Do you experience pins and needles or sharp shooting pains in your toes or feet? Are the sensations worse at night? Has your balance gotten worse? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy, a nerve problem far away from your spinal cord. Some patients may have more than one condition causing this discomfort. There are several reasons for these nerve symptoms and treatments are targeted for the underlying cause or causes.
What are the causes of neuropathy?
Diabetes - This is the #1 cause of neuropathy in the feet and ankles seen by podiatrists. 50 to 60% of diabetics have some level of neuropathy. Elevated blood sugars cause swelling around the nerves and over time damage the nerves. A podiatrist may be the first to suggest the diagnosis of diabetes because of these symptoms.
Chemotherapy - Burning pain, pins, and needles are an unfortunate side effect of medications used to treat HIV/AIDS and cancer. The symptoms can last for years after the treatment has ended.
Vitamin deficiency - Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the United States, especially among the elderly. It is estimated that between 10% and 25% of people over 80 years of age may have a B12 deficiency.
Alcohol - Alcohol has a toxic effect on nerve tissue, and alcohol abuse is a frequent cause of neuropathy. Symptoms can affect the hands and feet.
Autoimmune - Your immune system attacks and damages nerves. Examples include Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Inflammatory neuropathies caused by infections - HIV/AIDS, Leprosy, Lyme, Hepatitis, Shingles
Chronic Kidney Disease - When the kidneys are not working properly, fluid and waste products build up in the body. In some cases, kidney failure may cause neuropathy.
Injury or Repetitive Trauma - Shoes that are too tight or scarring from surgery can injure one or more of the small peripheral nerves in the feet or ankles.
As a direct care podiatrist, we take a holistic approach in evaluating and treating the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy. Some folks with pins and needles have more than one reason for the sensations. It is not uncommon to see a diabetic with chronic kidney disease, wearing shoes that are too tight causing pressure on the nerves. We consider the patient's history to develop a tailored treatment plan. While there is no cure for neuropathy we can offer multiple treatments to improve your nerve health.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle we take the time to discuss your foot and ankle complaints. If you would like to find out more about how we can help visit our website or call us at (207) 774-0028 to make an appointment.