Neuropathy

Neuropathy (nerve damage) is a standard complication of diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions. It’s seen throughout the body but typically affects the feet and toes. At Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, board-certified podiatrists Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, provide complete care for neuropathy. After identifying the cause, they make personalized treatment recommendations to relieve pain and restore mobility. Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule neuropathy treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is a blanket term for diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system — the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Various health problems damage these nerves, but the condition is usually caused by diabetes.

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases that cause high blood sugar. When your blood sugar remains too high for extended periods, nerve damage can occur, resulting in various symptoms that cause pain and mobility problems.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Uncontrolled muscle movements (spasms)
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Pain

Without treatment, peripheral neuropathy can cause more severe problems, including loss of bowel and bladder control and blurry vision.

How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?

Your Capital Podiatry Associates provider reviews your health records and asks about your symptoms, including when they began, what they feel like, and if they’re worse at certain times, like when you go to bed.

Tell them if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or another health problem like a vitamin or nutrient deficiency. Let them know if you drink alcohol or take medications and/or supplements.

Your provider completes a physical exam. They check your lower legs, feet, and toes for signs of neuropathy, like muscle weakness and changes in your reflexes. They also observe your gait (how you walk) to see if you have trouble keeping your balance.

Your provider will order lab tests if these steps don’t provide enough information. Blood work screens for toxins and immune system problems. An electromyogram measures the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves.

How is neuropathy treated?

Capital Podiatry Associates takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating neuropathy. Your provider could suggest:

• Prescription medication to treat symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain
• Physical therapy to improve balance and prevent falls
• Custom-fitted orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Treating corns and calluses
• Shockwave therapy
• Referral to a nerve specialist

These treatments can prevent nerve damage from getting worse, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

If your neuropathy is caused by diabetes, your provider teaches you how to do daily foot inspections. Cleaning and caring for your feet reduces the risk of injuries like blisters and cuts, lowering your risk of infection.

Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule a neuropathy consultation, or book your appointment online.