Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition for those who are diabetic. It can cause shooting pains in your legs and feet, a loss of sensation, or difficulty when walking. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but a Dallas podiatrist can help manage the condition and keep it under control.
How a Dallas Podiatrist Can Help
If you are diabetic and experiencing signs of peripheral neuropathy such as numbness, stabbing pain, or burning in your feet, it is important to consult with an experienced Dallas podiatrist. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan based on your personal needs. To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist will do a physical exam of your feet to check for reflexes and sensation. Your medical history and blood sugar levels may also be reviewed. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options will be discussed.
Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing symptoms to decrease pain and to improve your ability to walk and keep your balance. Treatments with a Dallas podiatrist may include:
- Pain medications. Prescription strength oral and topical medications can be prescribed by your Dallas podiatrist to help provide pain relief and help reduce symptoms.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment (TENS). TENS treatment uses gentle electrical currents to block pain signals to your brain in order to relieve symptoms of neuropathy.
- Physical therapy. Since neuropathy can affect your balance and ability to walk, physical therapy is done to help strengthen the muscles to improve your balance and walking.
- Custom orthotics. Your podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics. These are worn inside the shoe to take pressure off certain areas of the foot, prevent blisters, and to help keep your feet in proper position.
- Diet and supplements. Eating a healthy diet can help nerves function better and manage your blood sugar levels. In addition, you may need to add supplements such as calcium or magnesium to help improve nerve function.
- Surgery. For cases of peripheral neuropathy that are severe and not responding to conservative treatment, surgery may be an option. Surgery can be done to help compressed and inflamed nerves.
Contact Our Nearby Dallas Podiatrist for Help With Neuropathy
If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and need an experienced Dallas podiatrist, contact the team at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists. To schedule an appointment in our Grapevine or Keller office, fill out our convenient online contact form, or call us today.
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