Neuropathy is a condition that occurs due to nerve damage within the peripheral nervous system. The condition can result in a variety of 
symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and paralysis. Neuropathy can affect different areas of the body. When it affects the feet and legs, treatment is best sought through a podiatrist. The doctors at The Foot & Ankle Group are your podiatrists for the treatment of neuropathy in Philadelphia.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that develops when a person has sustained nerve damage. The condition typically affects the feet and legs, but can also affect the hands and arms. In some cases, neuropathy can even affect the face. In Philadelphia, neuropathy that affects the feet and legs can be treated by a podiatrist at The Foot & Ankle Group.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Neuropathy can produce many different symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning sensation
- Heavy feeling in the legs
- Sharp, stabbing pains
- Paralysis
What causes neuropathy?
There are several possible causes of neuropathy. Suffering nerve damage following trauma or an injury is one cause of neuropathy. Having diabetes can also increase a person’s risk for developing neuropathy. Other causes of neuropathy include having high blood pressure, being overweight, exposure to toxins, or having an autoimmune disease.
Can neuropathy be treated?
Neuropathy can be treated, and there are several options available from our Philadelphia practice, including medications, therapy, and surgery. Anti-Inflammatory medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can minimize the pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy. Other types of medications that can be used to alleviate neuropathy pain include immunosuppressants and anti-seizure medications.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapeutic treatment that involves the placement of electrodes on the skin. Electric current from the electrodes blocks pain signals from traveling to the brain, which helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Another option for treating neuropathy is nerve decompression surgery. Affected nerves are given more space, thus reducing pressure on those nerves and alleviating pain.
What can happen if neuropathy is left untreated?
If left untreated, neuropathy can cause balance problems, the development of skin ulcers, and put an individual at the risk of infection. For individuals with diabetes, severe cases of neuropathy that go untreated, and lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
Contact us
You do not have to struggle with the pain and discomfort of neuropathy. Help is available. For the neuropathy treatment in Philadelphia, PA, schedule an appointment with one of the podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Group by calling (215) 332-5300. New Jersey office locations include Mount Laurel at (856) 234-0195, Bordentown at (609) 291-0960, or Columbus at (609) 298-7000.
