Preuss Podiatry provides neuropathy treatment for patients in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN who have burning, tingling or numbness in their feet.
What is neuropathy?
Do you experience burning, tingling or numbness in your feet? You may be suffering from neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when nerves are injured or diseased. Very commonly, people with poorly controlled blood sugar who are diabetic experience neuropathy. Neuropathy can lead to muscle atrophy, loss of balance, and loss of temperature sensation. Over time, a person with neuropathy can lose their protective sensation, meaning they could cut their foot or step on something sharp unknowingly.
For this reason, neuropathy can greatly increase your risk for more serious problems like an active infection.
Common causes
Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy in the feet. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies, heavy alcohol use, some medications, injuries and other medical conditions. Sometimes no single cause is found.
Neuropathy symptoms
- Burning, tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Sharp or shooting pain, often worse at night
- Feeling like you are wearing socks when you are not
- Loss of balance
How we treat neuropathy
Your podiatrist will test the feeling in your feet, check your circulation and look for sores or pressure points. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and protecting your feet: managing blood sugar with your primary care doctor, medication for nerve pain, diabetic shoes and inserts, and regular foot exams. At Preuss Podiatry, the foot and ankle specialists are here to help diagnose, treat and manage your neuropathy symptoms.
If you have diabetes, see our diabetic foot care page for more on protecting your feet.
Protect your feet
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or redness.
- Never walk barefoot, even at home.
- Test bath water with your hand or elbow, not your feet.
- Keep your regular foot exams.
Schedule an appointment
If your feet burn, tingle or feel numb, call Preuss Podiatry to schedule an appointment at one of our Louisville, KY or Floyds Knobs, IN locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neuropathy be reversed?
Nerve damage often cannot be fully reversed, but good blood sugar control and regular foot care help prevent it from getting worse and protect your feet.
Is neuropathy only caused by diabetes?
No. Diabetes is the most common cause, but vitamin deficiencies, some medications and other conditions can also cause it.
Why does neuropathy matter for my feet?
Without normal feeling, you may not notice a cut or blister, which can turn into a wound or infection.
