Treating feet properly requires an understanding of many body systems. This includes the nervous system. Having proper feeling sensation to the feet is very important. Peripheral neuropathy, a decreased nerve function of the extremities, may result from many causes. These include diabetes, extended use of some medications, direct injury to the nerves and in some cases the cause is unknown.
Symptoms can include numbness, tingling sensations, burning sensations and pain. Normally if there is injury to the feet, one will feel it and take appropriate actions to help the situation. In a case of severe neuropathy, the person may not be aware of an injury until secondary problems like infection develop. This process is a leading cause of amputation in diabetics. Lack of sensation in the lower extremety may also result in loss of balance and falls.
At East Avenue Podiatry, we offer our patients the opportunity to have the nerves of the lower legs and feet tested with a noninvasive, painless test. It is called a Nerve Conduction Velocity test. This test is performed by applying pads to the skin above each individual nerve and measuring the speed and intensity the nerve conducts a light electrical current. No needles are involved.
Early detection of neuropathy allows for better treatment options and often the slowing down or prevention of increased symptoms. The result may be a better quality of life for years to come.