Las Vegas Podiatrist Dr. David Biesinger Treats Peripheral Neuropathy for Diabetic Patients
Peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, is a common complication of diabetes. Lack of sensation in your feet can make it difficult to feel cuts, infections, or other foot injuries. Consistent podiatric care can prevent further health problems from developing. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, Dr. David Biesinger provides comprehensive diabetic foot care services to help people with diabetes keep their feet in top condition.
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a numbness that occurs due to nerve damage. As it affects nerve function, it leads to a loss of sensation in the feet, and therefore a heightened vulnerability to injuries. This is especially prominent in patients with diabetes.
Diabetics experience high blood sugar, which decreases blood circulation and can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to nerve damage. This condition can produce symptoms and affects nerves anywhere in the body. However, it’s most common in the hands, legs, and feet.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Numbness, tingling, and pain
- Lowered ability to feel pain, heat, or cold
- “Pins and needles” sensation
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Weakness
- Ulcers, sores, and infections
This condition generally starts in both feet at once. These symptoms impact sensation and could lead to wounds going unnoticed. Because of the lack of sensation, those with peripheral neuropathy must be proactive in caring for their feet. Small problems can become serious if left unnoticed and untreated.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Overall Foot Health
Even if you’re not currently experiencing any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes creates an increased risk of nerve damage and decreased circulation. This affects foot health in four ways.
- Poor circulation and decreased blood flow diminish your foot's ability to fight infection and heal wounds.
- Diabetes causes dry skin, which can peel and crack the skin on your feet.
- Calluses build up more often on the feet of those with diabetes. If they aren’t taken care of, they can reduce one’s ability to walk and could turn into ulcers.
- Diabetes can cause nerve damage that lessens your ability to feel pain, leading to injuries that go unnoticed. This increases the risk of infection and limb loss.
When a Visit to Our Office Is in Order
Consistent podiatry appointments are of the utmost importance for diabetics. Even in the absence of noticeable symptoms, such as pain or swelling, a foot specialist can screen diabetic patients and discover underlying problems.
If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist:
- Annually for preventative care
- If you have pain in the legs or cramping in your glutes, thighs, or calves occurs during physical activities
- If you have tingling, burning, or pain in your feet
- If you have a change in sensation in your feet
- If there is a change in the shape, color, or temperature of your feet
- If you’ve noticed a loss of hair on your toes, feet, or lower legs
- If you have dry, cracked in on your feet
- If your toenails become yellow or thickened
- If you think you have blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns, or ingrown toenails
Our Las Vegas Podiatry Office Recommends These Steps to Keep Your Feet in Top Condition
People with diabetes need to take extra care with their foot health. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, we suggest you follow these guidelines for diabetic foot care:
- Incorporate daily foot inspections into your routine. This will allow you to identify potential issues early on.
- Choose appropriate footwear. Selecting comfortable, well-fitting shoes will minimize the risk of injuries caused by friction and pressure points.
- Properly care for your toenails. Avoid ingrown toenails with proper grooming and frequent nail trims.
- Prevent dry skin with frequent moisturization. Moisturize your feet daily to prevent dry skin, cracking, and fissures that could lead to infections.
- Seek professional intervention early. You may be tempted to wait to see if your symptoms improve on their own, but visiting a podiatrist early can prevent potentially dangerous complications. A proactive approach is always the safest choice.