undergo nerve function tests that record electrical activity in your muscles and evaluate how you experience different sensations.

How is neuropathy treated?

Your InStride Family Foot Care provider customizes your treatment plan based on the severity of your neuropathy symptoms. Initially, they may recommend pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep you comfortable.

To strengthen the muscles in your legs and feet, you may need to participate in physical therapy and at-home exercises.

If you have severe symptoms of neuropathy, your InStride Family Foot Care provider may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerve or repair damage.

Don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation for chronic tingling or numbness in your foot. Schedule a consultation at the InStride Family Foot Care office nearest you today online or by calling the office.