Whether you find yourself struggling to sleep because of burning sensations in your toes or finding it difficult to maintain your balance during daily activities, peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect your quality of life. Fortunately, with the right treatments, nerve pain in your feet doesn't have to control your life.
The central Minnesota podiatrists at St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center specialize in diagnosing and treating peripheral neuropathy with advanced therapies that provide relief. Our team has helped thousands of patients throughout Central Minnesota find relief from debilitating nerve pain.
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage affecting the peripheral nerves—those that carry signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. When these nerves malfunction, they can send incorrect signals to your brain or fail to transmit signals at all.
Peripheral neuropathy often starts in the toes and gradually progresses upward, potentially affecting your balance and ability to walk safely. In your feet and ankles, damaged nerves can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. Some people experience sharp, stabbing pains that worsen at night. Others describe burning sensations or feelings of numbness that make it difficult to sense temperature or feel injuries. Left unaddressed, peripheral neuropathy can lead to serious complications, such as:
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Loss of sensation increases your risk of unnoticed injuries that may become infected.
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Balance problems raise the likelihood of falls and fractures.
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Increased risk of diabetic foot ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.
Common Causes of Nerve Damage in the Feet
Neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes, but diabetes is not the only condition or factor that can contribute to nerve damage. Common causes include:
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Elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels damage nerve fibers throughout your body, with feet and legs often affected first.
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Vitamin deficiencies. Low levels of B vitamins, particularly B12, can harm nerve tissue and impair proper nerve function.
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Autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may trigger your immune system to attack nerve tissue.
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Infections. Certain viral and bacterial infections can inflame nerves or produce toxins that damage nerve tissue.
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Medications. Some chemotherapy drugs and other medications may produce nerve damage as a side effect.
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Alcohol use. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to vitamin deficiencies and direct nerve toxicity.
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Injuries. Trauma from accidents, fractures, or prolonged pressure on nerves can cause lasting nerve damage.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Neuropathy
Common neuropathy symptoms to watch for in your feet and ankles include:
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Unusual sensations. Tingling, burning, or prickling feelings that persist or worsen over time may indicate nerve involvement.
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Pain that intensifies at rest. Many patients report that symptoms become more noticeable when lying down or during nighttime hours.
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Numbness or reduced sensation. Difficulty feeling temperature changes or experiencing a "dead" feeling in your feet requires attention.
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Balance difficulties. Stumbling, an unsteady gait, or difficulty sensing the ground beneath your feet can signal sensory nerve damage.
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Muscle weakness. Trouble lifting your foot, frequent tripping, or difficulty standing on your toes may indicate motor nerve involvement.
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Extreme sensitivity. Some patients find even light touch from bedsheets or socks unbearably painful.
Early detection often leads to better outcomes, as addressing nerve damage promptly may prevent permanent injury.
Advanced Diagnostic Approaches
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effectively treating neuropathy. At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, our skilled Minnesota podiatrists use multiple approaches to identify the extent and type of nerve damage. Our thorough diagnostic process allows us to develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your neuropathy and provides symptom relief.
Initial Evaluation
Your evaluation typically begins with a thorough medical history review and physical examination.
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We'll ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse.
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During the examination, we test your reflexes, muscle strength, and ability to sense touch, vibration, and temperature.
Additional Evaluation
Depending on your symptoms and factors related to your medical history, your podiatrist may recommend additional testing. Examples include:
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Nerve conduction studies that measure how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves
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Blood tests to identify vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions.
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Specialized imaging to help rule out nerve compression or other structural problems.
Why Choose St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center for Neuropathy Care
Living with neuropathy symptoms shouldn't mean accepting a diminished quality of life. Our team of experienced Minnesota podiatrists brings decades of combined expertise in treating nerve conditions affecting the feet and ankles.
Advanced Treatment Options
What sets our practice apart is our commitment to providing the most advanced treatment options available. While many podiatry practices offer only basic neuropathy care, St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center has invested in cutting-edge technologies like our powerful cold laser system. Via Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy, we are able to offer patients effective alternatives when traditional treatments haven't provided adequate relief.
Convenient Locations and Scheduling
We also understand that nerve pain doesn't follow a convenient pattern. That's why our practice offers same-day appointments for urgent concerns and expanded hours to accommodate your busy life. With multiple locations throughout Central Minnesota, quality neuropathy care is never far from home.
Caring and Knowledgeable Podiatrists
Our approach to foot care focuses on partnership. Our caring and skilled Minnesota podiatrists take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in decisions about your treatment plan. You'll leave each appointment with a clear understanding of your condition and a concrete plan for moving forward.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Neuropathy symptoms often worsen gradually, making it easy to delay seeking help. However, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your long-term outcomes. The sooner you address nerve damage, the better your chances of avoiding permanent complications and finding lasting relief.