Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. This damage can affect various nerves in the body, but one of the most common areas affected is the feet. There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, but the most frequent is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves responsible for sensation in the feet and legs.
Common Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy in the Feet
- Foot or leg pain: This pain may feel sharp, burning, or like an electrical shock.
- Numbness or loss of feeling: As the nerves become damaged, individuals may experience reduced sensation in their feet, making it harder to detect injuries or infections.
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation: A common symptom that may make you feel as if your feet are “falling asleep” or experiencing strange sensations.
- Loss of balance and coordination: Damaged nerves can affect the ability to feel the ground, increasing the risk of falls.
- Changes in skin and nails: Poor circulation can lead to dry, cracked skin and ingrown toenails.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
Nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy occurs due to a combination of several factors related to diabetes:
- High blood glucose levels: Elevated blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves.
- Circulatory problems: Diabetes can affect blood flow, reducing circulation to the feet and worsening nerve damage.
- Chronic inflammation: Ongoing inflammation related to diabetes can contribute to nerve damage.
How Diabetic Neuropathy Affects the Feet
Diabetic neuropathy significantly impacts foot health. Loss of sensation can make it difficult for individuals to notice minor injuries, such as blisters, cuts, or scrapes. These injuries can quickly become infected without the person realizing, increasing the risk of serious complications such as foot ulcers or infections that, if untreated, may require amputation.
Additionally, neuropathy can also affect circulation, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the likelihood of infection.
How Vargas Foot Specialist Can Help
At Vargas Foot Specialist, we understand the complexity of diabetic neuropathy and its impact on foot health. That’s why we offer specialized treatments and services to prevent, diagnose, and manage foot problems caused by this condition. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Exams and Accurate Diagnosis We conduct detailed evaluations to detect any signs of diabetic neuropathy. Using advanced tools, we measure foot sensitivity and examine blood flow, enabling us to provide an accurate and personalized diagnosis.
- Injury and Ulcer Prevention We provide guidance on how to check your feet daily for injuries, cuts, or blisters, as loss of sensation can make it difficult to notice them. We also teach you how to properly care for your feet to avoid complications.
- Custom Foot Orthotics Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment, reduce pressure points, and provide additional support to prevent ulcers and injuries. At Vargas Foot Specialist, we offer custom-made orthotics tailored to your unique foot structure.
- Wound Care and Specialized Treatments If you develop a wound or ulcer, we offer specialized wound care treatments to promote healing and prevent infection. We also utilize advanced therapies like pressure-relieving dressings, laser therapy, and blood flow treatments to help improve circulation and speed up the healing process.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Support Diabetic neuropathy requires regular monitoring. At Vargas Foot Specialist, we schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your treatment plan is working and make adjustments as needed to maintain your foot health.
If you’re experiencing foot pain, numbness, or tingling, or if you’re concerned about diabetic neuropathy, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today. At Vargas Foot Specialist, we offer specialized care and personalized treatment plans to help you manage diabetic neuropathy and improve your foot health. Your feet are essential to your mobility, so let us help you take care of them!
Book with us, Same Day Appointment! we are ubicated at 4655 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 650, Sugar Land, TX 77479
