Peripheral Neuropathy in the Feet
Peripheral Neuropathy in the feet is caused by damaged nerves which prevent signals being sent between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The result is a loss of feeling in the feet. Typical symptoms include tingling and numbness, burning or shooting pains, loss of balance and muscle weakness.
It is a serious condition because it means that sufferers are often unaware of problems such as injuries, burns, calluses and infections.
The most common causes of peripheral neuropathy are diabetes (high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage), excessive alcohol consumption, hereditary diseases, chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, infections, vitamin B12 deficiency and injury/trauma.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. If symptoms are ignored, serious complications like ulceration and gangrene may result.
Neuropathy can also cause foot deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, and charcot feet.
Treatment and Prevention at Foot Solutions
In addition to following medical advice like stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake there are a number of practical ways to manage neuropathy including:
- Never walking barefoot as this leaves feet unprotected
- Checking feet daily for any open areas, swelling, changes in colour, or discharge
- Checking the insides and soles of shoes and slippers for anything that may cause friction with the feet
- Checking the temperature of a bath or shower first to prevent scalding the feet
- Never using a hot water bottle or electric blanket directly on the feet
- Turning socks inside out to prevent seams from rubbing
Foot Solutions Richmond offer a wide variety of footwear and foot care products designed to help manage peripheral foot neuropathy.
When choosing shoes, it is important to look for:
- Wide, spacious toe boxes
- No seams or stitching that could cause friction between the foot and the shoe
- Removable soles to allow for the insertion of arch supports/orthotics if necessary
Our consultants will be pleased to advise.