Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes, affecting at least half of all diabetes sufferers. Susan Yeager, DPM, of Yeager Foot and Ankle Center, understands how difficult peripheral neuropathy symptoms like foot pain, numbness, and tingling can be. She offers all-encompassing diabetic foot care, from neuropathy prevention to advanced wound care. Call the office in Redding, California, or request an appointment online today.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. At least half of diabetes sufferers experience peripheral neuropathy, and the risk increases over time.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a serious complication that requires treatment. This form of neuropathy can contribute to severe foot damage, potentially resulting in limb amputation if untreated.
Because diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other effects of diabetes are so serious, you should have annual preventive foot exams to ensure your feet are healthy.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect your feet in several ways, including:
You might not have any symptoms at first, or you could have sporadic signs of nerve damage. Dr. Yeager carefully assesses you for peripheral neuropathy and other diabetes damage during each checkup.
Nerve damage and impaired blood flow to your extremities often go hand-in-hand to cause serious health problems if untreated.
For example, if you have a small laceration on the bottom of your foot, nerve pain can numb sensations, so you don’t know it’s there. You’ll naturally continue walking on the cut because you’re not receiving the pain warning signals.
Decreased circulation worsens the problem because it means that the cut doesn’t heal as it should. Eventually, that small cut can grow into a big open wound (ulcer).
Because of nerve and vascular damage, it’s important to respond quickly to any wounds when you have diabetes. Even an ingrown toenail, callus, or corn could become a foot ulcer that may require amputation if you don’t get treatment.
The best treatment is prevention, which includes your annual foot exams and daily self-checkups at home. Control your diabetes with proper diet, exercise, and medication as your doctor recommends.
It’s important to keep your feet clean, trim toenails straight across, and wear supportive footwear. Dr. Yeager may recommend custom orthotics for maximum foot function.
If you need wound care or regenerative medicine to restore damaged tissue, Dr. Yeager can help.
Some peripheral neuropathy sufferers also benefit from peripheral nerve decompression therapy, which relieves nerve pressure and pain.
Peripheral neuropathy is preventable and treatable. Call Yeager Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today.