Understanding the Complications of Untreated Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet

It’s Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week, and since this condition can profoundly impact the feet, Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists want to bring attention to it. While it’s oftentimes tempting to delay treatment for certain ailments due to busy lives and schedules, untreated peripheral neuropathy can lead to serious foot complications and should be addressed. Read on to familiarize yourself with these complications and to understand the importance of timely treatment.

• Increased Risk of Foot Ulcers:

  • Untreated peripheral neuropathy can impair sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect minor injuries or wounds.
  • Individuals with neuropathy are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers, which can lead to infections and even limb amputation if left untreated.

• Delayed Wound Healing:

  • Reduced blood flow to the feet and impaired nerve function can prolong the healing process of wounds.
  • Even minor cuts or blisters can take much longer to heal in individuals with untreated neuropathy, increasing the risk of infection.

• Charcot Foot Deformity:

  • Charcot foot, a severe complication of neuropathy, is the gradual weakening and deformity of the bones and joints in the foot.
  • Without proper treatment, Charcot foot can lead to significant deformity, instability, and even disability, requiring extensive medical intervention.

• Increased Risk of Falls:

  • Numbness and loss of sensation in the feet due to neuropathy can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
  • Individuals with untreated neuropathy may experience difficulty walking.

• Chronic Pain and Discomfort:

  • While neuropathy is often associated with numbness or tingling, it can also cause chronic pain and discomfort in the feet.
  • Untreated neuropathic pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, affecting sleep, mobility, and overall well-being.

Untreated peripheral neuropathy poses significant risks to foot health and, ultimately, your overall health and wellness. By understanding the complications that can arise from untreated peripheral neuropathy, you’re better able to be proactive, take control of your health, and, most importantly, find relief.

If you need more guidance when it comes to managing foot-related ailments, Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists are here to help you each step of the way. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.