Numbness or Tingling:
A common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is a feeling of numbness or tingling in the feet, often described as a “pins and needles” sensation.
Burning or Sharp Pain:
Some people experience burning sensations or sharp, stabbing pain in their feet, which can be particularly troublesome at nighttime and affect their sleep.
Sensitivity to Touch:
Neuropathy can cause heightened sensitivity, making even light touches painful.
Altered Sensation:
A gentle touch on your foot or toe might feel like a scratch or a push, making you aware that what is happening to your foot doesn’t match what you’re feeling. This can also sometimes manifest as a sensation of ‘ants crawling over your feet’ when there’s nothing there.
Muscle Weakness and Loss of Coordination:
Neuropathy may lead to muscle weakness in the feet, affecting balance and coordination as the nerves aren’t able to communicate with your brain where your feet are standing or moving to next, so often presents as a fear of falling or episodes of tripping over nothing.
Vascular Changes:
Nerves also feed the veins and arteries, and in cases of peripheral neuropathy, we often see sign of vascular insufficiency as well. The vascular and nervous systems depend on each other, and when one is struggling, the other suffers, too. This can present as visible blood vessels, skin changes like dryness and eczema presenting, and discolouration of the feet or legs.
Managing Neuropathy in the Foot
Maintain Diabetic Control:
Maintaining good blood sugar control is essential for managing diabetic neuropathy. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range can help prevent further nerve damage and alleviate symptoms.
Regular Foot Examinations:
Regular check-ups with your podiatrist are crucial for monitoring your foot health and catching any issues early. These exams can help prevent minor problems from becoming major complications.
Pain Management:
Pain management for neuropathy can include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, or topical treatments. Your podiatrist or GP can recommend the best options for your specific situation. Sometimes using a menthol or vicks vapour rub ointment on your burning feet can provide relief from the burning or tingling sensations peripheral neuropathy causes.
Proper Footwear:
Wearing properly fitted shoes that provide adequate support and protection can reduce pressure on your feet and prevent injuries.
Physiotherapy:
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in your feet, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and further complications. Sometimes neuropathy can occur from back issues. A physiotherapist will be able to assess and treat back pain which may improve neuropathy symptoms.
Avoiding Injuries:
Since neuropathy can reduce sensation, it’s important to avoid injuries that could lead to infections or ulcers. Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other injuries and treat them promptly. Wearing footwear when you are outside can prevent cuts and scrapes from occurring, too.
Lifestyle Changes:
Adopting healthy habits, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and following a balanced diet, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of neuropathy progression.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you have diabetes or other risk factors for neuropathy and start experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and management can prevent the condition from worsening and help you maintain your quality of life.