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Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting communication with the feet. Many patients first notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pain that often begins in the toes and gradually spreads upward. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel temperature, pressure, or injury, increasing the risk of unnoticed blisters, sores, and balance problems while walking. Diabetes is the most common cause, as long-term elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers and circulation. Other causes include traumatic injury, poor blood flow, infections, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver disease, toxin exposure, and certain cancers. A podiatrist can perform neurological and vascular testing, evaluate skin integrity, manage pressure areas, and provide medical care to help prevent infection and tissue breakdown. If you have foot problems associated with peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Foot and Ankle Pain During Multi-Day Bike Rides

Foot and ankle pain during multi-day bike rides is common due to prolonged pressure, repetitive motion, and improper shoe fit. One of the most frequent complaints is hot foot. This is a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, caused by nerve compression and restricted circulation inside tight cycling shoes. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and intense heat that worsens with distance. Pain along the outside edge of the foot can result from poor cleat alignment or uneven pressure distribution. Achilles tendonitis may also develop from overuse and improper bike positioning, leading to stiffness and soreness at the back of the heel. A podiatrist can assess biomechanics and recommend solutions. If you have foot pain during your bike rides, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, getting you back to riding your bike comfortably.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

How Diabetic Neuropathy Affects the Feet

Diabetic neuropathy, a nerve condition caused by high blood sugar, reduces sensation in the feet and toes. Nerves that normally detect pressure, temperature, and pain become less responsive, so people may not notice cuts, blisters, or changes in skin integrity. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pains, and weakness, which can alter walking patterns and increase stress on bones and joints. Because warning signs are muted, minor injuries can progress into ulcers or infection if not identified early. A podiatrist helps by performing foot exams, testing sensation, monitoring circulation, and identifying pressure points or deformities that raise risk. Treatment plans are designed to protect tissue and reduce complications over time. For help with dealing with foot problems associated with diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot

When You Might Need Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis

When ongoing heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis continues to limit walking and daily activity, surgery may become a consideration. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch and absorbs stress with walking or running. When inflammation and scarring continue for six months or longer despite professional care, a podiatrist may discuss surgical release as an option. A podiatrist evaluates foot structure, gait, imaging results, and overall health to determine the need for surgery. Surgery is not a first-line approach, but it may be posed when pain interferes with daily activities and other causes of heel pain have been ruled out. A plantar fasciotomy is designed to reduce tension from the heel bone, while a plantar fasciectomy also removes damaged tissue to improve mobility. The goal is lasting pain reduction. For help dealing with plantar fasciitis pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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