What is termed the common peroneal nerve provides sensation to the front and sides of the leg and the top of the feet. It also controls the muscles that lift the ankle and toes upward. Symptoms felt when the peroneal nerve is injured include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. This damage is also responsible for a condition known as foot drop, which affects the way you walk. Damage to the peroneal nerve can be caused by something as simple as crossing the legs for too long a period, or even wearing boots that have heels that are too high. It also can be caused by a crippling genetic condition called Charcot-Marie-Booth disease or by other underlying diseases, such as diabetes. The inability to flex the foot or to take a normal footstep may indicate a peroneal nerve injury. It is not always easy to detect this type of injury, so making an appointment with a podiatrist is suggested for a thorough examination. Treatment may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
