Archive for Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy
Posted by: | CommentsDiabetic neuropathy is a peripheral nerve disorder caused by diabetes or poor blood sugar control. The most common types of diabetic neuropathy result in problems with sensation in the feet. It can develop slowly after many years of diabetes or may occur early in the disease. The symptoms are numbness, pain, or tingling in the feet or lower legs. The pain can be intense and require treatment to relieve the discomfort. The loss of sensation in the feet may also increase the possibility that foot injuries will go unnoticed and develop into ulcers or lesions that become infected. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can be associated with difficulty walking and some weakness in the foot muscles. Diabetic neuropathy affects all systems and has an enormous impact on every patient.
The goal of treating diabetic neuropathy is to prevent further tissue damage and relieve discomfort. The first step is to bring blood sugar levels under control by diet and medication. Another important part of treatment involves taking special care of the feet by wearing proper fitting shoes and routinely checking the feet for cuts and infections. Analgesics, low doses of antidepressants, and some anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed for relief of pain, burning, or tingling. Some individuals find that walking regularly, taking warm baths, or using elastic stockings may help relieve leg pain.
The prognosis for diabetic neuropathy depends largely on how well the underlying condition of diabetes is handled. Treating diabetes may halt progression and improve symptoms of the neuropathy, but recovery is slow. The painful sensations of diabetic neuropathy may become severe enough to cause depression in some patients.
Neuropathy at Sowell Podiatry in Nacogdoches and Carthage Texas.
Posted by: | CommentsNeuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body. Each nerve has a special covering and when that covering is damaged, the nerve doesn’t function normally. A “tingling” sensation or a feeling of “pins and needles” may be a warning sign to the patient that he or her nerves are functioning abnormally. When the condition of neuropathy worsens, the patient may lose complete feeling in different parts of the body. Most commonly, neuropathy tends to affect the hands and feet. When the hands and feet become neuropathic, it is very difficult for one to carry out the activities of daily living.
What causes it?
Many diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, trauma and certain drugs can cause neuropathy. The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes mellitus. In diabetes, the elevated sugar affects the nerves and can result in pain or loss of sensation. If the sugar is not well controlled, the neuropathy progressively worsens and can cause serious disability in one’s life. Simple tasks such as walking barefoot or soaking your hands and feet can be potentially dangerous in the neuropathic patient. Constant monitoring of water temperature before bathing is essential in preventing unintentional burns or injury.
How is it treated?
A neuropathy can be a very difficult condition to treat. In general, a doctor can treat the symptoms that accompany nerve damage however, certain types and stages of nerve damage are permanent. Oral medications can be given to control the pain and other associated nerve-like symptoms. With advanced nerve damage in the hands and feet, it is essential for the patient to be cognizant of all precautions.
It is mandatory for patients with neuropathies of the feet to constantly wear shoes and socks. Examination of the bottom of one’s foot is required as well as checking the inside of shoes before putting them on. Having another family member evaluate the temperature of the water before bathing can help prevent unnecessary burns to the hands and feet. Neuropathy can be a very devastating condition. However, the more one knows about this ailment, the more effective is the clinical management.
