Up to 20 million Americans have some type of neuropathy (permanent nerve damage). At Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Marrero, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons, Catherine Hudson, DPM, Denise Elliott, DPM, and the team offer comprehensive care for peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet and ankles. Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, to request a neuropathy consultation, or book your appointment online.
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to nerve damage outside of your brain and spinal cord. It’s characterized by tingling, weakness, or pain in your legs and feet.
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, but if your nerves become damaged or diseased, it can affect your mobility and quality of life.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:
As the condition worsens, you may have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels.
Anyone can develop neuropathy, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
Diabetes can also increase your risk of peripheral neuropathy.
Make an appointment with the Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team if you have any symptoms of neuropathy, like weakness, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet. Early intervention and treatment can reduce your risk of complications and prevent further damage to your peripheral nerves.
Your Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical and neurological exam.
They also order several diagnostics, including bloodwork to check for vitamin deficiencies, imaging tests to check for herniated discs or pinched nerves, and nerve function tests to look for nerve damage.
Your podiatrist uses the results of these tests to develop a personalized treatment plan.
There’s no cure for neuropathy, but various treatments can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and prevent the damage from worsening. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team may suggest:
Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to explore the treatment options for peripheral neuropathy, or book your appointment online.