Foot pain is so common nowadays, it’s unusual to hear that people around you may not have any foot pain whatsoever. Plantar fasciitis, sore feet, you name it. But what if the lack of pain was a lack of feeling overall? Neuropathy in the feet is just as big of an issue as foot pain itself. Neuropathy is a major precursor to conditions such as wounds, callus, and changes in gait (the way you walk). It is relevant to conditions like diabetes and other genetic diseases as well.
How does it occur?
Neuropathy in the feet is caused by damage to the nerves. This can be from many different causes – infections, alcoholism, predisposing genetic factors, but the most common cause is diabetes. The rise of uncontrolled sugars in the blood can have harmful effects on nerves as it circulates throughout the body. Neuropathy can occur anywhere, but neuropathy in the feet is most common due to being supplied by the longest nerves in the body and yet having some of the smallest most susceptible nerves within the toes.
What can I do?
When neuropathy strikes, it does not destroy sensation immediately. In fact, you may feel strange sensations instead, like tingling, burning, or numbness, similar to other nerve conditions or what you would find with electricity. It is important to catch neuropathy as early as possible, as mild damage can be repaired by your body. It will be paramount to address the root cause such as controlling the blood sugars to prevent circulatory damage, remove causative agents like infectious pathogens and decrease alcohol consumption.
If neuropathy in the feet has taken root and is at the point of complete loss in sensation, then we need to be cautious. A lack of foot pain might seem blissful – but it is actually a gateway to a plethora of problems. The most common issue people face is that when we cannot feel pain, we don’t know when to give our feet a break. Overuse and trauma to the skin, including things like hot sand or broken glass, lead to open wounds, which account for the majority of all diabetic-related amputations. This caution can be taken by daily foot inspections, medications to ease any tingling or burning sensations, and even checking the shower/bath water with your hand before accidentally burning the feet.
When to see a BioPed Clinician
Ideally as soon as possible, if you are experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, pain or the feeling of bugs crawling on your feet. And if you have diabetes, you should visit a footcare clinician as soon as you are diagnosed to determine your risk of developing complications.
Book an appointment at your nearest BioPed location today!
