Peripheral Neuropathy Foot Pain

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), peripheral neuropathy is a malfunctioning of the nerves that transmit information to and from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). This can result in pain and loss of sensation in your feet and hands. Peripheral neuropathy can be due to a variety of factors, including diabetes, traumatic injuries and infections. There are remedies for most forms of peripheral neuropathy.

Effects

• The NIH says that peripheral nerves act as an information clearinghouse from your central nervous system to your muscles, organs, skin and joints back to your brain. Peripheral neuropathy develops when these nerves become dysfunctional. This can result in loss of muscle control, numbness and pain. Sometimes nerve failure can lead to other problems, such as digestive issues.

Causes

• Many factors can cause nerve damage, including heredity conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (a form of neuropathy characterized by weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the hands and lower legs) and Friedreich's ataxia (which causes progressive damage to the nervous system).
  Other possible causes include diabetes, hepatitis, AIDS, syphilis, vitamin B-12 deficiency, alcoholism and exposure to toxic materials such as lead or arsenic.

Foot Pain

• The NIH says sensation changes (a frequent sign of diabetes) often are noticed first in the feet. The longest nerves of the body are those that extend to your toes. Foot pain may be gradual and worsen over time. As the condition progresses, pain and numbness may extend into your legs and arms.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, the foot pain associated with peripheral neuropathy is often described as burning or electric-like.

Diagnosis

• Since peripheral neuropathy can have a variety of causes, it is often challenging to diagnose. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam that will include a check of your coordination, muscle strength and tendon reflexes. A blood test may be performed to determine your vitamin B-12 level.

  Your doctor may also suggest a nerve biopsy (a small portion of a nerve is removed and studied for irregularities) as well as an electromyography (which measures electrical discharges generated in your muscles).

Treatment

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says that currently no cure exists for inherited peripheral neuropathy. When a primary condition is responsible for peripheral neuropathy, the first goal is to treat the underlying cause.

  A variety of medications can be used to alleviate foot pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications that contain opiates, such as codeine.

  A lidocaine patch containing the topical anesthetic can be applied to the foot or other areas when pain is most intense.

Outlook

• The outcome of peripheral neuropathy depends on its root cause. When a core medical condition is diagnosed and treated, the prognosis is often very good.

  However, if neuropathy is advanced, it may result in irreversible nerve damage, even when the primary cause has been successfully treated.

  Some inherited neuropathies are benign, while others can lead to severe and lasting complications.