Neuropathy? Or is it?

Dr. Brent Carter

These days we hear more and more about neuropathy. People often attribute all their foot ailments to neuropathy: Burning, Tingling, Numbness, and Pain to name the most common but also loss of balance, swelling, and weakness. The truth is that many of these symptoms can indeed be caused by neuropathy. But frequently the problems are not cause by neuropathy but by inflamed nerves called neuritis.

First, let’s discuss what neuropathy actually is. Neuropathy is nerve damage, typically in the hands and feet that can be caused by many factors. Diabetes can be a major cause. For whatever reason, if the nerves in the feet and legs are deteriorating or damaged, they will not work the way that they are suppose to. The pain, burning, etc. can be extremely crippling and negatively affect a person’s life. Sadly, there are not really any effective cures for this although there are treatments available to reduce the symptoms. People are commonly of the belief that their problems are caused by neuropathy and nothing can be done.

The good news is that many patients’ pain, burning, etc. are only partially or not at all caused by neuropathy but are caused by neuritis or neuromas instead. These are irritated nerves that have become inflamed and enlarged. They are very treatable and can actually be cured. Usually it is not necessary to have them surgically removed.

Some testing is frequently recommended to confirm the diagnoses and rule out other problems. Once a doctor is able to determine that you have this condition, there are a number of treatments available which have high rates of success.

Our goal is to relieve the pain as quickly as possible, help the patient to completely heal, and change the forces that caused it in the first place.

In conclusion, I’d like to give hope to anyone who has painful, burning, tingling, and/or numb feet. Don’t give up!

Dr. Brent Carter
Podiatric Physician & Surgeon
(352) 388-4680
www.americanfootankle.com
1714 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471