What part of the foot does neuropathy affect?

People with peripheral neuropathy have decreased or abnormal sensation in their toes and fingers. Sometimes, they develop problems moving these parts of the body as well.


Where do your feet hurt with neuropathy?

Peroneal neuropathy (foot drop)—The peroneal nerve is in the leg below the knee. Damage to the peroneal nerve can cause pain, tingling or numbness at the top of the foot. It may become difficult to raise your toes, your toes or ankle may feel weak, or your foot may feel like it is dropping when walking.

What are the first signs of neuropathy in your feet?

The main symptoms can include:
  • numbness and tingling in the feet or hands.
  • burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas.
  • loss of balance and co-ordination.
  • muscle weakness, especially in the feet.


What triggers neuropathy in feet?

Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.

Is neuropathy on top or bottom of feet?

Foot numbness, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a problem that we see very often as foot and ankle specialists. Numbness may occur in the bottom of the feet, top of the feet, the toes or the legs.


Diabetic Neuropathy, Animation



What is the best thing to do for neuropathy in your feet?

To help you manage peripheral neuropathy:
  • Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses. ...
  • Exercise. ...
  • Quit smoking. ...
  • Eat healthy meals. ...
  • Avoid excessive alcohol. ...
  • Monitor your blood glucose levels.


How do you test for foot neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.

What is the number one medicine for neuropathy?

The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.


Does foot neuropathy ever go away?

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away. These are some ways to learn to live with it: Use pain medicines as your doctor prescribes them. Most pain medicines work best if they are taken before the pain gets bad.

What makes neuropathy of the feet worse?

Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Heavy drinking makes neuropathy worse. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your body functions but smoking and drinking can alter the level of minerals and vitamins that are needed for proper nerve function.

What can a podiatrist do for neuropathy of the feet?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment may be helpful in relieving neuropathy symptoms. The therapy uses gentle electrical currents to prevent pain signals from traveling to your brain. Reduce pain, tingling and other neuropathy symptoms with a visit to The Foot & Ankle Group.


Is there a cure for neuropathy foot pain?

There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy but proper treatment will slow progression and address your symptoms. If the cause of the foot neuropathy is known, then treatment of the underlying cause may provide relief.

Can you have neuropathy in one foot?

Alternatively, tingling in one foot may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, a disorder in which the peripheral nerves that relay signals between the body and the brain and spinal cord lose function. Peripheral neuropathy can be due to a number of specific diseases and disorders, including diabetes and alcoholism.

Does neuropathy pain hurt all the time?

The pain may be constant, or may occur intermittently. A feeling of numbness or a loss of sensation is common, too. Neuropathic pain tends to get worse over time.


What is the best home remedy for foot neuropathy?

Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet. Researchers believe that regular exercise may create a long-lasting expansion in blood vessels in the feet, nourishing damaged nerves back to health.

Can you have neuropathy without diabetes?

However, diabetes is not the only cause of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, weakness, pain, prickling and twitching among other symptoms. It may be attributable to many conditions or illnesses.

Can you reverse neuropathy in feet?

While you can't reverse the damage from neuropathy, there are ways to help manage the condition, including: lowering your blood sugar. treating nerve pain. regularly checking your feet to make sure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection.


Do compression socks help neuropathy?

Compression socks can help patients manage their neuropathy symptoms. These socks apply pressure to assist your feet and ensure blood keeps flowing in the correct direction. However, compression socks come in various compression levels, so it's important to speak to a doctor before purchasing a pair.

What is the best painkiller for neuropathy?

Pain relievers

Tramadol (Ultram) and tapentadol (Nucynta) are opioids that can help with neuropathic pain.

What vitamins are good for neuropathy?

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.


Is walking good for neuropathy in feet?

Walking can reduce the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy from the nerve damage in your feet and lower legs. Walking and other light aerobic exercises have various benefits for people affected by neuropathy, which is a wide range of conditions involving disease and damage to the peripheral nerves.

What does neuropathy foot pain feel like?

Pain comes in many shapes and sizes, especially when we're talking about peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain. It's common to experience pain in the arms, hands, legs or feet and feel a tingling, burning or stabbing sensation that won't stop.

What are the warning signs of neuropathy?

What Are the Early Warning Signs?
  • Tingling in the feet. ...
  • Other unexplained sensations or pain. ...
  • Weakness or balance issues. ...
  • Cuts, ulcers, or injuries that you don't notice or aren't getting better.


Does Vicks Vaporub on feet help neuropathy?

Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems. Warm/Cool Baths and Showers - Excellent de-stressors and can help with reducing pain.

What can be mistaken for peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common, impacting 7 in 10 diabetics, among others. PN is often mistaken for another common illness, multiple sclerosis (MS).