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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral neuropathy is a painful nerve condition that can manifest itself as a burning, tingling, prickling sensation in the feet and/or legs and arms.  It may start as a mild tingling in the toes and progress to searing pain.  It can spread upward in the body to the thighs.  Numbness in toes and/or feett is common and symptoms may be more troublesome at night.

There are over 100 known causes of peripheral neuropathy but many times tests cannot pinpoint a specific condition causing it.  Treating the medical condition reduces symptoms but there needs to be concurrent attention to stabilizing gait and foot motion.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Burning feet
• Numb toes
• Numb feet

Symptoms:

• Tingling, prickling or numbness
• Burning or freezing pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Loss of balance or coordination

Signs to look for:

• Medical conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy
• Evidence of balance problems or difficulty walking
• Evidence of muscle weakness
• Evidence of diminished sensation

Possible Causes:

• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver disease
• Underactive thyroid
• Infections
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Raynauds Syndrome
• HIV positive

Goals:

• Treat the medical condition
• Stimulate circulation in the foot 
• Create or restore optimal foot motion and gait
• Restore balance
• Footwear that protects feet

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter and rocker sole

• MBT physiological footwear

• For exercising, wear shoes with titanium springs

• Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary

• Plastazote cushion in shoe

• Go barefoot on a minimal basis only

Other:

• Wear diabetic socks (whether diabetic or not )

• Compression hosiery products

Activities:

• Regular exercise program with attention to aerobics and lower body strength

• Regular stretching of gastrocnemius, soleus muscles, and Achilles tendon

• Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  Text:  Neuropathy-Trust.org, J. Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet

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