Learning how to cope with and manage the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your daily routine and functioning. Our clinic, The Foot & Ankle Group, led by our expert team of podiatrists, focuses on neuropathy symptoms in the foot. We have four locations. Three of them are located in New Jersey. These offices are in Bordentown, Columbus, and Mount Laurel, Philadelphia, PA is the fourth neuropathy treatment center location.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy, in the case of affecting feet, is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. This means that nerves that travel to the periphery of your body are either damaged or otherwise not working as they should. This can lead to sensations of pain, numbness, or tingling to the point of extreme severity and not being able to walk. Peripheral neuropathy can be located in any area of the peripheral musculoskeletal system but is common in the feet, being a symptom of diabetes.
What causes neuropathy?
Neuropathy is caused by any condition or treatment that can damage or negatively affect the way your nerves function. Commonly, diabetes will cause peripheral neuropathy to occur in the feet, but neuropathy may also be caused by treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, which can damage nerves.
Also, conditions that impair the signals sent from the brain to nerves in the periphery may cause neuropathy, such as multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
What are some ways I can better manage neuropathy?
Let's talk about managing these symptoms to lessen the negative impacts on your life because of neuropathy.
- Consistent exercise: Try to incorporate a daily routine of exercise, walking. Walking regularly and with a purpose will help increase circulation and communication to the feet.
- Meditation: The power of this brain exercise should not be underestimated and can have a significant effect on pain.
- Diet: You should maintain a nutritious diet that incorporates eating the best types of food to support a healthy nervous system. Speaking to a nutritionist may be helpful. Generally, you should strive to focus on eating foods that have high levels of vitamin B-12, such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, and lean omega-rich protein like fish or eggs.
- Managing diabetes well: If you have diabetes, make sure to keep it in check. Your peripheral neuropathy will inevitably get worse if your diabetes is out of control, as the two are commonly linked.
- Pamper your feet: A massage of the feet improves circulation to the area and may help to decrease symptoms.
Contact us for more information
Treat your neuropathy in Mount Laurel, Philadelphia, PA, Bordentown, and Columbus at The Foot & Ankle Group by calling us to schedule a consultation. Our Philadelphia, PA clinic can be reached at (215) 332-5300, Mount Laurel at (856) 234-0195, Bordentown at (609) 291-0960, and our Columbus location can be reached by calling (609) 298-7000.
