Peripheral Neuropathy
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or do not function normally. In the feet, this can affect sensation and may also cause pain, tingling, burning or weakness.
Symptoms often begin gradually in the toes and feet and may progress over time. Some people experience uncomfortable or painful sensations, while others develop numbness and may have difficulty feeling pressure, temperature or an injury to the foot.
Loss of sensation is particularly important in the feet because an injury, blister or area of excessive pressure may go unnoticed. Identifying neuropathy and protecting areas with reduced sensation can help prevent wounds and other foot complications.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can affect people differently depending on which nerves are involved and the severity of the nerve damage. Symptoms often begin in the toes and may gradually spread through the feet.
- Numbness or reduced sensation
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Burning or shooting pain
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Difficulty feeling hot or cold
- Reduced ability to feel pressure or injury
- Balance problems or unsteadiness
- Weakness in the feet or legs
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes. Diabetes is one of the most common causes and can gradually damage nerves, particularly in the feet and legs. The risk of neuropathy generally increases with the duration of diabetes and with poor blood glucose control.
Other causes may include physical injury or compression of a nerve, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, excessive alcohol use, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, infections and exposure to some toxins. In some patients, no specific cause can be identified.
Determining the possible cause of neuropathy is important because treatment may involve both managing the underlying condition and protecting the feet from complications associated with reduced sensation.
Concerned About Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet?
Schedule an appointment with Alberta Family Podiatry to have your feet assessed and discuss whether peripheral neuropathy may be causing your symptoms. Call us at 587-355-3992 or use the text button on this page to contact our clinic.
Why Neuropathy Can Be Dangerous for Your Feet
When sensation in the feet is reduced, injuries may occur without being noticed. A blister, cut, burn or area of excessive pressure can continue to worsen because the normal warning signal of pain may be diminished or absent.
This is particularly important for people with diabetes. Reduced sensation combined with pressure, foot deformity or poor circulation can increase the risk of skin breakdown and foot ulcers. A wound that goes unnoticed may become infected and can lead to serious complications.
People with peripheral neuropathy should regularly inspect their feet for areas of redness, swelling, blisters, cuts or other changes and avoid walking barefoot. Corns, calluses and other areas of increased pressure should also be assessed, particularly when sensation is reduced.
For additional information about diabetic peripheral neuropathy, visit Diabetes Canada.
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Peripheral neuropathy in the feet can often be identified through a combination of your medical history and a physical examination. During the assessment, we evaluate sensation in different areas of the feet and look for changes that may indicate reduced nerve function.
Testing may include the ability to feel light touch, vibration and pressure using a monofilament. Muscle strength, reflexes, balance and circulation may also be assessed depending on your symptoms and medical history.
When the cause of neuropathy is uncertain or symptoms require further investigation, additional testing or referral may be recommended. This can include blood tests, nerve conduction studies or other investigations depending on the individual situation.
Treatment and Foot Care for Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment depends on the cause of the neuropathy and the symptoms it is producing. When an underlying condition such as diabetes, a vitamin deficiency or medication is contributing to nerve damage, managing that condition is an important part of treatment.
For patients with reduced sensation in the feet, podiatric care focuses on protecting the skin and reducing the risk of wounds. This may include regular foot examinations, treatment of corns and calluses, appropriate footwear, pressure reduction and management of other foot problems that could increase the risk of injury.
Some patients experience burning, tingling or nerve pain that may require medication or other treatment. When appropriate, we can work with the patient’s family physician or other healthcare providers to help manage these symptoms and investigate the underlying cause.
Patients with peripheral neuropathy should check their feet regularly and seek assessment promptly if they notice a wound, blister, redness, swelling, drainage or other new change.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY QUESTIONS?