Neuropathy
Neuropathy of the Feet
Impairment of your peripheral nerves (nerve endings that lead from your brain and spinal cord that lead to your feet) can cause a feeling of pins and needles or a burning sensation in your feet. If you have diabetes you are much more susceptible to these complications with peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Patients who develop pain with peripheral neuropathy describe the pain using a variety of words, including “burning,” “throbbing,” “deep ache”, “raw skin,” “skin sensitivity,” “tingling”, “sharp,” “electric-like,” “pins and needles,” “freezing cold,” “like walking on ground glass,” “itchy,” “numbness,” and others. Some patients say they don't have pain but have unpleasant and irritating sensations (Allodynia), which may include “itching”, “buzzing,” “like bugs crawling,” “like leather or sand paper”, “hard ball on bottom of feet”, and “aching. Some people feel like they have socks on, even though they are barefoot. Over time, this feeling can spread to the legs and hands.
Preventing Neuropathy in Your Feet
The more efficient way to prevent neuropathy in your feet is be conscious of the causes (diabetes, toxins, and medications) and doing your best to avoid these factors. We know these causes cannot always be avoidable, so it is important to keep a close eye on your feet and see your podiatrist immediately when you experience critical symptoms such as burning, tingling, or numbness.
Living with Neuropathy
When you are already experiencing Neuropathy in your feet, your podiatrist may prescribe medicine or other treatments to treat it. It is important to schedule regular visits with your podiatrist to check on your blood sugar levels and oxygen level through blood tests. Be cautious living with neuropathy of the feet as if can cause nerve damage and loss of feeling. When the weather changes your feet may not be able to feel the sensation of the hot or cold ground. Some people have even reported frostbite or burns.
