What does neuropathy in feet feel like?

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.
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How do I know if I have neuropathy in my feet?

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

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.
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Where do your feet hurt with neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy

Typically, the nerve pain first affects the toes and surrounding areas, and it may then slowly spread to the rest of the feet and up the legs. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include: tingling, burning, sharp, or shooting pain in the toes or feet.
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What can be done for neuropathy in the feet?

If you have muscle weakness, physical therapy can help improve your movements. You may also need hand or foot braces, a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. Surgery. If you have neuropathies caused by pressure on nerves, such as pressure from tumors, you might need surgery to reduce the pressure.
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What are the warning signs of neuropathy?

Some of the symptoms that are most typical of first or early-stage neuropathy include the following:
  • Itchiness.
  • Tingling, prickling, or “pins-and-needles” sensation.
  • Burning sensations.
  • Sudden, intermittent “electric shock” pain.
  • Intermittent muscle spasms or cramping.
  • Hypersensitivity to touch or temperature.
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Checking Your Feet For Signs of Nerve Damage



What triggers neuropathy?

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.
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What are the beginning stages of neuropathy?

The 5 Stages of Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Stage 1: Numbness and Pain.
  • Stage 2: Regular and Persistent Symptoms.
  • Stage 3: Debilitating Pain.
  • Stage 4: Constant Numbness.
  • Stage 5: Complete Loss of Feeling.
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What causes neuropathy in feet to flare up?

It's usually caused by chronic, progressive nerve disease, and it can also occur as the result of injury or infection. If you have chronic neuropathic pain, it can flare up at any time without an obvious pain-inducing event or factor. Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as well.
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How serious is neuropathy in feet?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.
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How do you calm down neuropathy?

Exercise – Engaging in regular exercises, such as walking can help reduce neuropathy pain and improve muscle strength. Over-the-counter pain relievers – Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help relieve neuropathic pain.
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Can foot neuropathy be cured?

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.
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How do you test for neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

These may include: 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.
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What doctor treats neuropathy in feet?

Everyone with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of the feet should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who are specially trained to preserve the health of the feet.
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What causes neuropathy in feet besides diabetes?

Infections – Viral and bacterial infections are both known to cause peripheral neuropathy. Some of these infections include West Nile, Shingles, Lyme disease, diphtheria, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and leprosy.
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Can neuropathy just 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.
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How do you stop neuropathy from progressing?

How To Slow The Progression of Diabetic Neuropathies
  1. Losing weight.
  2. Exercising.
  3. Control blood sugar levels.
  4. Quit smoking.
  5. Stop drinking alcohol.
  6. Treat all injuries and infections right away.
  7. Improving vitamin deficiencies.
  8. Managing stress.
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What is the life expectancy with neuropathy?

There are several key factors that affect a patient's prognosis in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), but most people with the rare, inherited, progressive disease have a life expectancy of about 10 years after being diagnosed.
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What foods should I avoid with neuropathy?

8 Foods That You Should Avoid if You Have Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Gluten. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Added Sugars. ...
  • Refined Grains. ...
  • Trans and Saturated Fats. ...
  • Salty Snacks. ...
  • Heavy Metals. ...
  • Produce with Pesticides.
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What medications cause neuropathy in feet?

Other drugs and substances that may cause neuropathy include: Colchicine (used to treat gout) Disulfiram (used to treat alcohol use) Arsenic.
...
Drugs used to fight infections:
  • Chloroquine.
  • Dapsone.
  • Isoniazid (INH), used against tuberculosis.
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
  • Nitrofurantoin.
  • Thalidomide (used to fight leprosy)
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What are the four stages of neuropathy?

Stages of Neuropathy
  • Stage One: Numbness & Pain.
  • Stage Two: Constant Pain.
  • Stage Three: Intense Pain.
  • Stage Four: Complete Numbness/ Loss of Sensation.
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Are Compression Socks good for neuropathy?

Compression socks can relieve neuropathy issues concerning blood flow, as they are known for their ability to improve blood circulation. Studies have shown that compression garments can help those living with diabetes and lower extremity edemas.
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What can make neuropathy worse?

Strenuous exercise and the accompanying soreness can contribute to nerve pain during the night. Living in a chronic state of stress will wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. High stress levels could be a reason why neuropathy is worse on some days, as well as when you take medications.
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Can you get neuropathy and not have diabetes?

Millions of people suffer from the effects of non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy on a daily basis. Peripheral neuropathy refers to the dysfunction of the nerves in areas of the body, not including the brain and spine.
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Does drinking water help neuropathy?

Drink lots of water

Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors.
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What can you not do with neuropathy?

Sugary Snacks: Snacks or desserts such as ice cream, cookies, candy, and even excess fruit consumption should be avoided by neuropathy patients. High levels of blood sugar impact nerve damage especially in those with diabetic neuropathy.
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