More than 20 million Americans currently have chronic nerve pain, numbness, and other peripheral neuropathy symptoms. If you have shooting, stabbing, burning, or other painful sensations in your feet, take heart — Michael Czurylo, DPM, Hyowon Choi, DPM, and the Northwest Foot and Ankle Institute team have cutting-edge solutions. Call the Bellingham, Washington, office to schedule or request an appointment online today.
Everyone may experience chronic nerve pain differently, but many sufferers describe the following sensations in their feet.
Many nerve pain sufferers have the most severe symptoms on the soles of their feet, with the heels being a particularly common area of severe nerve pain.
Peripheral neuropathy means damage in your peripheral nerves — those in your feet and hands — and can cause chronic nerve pain. It’s also common to have periods of foot numbness, poor coordination, and extreme skin sensitivity.
There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, but by far, the most prevalent is diabetes. About half of all people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. Other reasons for peripheral neuropathy include autoimmune diseases, infections, congenital disorders, certain medications, and tumors. Lumbar radiculopathy may also cause altered sensations in your lower limbs.
Your Northwest Foot and Ankle Institute podiatrist performs a comprehensive foot exam, reviews your nerve pain symptoms, and may request a blood test if they suspect you have nerve damage. In some cases, you may need special nerve conduction tests as well.
Chronic nerve pain treatment depends on a few different factors, including its underlying cause and the amount of damage it causes to your feet and body. Your podiatrist may recommend:
If you’re miserable because of chronic nerve pain, don’t give up walking. Instead, call Northwest Foot and Ankle Institute or request an appointment online now to escape the pain fast.