Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is nerve damage occurring from trauma or underlying medical conditions that affect the health of your nerves.

One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes due to the effect uncontrolled blood sugar levels have on your nerves. When your blood sugar levels remain high for too long, it can damage your peripheral nervous system, the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord.

This nerve damage most often occurs in your legs and feet and can cause various symptoms that affect your quality of life and your mobility.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

When you have damage in the peripheral nerves of your legs and feet, it can cause a burning pain that worsens over time. You might also experience tingling, numbness, and weakness in your lower extremities.

Open wounds (ulcers) can develop on your feet from injuries or shoes that are too tight. If you have a loss of feeling, these ulcers can go unnoticed and worsen before receiving treatment. This increases your risk for serious infections, the death of tissue, and the need for amputation.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

The South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers offer on-site diagnostic testing for neuropathy symptoms.

Your provider will conduct various tests to assess your muscle tone and strength, your tendon reflexes, and the level of sensitivity you have in your legs and feet.

You might also need nerve function tests like electromyography (EMG) that records the electrical signals in your muscles to identify nerve damage.

How is neuropathy treated?

Neuropathy treatments aim to ease your existing symptoms and prevent nerve damage from worsening. Available treatments include:

Diabetes management resources

If your neuropathy results from poorly controlled diabetes, South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers can coordinate care with your family physician to manage your blood sugar levels.

Ulcer care

The physicians offer comprehensive pain management services and treat any cuts or ulcers on your legs and feet to prevent infection. 

Custom orthotics

You might also benefit from wearing custom orthotics that provide extra support for your feet. Shoe inserts and padding can prevent friction and reduce the risk of ulcers and mobility issues.

Surgery

When these therapies aren’t effective at controlling your symptoms, the South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers providers can perform nerve decompression surgery to relieve pressure on your nerves.

To find out more about available treatments for neuropathy and its complications, call the South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers office nearest you or book an appointment online today.