Nerve Problems
Nerve problems can happen to anyone. You can experience nerve damage from repetitive motion, diabetes, sudden injury or trauma, vitamin B12 deficiency, etc. In the early stages, you may feel numbness and tingling sensations.
But, as the nerve damage gets worse, you may develop nerve pain. The experts here at Captial Podiatry Associates have put together a practical guideline for the possible nerve problems you might be dealing with.
Nerve Problems in the Feet
Anyone can develop nerve problems in the ankles and feet. This can cause some notable discomfort and aches, which can get in the way of your day-to-day activities. When the nerves in the body’s extremities get damaged, you can experience foot pain.
But, the symptoms may vary based on the affected nerve. Sometimes you may have problems with coordination or loss of balance. There can even be some muscle weakness, pain, and tingling. It is worth noting that these signs can come and go, or they can remain consistent.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy encompasses a range of conditions when nerves in the feet, arms, and hands get damaged. Because of the damage, the affected nerve or group of nerves cannot function properly. That is why you may experience foot pain, tingling, numbness, or pins and needles.
Around 2.4% of the population has peripheral neuropathy. The prevalence rises to 8% in the older population. Many of those affected are diabetic patients. Diabetic neuropathy happens in around 50% of patients with chronic type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) happens when you experience tibial nerve dysfunction or damage. You may develop neurological symptoms in the foot that travel to the big toe and the three lesser toes. If the nerve pinching is higher up, you can experience discomfort in the heel, arch, and calf.
Neuromas/Morton’s Neuroma
Neuroma is the growth of nerve tissue. It is benign but can cause a lot of nerve pain, burning, and pressure. Morton’s neuroma, for example, affects the ball of the foot. It squishes the nerves between the metatarsals (the bones in the forefoot). When you try to walk, you may feel like there is a pebble or lump stuck in your sock or shoe.
Pinched Nerves
When you squeeze a nerve, you disrupt the normal delivery of sensory information from the brain to the body. So, you can develop some nerve pain, numbness, and tingling. This is a pinched nerve.
Foot Drop
Foot drop means you have trouble lifting the front part of the foot. As you try to lift it, the muscles may feel weak, or you can experience temporary paralysis. Foot drop could be due to an issue with the nerves, muscles, or anatomy of the leg or foot.
What Causes Nerve Problems in the Feet?
Most of the time, you can develop nerve problems from applying too much pressure to the feet. But, nerve problems can also occur due to an underlying health condition, reduced circulation, and other causes.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a major contributor to nerve problems. At least 50% of patients with diabetes experience diabetic neuropathy. To delay nerve damage, keep the blood sugar and blood pressure stable, eat healthily, and lose weight if you are obese or overweight.
Poor Blood Flow in Legs
Narrowed blood vessels, plaque build-up, or blood clots can all act as a roadblock to normal blood flow. If the body cannot send blood to every area effectively, you are more likely to develop nerve problems.
Trauma
You can crush the nerves when you fall, play sports, or have an accident. Depending on the level of damage, trauma can affect the organs and muscles and lead to mild or severe pain.
Other Causes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Underactive thyroid
- Infections (i.e. HIV, Lyme disease, shingles, etc)
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Smoking
Treatment Options for Nerve Problems
To alleviate foot pain and other symptoms, it’s best to get a personalized treatment plan. The options below can help.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy numbs the soreness and calms the inflammation. Cold therapy is best used for sharp pains.
Massage Feet Regularly
Massaging promotes circulation and eases some of the discomforts. You can also look into our massage gun therapy.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are here to put a stop to excess inflammation and swelling.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are specifically designed to stimulate the nerves and add extra support and cushioning to curb the pain and boost the natural rejuvenation process.
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy is a promising option for blocking pain signals, relieving pain, and promoting increased blood flow.
Surgery
When conventional methods do not work, a surgical approach can offer that much-needed relief. This is reserved for when no other treatment options have worked, or the pain is too severe.
Contact Us for Help With Nerve Problems in Feet
If the foot pain proves to be a daily struggle, contact Capital Podiatry Associates today at (703) 560-3773. Dr. Leland Gilmore and our staff can offer the best treatment options to relieve your symptoms.