What Triggers Peripheral Neuropathy?

If you are feeling burning or stabbing nerve pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in the feet, you may be dealing with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing information regarding this condition, including symptoms and treatment options.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nervous system, outside of the central nervous system, dysfunctions. It can be due to illness or damage to a single nerve or multiple nerves somewhere along the route from the feet to the spine or from other spinal issues. 

It can also be related to certain medical conditions such as Lyme disease, shingles, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, or arthritis. Side effects from certain medications or alcoholism may damage the peripheral nerves. 

Peripheral neuropathy typically occurs in the feet. It can get triggered by several different causes such as diabetes, cancers, toxic substances, and infections. Neuropathy can be a potentially severe condition, especially when left undiagnosed. 

Some symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Burning, throbbing, freezing pains
• Loss of sensation
• Tingling and prickling sensations

Those who live with diabetes are at an elevated risk of peripheral neuropathy because they can’t feel it if they have an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics typically also suffer from deficient blood circulation, leading to infections, a wound that won't heal, and limb amputation.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Neuropathy

To treat peripheral neuropathy in the foot, your podiatrist will initially diagnose what is causing the condition. Identifying the underlying cause of the neuropathy will help the podiatrist prescribe the best treatment. If the nerve has not died, the sensation might be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be prescribed for pain and electrical nerve stimulation can be utilized to stimulate the nerves. If the condition is the result of pressure on the nerves, surgery may be required.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that should be taken seriously because it can lead to foot ulcers or additional circulatory disorders, among other troubling conditions.

If you believe you may be suffering from peripheral neuropathy, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA to schedule a visit. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.