TORONTO FOOT CLINIC, ACADEMY FOOT AND ORTHOTIC CLINICS SHARES SOME INFORMATION ON PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage of the peripheral nerves. Your peripheral nerves—the nerves in your toes and fingertips—are the ones on the periphery of your body. When the nerves are damaged, they don't function properly. People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensation in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body as well.

Causes

In the United States, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy within their lifetime.

Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs.
• Heredity. Some people have a family history of peripheral neuropathy.
• Advanced age. Peripheral neuropathy is more common as people age.
• Arthritis. Certain type of arthritis can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Alcoholism. According to the US Naisty

Everyone with peripheral neuropathy of the feet should see a chiropodist. Chiropodists are specially trained to preserve the health of the feet.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A chiropodist, family physician, internist, or physician who specializes in diabetes can diagnose peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical exam, health history, and your reporting of symptoms. The foot specialist may order a blood test to check your blood sugar level because high blood sugar levels and diabetes are an important cause of peripheral neuropathy.

There is no known cure for peripheral neuropathy. The goal of treatments are to slow the progression of the disease, to maintain foot health, and to decrease pain (if present) and improve the quality of life.

your Chiropodist will also perform a thorough foot check to look for any injuries or infections and will teach you how to do the same. Your foot specialist will also show you how to take care of your feet at home. People who have peripheral neuropathy should have their feet examined by a chiropodist at least once per year. 

If you also have diabetes, the chiropodist will work closely with you and other health-care professionals. Controlling the patient's blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication (if needed) can slow the progression of peripheral neuropathy and maintain foot health. 

Prevention

The best thing you can do to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Peripheral neuropathy is common in people with diabetes, but the degree of neuropathy generally corresponds to the degree of blood sugar control. Someone whose blood sugar is kept under tight control will usually have much better sensation in their fingers and toes than someone with poorly controlled diabetes.

Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics has invested in the latest diagnostic device, the NC-Stat which is a computerized diagnostic device to detect early peripheral nerve disfunction.  Cutting edge technology and one of the things that sets Dr. Hardy's Toronto Foot Clinic apart from many others.

If you or a loved one requires honest, friendly, competent advice or foot care , please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Hardy, owner of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics at 416-465-8737.