Posted by & filed under Uncategorized

alexandria va podiatrist peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy Can Affect Your Feet, Says Our Alexandria, VA, Podiatrist

Your peripheral nerves go from your brain and spinal cord out to your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Damaged nerves don't receive the appropriate signals from the brain they need to function properly. According to our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist, people with peripheral neuropathy have decreased sensation in their feet, and they often describe associated burning, numbness, tingling, and shooting pain. As the nerve damage and the foot's lack of sensation progresses, patients can experience related foot problems, such as the onset of infections due to untreated sores and cuts.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

According to our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist, there are many causes for peripheral neuropathy to develop in the feet, including:

  • Neurological disorders
  • Advanced age
  • Alcoholism
  • Hereditary reasons
  • Certain Medications
  • Diabetes

Diabetes Is the Most Common Cause of Peripheral Neuropathy

Our expert podiatrist in Alexandria, VA, says that as many as 60-70% of patients with diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, due to the fact that consistently high blood sugar damages nerves throughout the body. While not everyone experiences the same pain areas or severity, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy usually begin in your toes, slowly spreading up your feet and legs as more nerves are affected.

Our Alexandria, VA, Podiatrist Explains How to Recognize & Treat Peripheral Neuropathy

How Do You Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy?

Our knowledgeable podiatrist in Alexandria makes a diagnosis based on health history, symptoms, and a physical exam of your feet and legs. This in-office evaluation may include a baseline assessment of your reflexes and your ability to feel light touch or vibrations.

How Can You Treat Peripheral Neuropathy?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for peripheral neuropathy. The goals of treatment are to slow the progression of the disease, maintain proper foot health, and manage pain or discomfort. Our Alexandria podiatrist works with each patient to prevent or manage the conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy by promoting such measures as:

  • Regular foot inspections to note any injuries or infections that require medical attention
  • Working with other healthcare providers to contain damage to nerves by controlling blood sugar in diabetics
  • Encouraging patients to wearing properly fitted shoes to prevent injury
  • Educating patients how to care for their feet at home
  • Prescribing physical therapy to help reduce balance problems if necessary

Do You Have More Questions About Peripheral Neuropathy?

Our Alexandria, VA, podiatrist is specially trained to preserve the health of your feet. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you have about peripheral neuropathy or any other foot and ankle conditions. Make The Podiatry Center part of your foot care team today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Alexandria, VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.


Comments are closed .

Dr. Ross is outstanding!—Carol A.
Read Reviews
The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Podiatry Center. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
Don’t Miss Dr. Paul Ross' Best-Selling Books
Foot and ankle conditions can impact your life in many ways. Dr. Ross has written The Plantar Fasciitis Solution to help you make sense of your Plantar Fasciitis condition and provide hope that it is treatable. He has also authored My Damn Toes Hurt to provide a complete guide towards ending Hammer Toe pain. Download your free copies today before scheduling your appointment with our experts!
What To Expect At Your First Visit Have Your Questions Answered & Discuss Your Goals
  • Discuss Your Goals
  • Complete Exam & Diagnosis
  • Discover Your Options
Over 250,000 Patients Helped Since 1980 Are You Experiencing Foot Or Ankle Pain? We Can Help!
We Service The Following DC Metro Areas & Beyond
  • Annandale, VA
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Woodbridge, VA
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Burke, VA
  • Potomac, MD
  • Chevy Chase, MD
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • Rockville, MD
  • Gaithersburg, MD
  • Washington, DC
The Bethesda Medical Building (301) 656-6055 8218 Wisconsin Ave Suite P-14, Bethesda, MD 20814 Get Directions Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4pm Friday 7:30am-1pm
Premier Plaza I (703) 451-2977 6120 Brandon Ave Suite 109, Springfield, VA 22150 Get Directions Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm Friday 8am-1pm (Hours may vary)
Connect with Us