Neuropathy

If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, you’re also more likely to develop neuropathy (nerve damage). Board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Jason Armstrong, DPM, whose practice is in The Woodlands and Humble, Texas, offers complete care for neuropathy, including prescription medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Call Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a neuropathy appointment, or book your visit online.

How does neuropathy affect the feet?

Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, permanently damages the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.

If you have diabetes or another health problem that affects blood flow to your feet, it can damage your nerves, interfering with your ability to feel pain and other sensations.

For example, if you have neuropathy and cut yourself, you might not feel it. The cut might become infected, requiring surgery or amputation.

Does neuropathy present symptoms?

Yes. Neuropathy symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Balance problems
• Pain
• Blood pressure changes

If you have neuropathy and injure yourself or develop a slow-healing wound, you might notice the surrounding skin peeling, cracking, or changing color.

What causes neuropathy?

Various things can cause neuropathy, including:

• Diabetes
• Alcohol use disorder
• Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
• Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and lupus)
• Inflammatory conditions (Guillain-Barré syndrome)
• Infections
• Trauma and surgery
• Vascular disorders

If you’ve been diagnosed with one or more of these problems, visit a podiatrist at least once a year to avoid severe complications. Routine checkups with Dr. Armstrong alert you to potential problems and teach you how to keep your feet healthy.

How does a foot and ankle specialist diagnose neuropathy?

Dr. Armstrong reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. He then orders neurological screens. Dr. Armstrong checks your ability to feel sensations, tests your reflexes, and sees how well you can walk and balance. He also orders bloodwork to check for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies and assess your blood sugar.

How does a foot and ankle specialist treat neuropathy?

Dr. Armstrong treats neuropathy using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Depending on your symptoms and the cause of the nerve damage, he might suggest:

• Prescription medication
• Physical therapy
• Custom-fitted orthotics
• Prescription shoes
• Wound care
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Dr. Armstrong might recommend minimally invasive surgery if you have trapped or injured nerves. During neuropathy surgery, Dr. Armstrong reconnects cut nerves and relieves pressure on compressed nerves. He can also remove damaged or malfunctioning nerves to stop pain signals from reaching your brain.

Call the practice of Jason Armstrong, DPM, today to schedule a neuropathy consultation, or book your appointment online.