Pins and Needles? Podiatrist addresses peripheral neuropathy in Brandon
At the Gentle Foot Care Clinic in Brandon, Florida, Dr. Rajnish Manohar sees many patients that complain of the feeling of “pins and needles” in the bottom of their feet. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy and this article provides information about the condition as well as the causes, prevention, and treatment of it.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage of the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves– the nerves in your toes and fingertips– are the ones on the periphery of your body. When the nerves are harmed, they do not work effectively. Individuals with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or irregular feeling in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body too.
60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will certainly develop neuropathy within their life time. – American Diabetes Association
Some causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Specific medications, including some chemotherapy drugs.
- Genetic make-up. Some individuals have a family history of peripheral neuropathy.
- Advanced age. Peripheral neuropathy is more usual as people age.
- Arthritis. Specific type of arthritis can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Alcohol dependency.
Approximately half of all long-term heavy alcohol users establish peripheral neuropathy. – US National Library of Medication
- Neurological disorders. Specific neurological conditions, consisting of spina bifida and fibromyalgia, are associated with peripheral neuropathy.
- Injury. Acute injury to the peripheral nerves might likewise trigger peripheral neuropathy.
Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include burning, tingling, tingling, or shooting or stabbing discomfort in the toes and/or fingertips. Any change in experience in the fingers or toes might be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy. Be sure to report any abnormal feelings to Dr. Manohar Those feelings might be the very first indicator of another problem, such as diabetes.
Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy
The best thing you can do to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to keep your blood sugar level levels under control. Peripheral neuropathy prevails in people with diabetes, but the degree of neuropathy normally corresponds to the degree of blood glucose control. Somebody whose blood sugar level is kept under tight control will usually have far better sensation in their fingers and toes than someone with poorly regulated diabetes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy
Dr. Manohar can diagnose peripheral neuropathy, which is made on the basis of a physical examination, health history, and your reporting of symptoms. When visiting the Gentle Foot Care Clinic, Dr. Manohar may order a blood test to examine your blood sugar level level because high blood sugar levels and diabetes are a vital cause of peripheral neuropathy.
There is no recognized remedy for peripheral neuropathy. The goal of treatments are to slow the progression of the illness, to maintain foot health, and to decrease pain (if present) and improve the quality of life.