Diabetes and other chronic diseases that cause nerve damage can lead to neuropathy. With locations in Kingston, New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Hudson, and West Coxsackie, New York, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons at Hudson Valley Foot Associates offer diabetic foot care, wound care, and many common treatments for neuropathy in the feet. Call the location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. Many types exist, but peripheral neuropathy is the most common form to affect the feet. This type results from nerve damage outside of the spinal cord and brain. Neuropathy disrupts your pain signals and sensory abilities. You may experience recurrent pain, numbness, or even weakness in your feet.
Peripheral neuropathy that affects the feet can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Neuropathy can also cause pain that isn’t proportional to the activity you’re performing. If you frequently experience pain when standing or putting a blanket on your feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy.
Many autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause neuropathy in the feet. However, the most well-known cause is diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a common diabetes complication that results from nerve damage. Because diabetes causes high blood sugar levels, it can interfere with your nerve function.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause chronic foot pain, tingling, and numbness. Diabetes also restricts blood flow to your feet. As a result, you can develop cuts and sores on your feet that don’t heal as quickly as they should.
The best way to protect your feet against neuropathy and poor blood circulation is to practice routine diabetic foot care.
Hudson Valley Foot Associates offers the latest treatments for neuropathy, including:
Wound care is essential if you have diabetic neuropathy. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience slow-healing wounds. Even a small cut, blister, or callus can lead to an open sore that doesn’t heal properly. Open wounds leave you vulnerable to infection, tissue damage, and even necrosis (tissue death).
To care for your diabetic wound, your doctor may apply topical ointments, prescribe antibiotics, or perform a minor procedure called debridement. This procedure removes dead tissue to stimulate healing.
To learn more about neuropathy, call Hudson Valley Foot Associates or schedule an appointment online today.