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DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
ABOUT DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage affecting the arms, hands, legs or feet. Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly seen in people with diabetes. Its is also referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Three different groups of nerves can be affected by peripheral neuropathy:
- Sensory nerves: enable people to feel pain, temperature, and other sensations
- Motor nerves: control the muscles and gives them their strength and muscle tone
- Autonomic nerves: allow the body to perform certain involuntary functions, such as sweating.
Peripheral neuropathy is not a sudden disease unless there is trauma involved. It is usually slow and worsens with time. Sometimes patients have this condition long before they are diagnosed with diabetes or other systemic diseases.
The biggest risk for patients with peripheral neuropathy is complete loss of sensation and development of foot ulcers (sores). Since patients have no sensation they can develop a blister which may become an ulcer and ultimately become infected. This is a serious complication in diabetics, immunocompromisedpatients and in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can ultimately lead to life threatening infections and limb loss (amputations)
CAUSES OF DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy. Here are the most common ones:
- Diabetes
- Trauma
- Syphilis
- Radiculopathy (spinal problems)
- Alcoholisms
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Exposure to certain toxic chemical
- Chemotherapy medications
- The use of some medications can also lead to peripheral neuropathy
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
This depends on the type of nerve that is affected. Patients with peripheral neuropathy may experience one or more of the following symptoms.
For sensory neuropathy:
- Numbness or tingling
- Sharp pain
- burning feet
- pins and needles sensation
- having crawling sensation
- hot / cold temperature change
For motor neuropathy:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of muscle tone
- Loss of balance
For autonomic neuropathy:
- Dry feet
- Cracked skin
DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, your foot and ankle specialist will obtain the patient’s history of symptoms and may perform simple in-office tests. These clinical evaluations may include the patient’s:
- Reflexes
- Strength
- Sensation to light touch
- Vibratory sensation
- Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
This all depends on the underlying cause of the peripheral neuropathy.
- In diabetic patients, the control of their blood sugar is the key
- Topical ointments
- Physical therapy
- Medications
SURGICAL TREATMENT:
Rarely surgical intervention is warranted.
We encourage you to consult with a foot and ankle specialist for a complete assessment of your condition.
Dr. Jones Hormozi at Valley Foot & Ankle Center (VFAC) utilizes state-of-the-art technology, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced techniques to prevent and treat all conditions of the foot and ankle. This allows most patients to walk immediately after most procedures, and they are able to rapidly return to high levels of functioning with excellent outcomes.
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Dr. Jones Hormozi is a Board Certified Podiatrist in Los Angeles. Dr. Hormozi is known for treating sports injuries in patients of all ages. He has treated and operated on professional athletes, semi professional athletes, college athletes and high school athletes. Dr. Hormozi is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences.
