Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Vancouver
A Complete Guide to Neuropathy: Causes, Risks and Treatment Options in Vancouver
Our Vancouver Podiatrists Treat a Range of Ankle, Foot, and Nail Conditions
Neuropathy Treatment Options
Our Vancouver Podiatrists Treat
Our skilled medical team relies on a comprehensive approach to your care, often using a combination of the following methods:
Medications
Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants can help manage pain and discomfort.
Physical therapy
We’ll also suggest specific exercises to help you improve muscle strength, coordination, and overall mobility.
Lifestyle modifications
Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol can significantly impact neuropathy symptom management.
Foot care
Proper foot care is essential to prevent injuries and infections. Regular check-ups with one of our dedicated podiatrists ensure early detection and treatment of any issues and ongoing follow-up recommendations.
Orthotic devices
Custom orthotics and supportive footwear help alleviate pressure on affected nerves and improve comfort.
Surgical options
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve nerve compression or repair damaged nerves.
How Neuropathy Affects Your Feet
Neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage that disrupts normal signal transmission between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This disorder affects various areas of the body, but when it impacts the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord—it frequently targets the legs and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of neuropathy, causes a range of uncomfortable and even painful sensations, including:
- Tingling or prickling often described as “pins and needles”
- Numbness
- Shooting, burning, or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of coordination
- A feeling you’re wearing shoes and socks when you’re not
Causes for Peripheral Neuropathy
Our Vancouver Podiatrists Treat
Understanding the causes and risk factors for peripheral neuropathy is crucial for effective management. Here are some of the most common causes:
Diabetes
Prolonged high blood sugar levels due to diabetes hardens blood vessels and damages nerves. Some estimates project that as many as 50 percent of people with diabetes also have some form of neuropathy.
Trauma
Injuries from accidents, falls, or surgeries might damage peripheral nerves.
Infections
Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, shingles, and HIV/AIDS, can lead to neuropathy.
Autoimmune disorders
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus cause your immune system to mistakenly attack nerves.
Toxins
Exposure to harmful substances, including heavy metals and chemotherapy drugs, can result in nerve damage.
Vitamin deficiencies
A lack of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, is another common cause of neuropathy.
Chronic alcoholism
Prolonged alcohol misuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies and nerve damage.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Neuropathy
Our Vancouver Podiatrists Treat
Although anyone can develop neuropathy, there are certain factors that heighten your risk. At Clover Podiatry, many of our patients experience it because of:
Age
Some studies suggest that as we get older, inflammation increases and so does the potential to develop neuropathy.
Genetics
A family history of neuropathy can make you more susceptible.
Chronic disease
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, people who have kidney disease and liver disorders might also struggle with neuropathy.
Lifestyle factors
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins can elevate your risk, too.
Medications
Some medications, particularly those used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment, can temporarily cause neuropathy for up to two years.
How Our Vancouver Foot Doctors Diagnose and Treat Neuropathy
At Clover Podiatry, we believe in a whole-person approach to get to the root cause of your neuropathy. So when you schedule an examination with us, we’ll start by reviewing your medical history, including any symptoms, existing medical conditions, and medications. In addition, we might also do the following to aid in the diagnosis:
- Conduct a thorough physical exam to assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to touch.
- Perform tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography to measure nerve function and detect abnormalities.
- Assess blood tests to identify underlying conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or infections that may be causing neuropathy.
- In some cases, our medical team might also need to perform imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to rule out other conditions.
Complications of Neuropathy
Proper management of peripheral neuropathy is crucial to prevent serious complications, especially if you’re already managing a chronic underlying condition like diabetes. One of the significant risks of neuropathy is losing sensation in your feet, making it challenging to detect injuries, maintain independent mobility, and enjoy the quality of life you deserve. In addition, seemingly minor issues can escalate into severe problems, potentially leading to infections, gangrene, or even amputation.
Contact Our Vancouver Podiatrist for a Neuropathy Consultation
Don’t let neuropathy get the best of your feet. Take action and take control of your own health. While our podiatry office is in Vancouver, we treat patients across the state of Washington, including but not limited to the areas of Camas, Salmon Creek, Battleground, Ridgefield, White Salmon, and Carson, in addition to Portland, OR.
To request a consultation, click the button above and fill out our online form. For immediate assistance, call our office at 360.450.6644.
We Offer High-Quality Solutions for Neuropathy Pain
Experience the difference of dedicated foot care by scheduling your appointment with our team at Clover Podiatry today. If you’re ready to find better solutions for your neuropathy symptoms, complete the online contact form or call us at (360) 450-6644. Same-day appointments may be available for emergencies. We’re proud to serve patients from Camas, Salmon Creek, Battleground, Ridgefield, White Salmon, Carson, and the surrounding areas.
