How Does Diabetic Neuropathy Affect Your Feet?
Diabetic neuropathy is an ailment that may cause discomfort in those who suffer from it. Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing neuropathy in the feet. At Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute, we can give you information to keep up with your diabetic foot care.
Neuropathy: What Is It?
Neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy begins in the peripheral nerve system. It can manifest in several different areas of the body and is caused by one or more nerves that have become damaged. These damaged nerves cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the area.
Diabetes and Neuropathy
Not everyone who has neuropathy has diabetes, but around half of those who have diabetes have neuropathy, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The percentage of those who have peripheral neuropathy affects ranges from six to 51, depending on various reasons. These reasons include how long they have had diabetes, management of their glucose, age, and the type of diabetes they have. The nerve damage of diabetic neuropathy can be severe or asymptomatic.
Do I Have Diabetic Neuropathy?
If you are suffering from foot pain and have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are several tests to see if neuropathy is where your foot pain stems from. Here are some of those tests:
Blood Testing
You can be tested for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, aberrant immunological function, and other ailments that may have caused your peripheral neuropathy.
Imaging Testing
You can go through image testing like MRIs and CTs to search for compressed nerves, cancers, herniated disks, or other issues that may have started the neuropathy.
EMG Testing
Electromyography (EMG) can be done to diagnose a nerve issue. During this test, it detects the electrical activity in your muscles. It does this by introducing a small needle into the muscle while you contract it, then watching the electrical activity to find any abnormalities.
Nerve Functionality Testing
There are several different nerve functionality tests that can be done at the same time as the EMG. This test sends an electrical current through to stimulate your nerves. The way your nerves react to the electrical current is watched and inspected. Other nerve functionality tests are a sweat test, an autonomic reflex screening, and sensory tests. These tests can all assist in finding out whether or not you have neuropathy.
Biopsy Testing
Biopsy testing for the nerves or skin can be done. In a nerve biopsy, a small portion of a sensory nerve is removed and analyzed for damage. A skin biopsy is done by taking a small piece of tissue and analyzing it for decreased nerve endings.
To find out if your foot pain is due to neuropathy, make an appointment with a high-quality foot care professional.
I Have Neuropathy How Do I Treat It?
Here are three different ways that neuropathy is treated:
Physical Therapy
If your neuropathy has manifested itself by giving you muscle weakness, physical therapy may be the right treatment for you. Your treatment plan during physical therapy may help your movement improve. If you are a patient that has been asked to use a cane, walker, foot brace, or wheelchair, this treatment may be best for you.
Surgery
When your neuropathy is caused by nerve pressure, surgery may be the best option to relieve your symptoms. The type of surgery will be determined by your immediate needs.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
This treatment is applied to the skin. It uses electrodes that supply a low-frequency, low-voltage electrical current to the nerves to attempt to keep them active.
Every case of neuropathy will be different, and to make sure you are getting the care you need, a reputable foot and ankle doctor should be consulted.
Diabetic Foot Care
To stay on top of diabetic neuropathy of the feet, you need to take steps for prevention. Here are some tips on good diabetic foot care:
Clean Your Feet Regularly
When you clean your feet daily, you are able to inspect your feet for any issues. If you find issues earlier, you can stop them before they become a large problem. Clean your feet with warm water and soap and dry them well. While doing so, check your feet for sores, cuts, blisters, corns, or abnormal redness.
Wear Proper Footwear
When you wear the right type of footwear, you are able to prevent your feet from being injured. We suggest wearing shoes (slippers will do) in your home and wearing socks with the majority of your shoes. If you choose not to wear socks, you are increasing your risk of blisters which can lead to other unhealthy foot issues.
Wear shoes that fit properly to prevent compression or harm to your toes or feet. If your feet have already changed due to diabetes, there are therapeutic inserts available to keep you comfortable.
Increase Physical Activity
The benefits of physical activity are good for everyone, but it is key when managing your diabetes and its side effects. When you stay active, you increase your circulation and blood flow to your feet. You can take walks, go to a gym, practice yoga, or any other activity that will get your body moving.
Care for Your Toenails
Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes need to care for their toenails a bit more than those who do not have diabetes. When a toenail is not trimmed properly, it can cause small sores or cuts on the feet.
Find the Right Podiatrist
The right podiatrist can help you with your specific foot care issues. At Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute, we care about your foot health. We can assist you in treating issues such as diabetic neuropathy, foot orthotics, heel pain, ankle joint replacement, corns and calluses, and more. Our services can help you take preventative measures, especially if you have diabetes. The right podiatrist is one that helps you stop the ailments and side effects before they become worse. Contact us at Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute for more information.