What are the symptoms of chronic nerve pain in the feet?
Everyone may experience chronic nerve pain differently, but many sufferers describe the following sensations in their feet.
- Stabbing pain
- Tingling pain
- Buzzing or electrical type pain
- Burning pain
- Night time pain that wakes you up from sleep
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.
What causes chronic nerve pain in the feet?
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.
How is chronic nerve pain diagnosed?
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.
How is chronic nerve pain treated?
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:
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)
- An oral medication, such as gabapentin or pregabalin
- Topical compound medication
- Diagnostic/therapeutic injection
- Surgical intervention
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.
