A common comment that I hear from my patients is that their feet are numb. And this is not the "usual" numb that many of us feel from time to time. It's the kind of numb that people describe as feeling like they are wearing several pairs of socks. Even when they aren't. They feel like their feet are encased in wax. It doesn't hurt, but it's not right.
In other cases, the pain is more icy-hot, almost burning. These icy tingly feet makes it feel like your feet are always cold. But even doubling or tripling up on socks won't get them warm. If this sounds unpleasant to you, you're right. These are all symptoms of a condition called peripheral neuropathy. And, though it's very uncomfortable, we can help you find pain relief. No matter what those other podiatrists have told you!
In a minute, I'll explain how we treat neuropathy in my Houston podiatry practice. But first, I want you to understand what's behind these uncomfortable symptoms.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
With peripheral neuropathy, the nerves running to your lower extremities don't work well. They aren't efficient, so they can't be effective. Because of their short comings, you can develop nerve pain symptoms. This means a burning or stinging pain. It could also cause an icy, tingly pain, or a sensation of numbness. While different from the sharp pain of injuries, both are awful. And leave you always aware of your troublesome feet.
Why do people develop neuropathy? Diabetes is one common cause of peripheral neuropathy. But it's far from the only reason why your nerves fail. So why do we talk about diabetic neuropathy so often? It's one of the few known cause of this type of nerve damage. Because, unfortunately, we often don't find any other cause for your peripheral neuropathy.
That's one of many reasons why peripheral neuropathy is hard to treat. It's why many nerve pain sufferers end up frustrated. And without any pain relief. Now, I said it's hard to treat neuropathy. But it's not impossible. As long as you have experience and the right equipment. If you're still reading along with me at this point, you're in luck. We've got both in my Houston neuropathy practice. That's why you should keep reading, to find out how I can deliver pain relief for neuropathy sufferers.
Treating Neuropathy in Houston
Everyone's neuropathy symptoms are a little different. So it's lucky that I've got lots of treatment plans available for your relief. First, let's talk medication. Many medications claim they can relieve pain of neuropathy. These include Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. And, they can. Sometimes. But, these drugs are only effective when your neuropathy presents with pain. And, they often come with unpleasant side effects.
Now, if your neuropathy makes your feet feel numb? Or if your feet feel as if they are encased in wax? Prescription medications won't help. For these situations, I look to a less invasive treatment option: vitamin supplements. This is a choice I love. Because vitamins come with less side effects. And they are often very effective in alleviating neuropathy symptoms.
Want to hear some more good news? You can take both without fear of interactions to other medications. Even better? They carry no side effects. Still, if they work for you, you'll have to keep taking these vitamins forever. Because once you stop, you won't continue experiencing the pain relief.
The Importance of Treating Neuropathy ![Even with foot exams, neuropathy increases your risk for diabetic foot ulcers and amputation]()
If you find it easy to manage neuropathy pain, should you still treat this problem? The answer hear is a loud and clear, "yes." Why is it so important to treat neuropathy?
If we stop your icy foot pain before your feet go numb, we can help prevent diabetic foot complications. In this country, too many diabetics lose their limbs to amputation. And many of those amputations are because of unhealed foot ulcers. (These hard to heal wounds can allow infection gets into your bones.)
But what's the connection between ulcers and neuropathy? When neuropathy makes your feet numb, you may not notice a cut or other small wounds. Then, if you don't check your feet regularly, those small cuts become big problems.
And, if you add in reduced blood flow to your feet, you've now got big wounds that will be hard to heal. This is when many diabetics develop ulcers. A medical emergency which, again, can lead to amputations.
Of course, I never want my patients to reach that point. Which is why I offer cutting-edge neuropathy treatments in Houston. Because my goal is to restore feeling to your feet. Before you face other diabetic complications.
Houston Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment Options
Of course, with any neuropathy treatment options, I can't guarantee your pain relief. Each of my patients is unique. And that's why not every neuropathy treatment works for different people.
If that sounds like a problem, don't worry. Because, do you want to know what I can guarantee? Doctors tell many people with neuropathy that we can't do anything to relieve their pain. But I promise you: that statement can't be farther from the truth. Give your podiatrist in Houston, TX a call. We'll schedule your neuropathy consultation today. I've got great neuropathy treatment options in my office. Let's see if one or more of these may be the pain relief solution you've been waiting for!
