Up to 8% of Americans 65 and older have neuropathy or permanent nerve damage. There’s no cure for neuropathy, but intervention and treatment can prevent it from worsening. At Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center, board-certified podiatrists Jay Mukker, DPM, FABPM, CWSP, and Gavin Lee, DPM, provide effective treatments for neuropathy. To make an appointment, call the office in Fresno or Madera, California, or book online today.
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage or dysfunction. It causes a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, like tingling, numbness, and chronic pain.
Anyone can experience neuropathy, but several factors may increase your risk, including diabetes and heart disease. If you’re concerned about neuropathy, contact Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center today.
The symptoms of neuropathy include:
As the condition worsens, you might also experience problems with your bladder or bowels, like incontinence.
Various diseases and medical conditions increase the risk of neuropathy, including:
You might also experience neuropathy if you drink alcohol to excess.
To diagnose neuropathy, your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse at certain times, and whether activities such as exercise make them worse.
Next, your provider performs a physical and neurological exam. They order lab tests, including bloodwork, to check for hormone, vitamin, or electrolyte imbalances. They might also order a nerve conduction study or electromyography to assess the health of your nerves and muscles.
Treatment of neuropathy depends on various factors, including your age, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the severity of the nerve damage. Your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider might recommend:
The goal of treatment is to keep your symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.
You can’t prevent neuropathy entirely, but you can reduce your risk by embracing a healthy lifestyle. If you have diabetes, for example, it’s crucial to keep your blood sugar levels in check. You should also quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Changes like these can help you live a long and active life.
To learn more about the treatment options for neuropathy, make an appointment at Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center. Call the office nearest you or book online today.