What Gets on Your Feet’s Nerves?
Have you ever experienced any sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness in one or both of your feet? If you have, you might be experiencing a nerve disorder in your feet. There are to major types of nerve disorders: peripheral neuropathy and Morton’s neuroma. They can both be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but, fortunately, they’re also both very manageable. In this blog, we’ll compare and contrast the two conditions and talk about treatments for each.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage or disease affecting the nerves that carry out communication between your brain and your extremities. This condition is especially common among patients with diabetes. If you allow your blood glucose levels to remain chronically high for long periods, then you’re greatly increasing your chances of damaging the nerves that create feeling in your feet. Some signs that you’re experiencing peripheral neuropathy include:
Sensation of pins and needles
Burning feeling in feet
Complete loss of feeling in feet
Peripheral neuropathy may seem scary, but fortunately, there are treatments available such as injection therapy, physical therapy, and surgeries to alleviate the pressure caused by damaged nerves.
Morton’s Neuroma
Just like neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma is identified by a tingling or burning sensation in the foot. The difference, however, is that people with this condition will find that the sensation is isolated to the area under the ball of their foot. Some even say that it feels like a small stone or a wrinkle in their sock. A neuroma is caused by pinching this nerve in your foot. This can happen on account of an abnormal gait caused by bunions or hammertoes, excessive trauma from exercise, or repeatedly wearing ill-fitting shoes. Treatments for Morton’s neuroma often include rest, custom orthotics, or, in especially prolonged scenarios, surgery.
So, if something is getting your feet’s nerves, don’t waste time. See a foot doctor as soon as possible. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. David R. Sullivan, DPM, of Westfield Foot and Ankle is ready to address your neuropathy or neuroma with you, and get you back to doing the things you love. Our office serves all of Hamilton County, Indiana including Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. Make an appointment online or call (317) 896-6655