Neuropathy is a lesion of the peripheral nervous system, resulting in impaired communication between the nerves and the brain. The condition often affects the nerves of the legs and feet, causing discomfort by provoking pain, burning, tingling or numbness. If foot neuropathy (nerve damage to the nerves of the feet) develops, serious sensory and coordination problems can occur, making life much worse and increasing the risk of injury.
At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, leading specialist, podiatric surgeon Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, offers comprehensive foot neuropathy treatment to address symptoms and prevent complications.
Types of Neuropathies
There are several forms of neuropathy that can affect the nerves of the feet, the most common being peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition where the nerves that transmit signals from the central nervous system to the extremities, specifically the legs and feet, are damaged. Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, tingling, numbness and decreased sensation, making movement and coordination difficult.
In addition to peripheral neuropathy, there are other forms of neuropathy that affect the feet, such as:
Motor neuropathy
- Characterized by damage to motor nerves responsible for muscle control. It leads to weakness in the muscles of the feet and motor function problems.
Sensory neuropathy
- Nerves responsible for sensitivity are affected, manifested by foot numbness, burning or pain. The patient may not feel injuries or wounds on the foot.
Autonomic neuropathy
- Damage to the nerves that control involuntary body functions, particularly sweating. When the feet are affected, it can lead to dry skin and an increased risk of infections.
Causes of Neuropathy
Many factors contribute to the development of neuropathy.
Consider the most common causes of nerve damage to the nerves of the feet.
- Diabetes – about 60-70% of people with diabetes face this problem. High blood sugar levels damage nerves, especially in the lower extremities, leading to pain, numbness and decreased sensation in the feet
- Trauma – fractures, dislocations or nerve compression, can disrupt the normal function of the nerve endings and lead to neuropathy.
- Autoimmune diseases – rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, can cause inflammation of the nerves, leading to nerve damage.
- Prolonged alcohol consumption – leads to a deficiency of B vitamins necessary for normal nerve function, provoking the development of alcoholic neuropathy.
- Infections and viruses – herpes, HIV/AIDS or Lyme disease, can also lead to nerve damage.
Knowing the underlying cause of the disease helps doctors develop treatment plans to restore nerve function and improve a patient's motor function.
Symptoms and Signs
Foot neuropathy is manifested by a variety of symptoms that significantly complicate the daily life of the patient. The symptoms may include:
- Pain – sharp, shooting or throbbing. It is more often manifested in the feet and toes, can intensify at night and interfere with rest.
- Burning – burning in the feet can range from mild discomfort to severe irritation, making it difficult to walk.
- Numbness – loss of sensation in the feet that prevents normal sensation of touch, pressure and temperature, especially in diabetic patients.
- Tingling – a sensation of “needles” or goosebumps that may be accompanied by itching.
- Muscle weakness – weakness in the feet makes movement difficult and leads to balance and coordination problems.
These symptoms can occur either constantly or intermittently and can worsen as the disease progresses.
Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition
At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, may use the following diagnostic approaches to accurately assess a patient's condition.
- Physical examination – to detect the presence of external signs - ulcers, skin lesions or changes in the shape of the foot. Skin sensitivity, reflexes and muscle strength are also checked to detect possible nerve conduction disorders.
- Nerve conduction tests – this method helps to assess how efficiently nerve signals are transmitted to the muscles. It detects damage in nerve fibers and determines the extent of their impairment.
- Electromyography (EMG) – used to measure the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during movement. EMG helps to determine how properly the muscles receive signals from the nerves and whether there are abnormalities in their function.
- Monofilament testing – using a special device (monofilament) to test the sensitivity of the skin of the feet. This test helps to detect a decrease in tactile sensitivity, which is often the first sign of neuropathy.
- Laboratory tests – depending on the patient's medical history, blood tests may be ordered to identify the causes of neuropathy (diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases).
These methods allow Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, to accurately determine the cause and extent of neuropathy and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore nerve function and improve the patient's well-being.
Treatment Options for Neuropathy
Treatment of foot neuropathy is aimed at reducing symptoms, improving quality of life and preventing progression of the disease. Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic uses a comprehensive approach to treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient.
Main methods
- Medication – pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants or anticonvulsant are prescribed to reduce pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. These medications help stabilize nerve activity and reduce discomfort.
- Vitamin therapy – for patients with vitamin deficiencies, a course of vitamins may be prescribed to keep the nervous system healthy and speed up nerve cell repair.
- Physical therapy – special exercises help improve circulation, maintain muscle tone, reduce pain, prevent the development of muscle weakness and improve coordination of movement.
- Orthotic devices – special insoles or shoes can help patients with neuropathy maintain proper foot posture, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and reduce the risk of injury.
- Lifestyle changes – lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes, avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet and controlling chronic diseases can significantly slow the progression of nerve damage.
Neuropathy treatment requires an individualized approach, and Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, will develop a personalized therapy plan for you. If you suffer from pain, burning, or numbness in your feet, contact Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic to help you restore your foot health and improve your life.