Peripheral neuropathy affects more than 20 million Americans, including as many as 50% of diabetes sufferers. At the podiatry practice of William Hansen, DPM, in the Queens, New York, neighborhood of Flushing you can get the best in treatment and support for neuropathy and other foot problems. Book your appointment by phone or online now.

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What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a large family of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves in your feet, legs, arms, and hands. Damage to any of these nerves can cause serious malfunctions and symptoms. As a highly trained podiatrist, Dr. Hansen specializes in peripheral neuropathy in the feet.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet?

Peripheral neuropathy may not cause symptoms initially. But, it’s important to be aware of the signs of foot nerve damage as it develops. These symptoms can include:

  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Shooting pain
  • Stabbing pain
  • Cramps
  • Increased sensitivity

Because peripheral neuropathy interrupts normal nerve function, you might also develop wounds that you can’t feel. This could lead to untreated foot ulcers and even foot loss if you don’t treat the wounds and take proper preventive care steps.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

DIabetes is, by far, the most common reason for peripheral neuropathy. It affects about 50% of type 2 diabetes sufferers and 20% of type 1 sufferers. Some of the other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Heredity
  • Medications
  • Chemotherapy
  • Arthritis
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Neurological conditions
  • Foot trauma

In most cases, Dr. Hansen can determine the underlying peripheral neuropathy trigger when he performs your diagnostic exam.

How do you diagnose peripheral neuropathy?

Dr. Hansen considers your symptoms and performs a foot exam. He carefully reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and current medications to find the reason for your symptoms.

To rule out other conditions and verify your diagnosis as peripheral neuropathy, you may need nerve conduction testing, X-rays, or ultrasound imaging.

How is peripheral neuropathy treated?

Peripheral neuropathy treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and preserving your foot health. Dr. Hansen can prescribe treatments to minimize your pain, which may include topical creams, oral medications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with the CASCADE® Autologous Platelet System.

Controlling your blood glucose through diet and, where necessary, medication, is extremely important if you have diabetic neuropathy. If you have any nonhealing ulcers, you may need specialized wound healing.

As a neuropathy sufferer, it’s important to see Dr. Hansen at least once a year for a checkup.

Get your neuropathy care from a podiatrist who really cares about you. Book your visit with Dr. Hansen by calling the office or clicking the provided link now.