Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy and How Premier Podiatry Can Help Your Feet

If you have ever felt burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you might be experiencing peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves in your feet and can make everyday activities uncomfortable or even risky. At Premier Podiatry in Altamonte Springs, we understand how nerve pain can impact your life, and we are here to help you manage symptoms, protect your feet, and stay active safely.

Signs of peripheral neuropathy in the foot

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord, especially those in your feet, get damaged. These nerves send messages between your feet and your brain, so when they don’t work properly, you might feel unusual sensations or lose feeling altogether.

The nerves affected can be sensory (feeling), motor (movement), or autonomic (automatic functions like sweating). Most people with peripheral neuropathy notice changes in sensation first, such as burning or tingling.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Many factors can cause nerve damage, but one of the most common causes is diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can injure nerves, especially in the feet. Other causes include:

• Injuries from accidents or repetitive pressure on nerves

• Infections like shingles or Lyme disease

• Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins

• Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs

• Alcohol abuse which can damage nerves

• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

  
  

Understanding the cause helps us tailor treatment to your needs.

Typical Symptoms to Watch For

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms usually start gradually and may include:

• Burning or sharp pain in the feet, often worse at night

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel temperature or pain

• Weakness in foot muscles

• Balance problems that increase the risk of falls

  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes or other risk factors, it’s important to get a professional evaluation.

How Premier Podiatry Evaluates Peripheral Neuropathy

At Premier Podiatry, we take a thorough approach to understand your condition. Our evaluation includes:

• Detailed medical history to learn about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying conditions

• Physical exam focusing on your skin, circulation, and sensation in your feet

• Tests such as monofilament testing to check for loss of feeling, vibration tests, and sometimes nerve conduction studies if needed

  
  

We look for signs like dry or cracked skin, poor blood flow, and areas where sensation is reduced or absent. This helps us identify the severity of neuropathy and any risks for ulcers or injuries.

Podiatrist Dr. Hang Campbell checking foot sensation and circulation

Treatment Options at Premier Podiatry

Managing peripheral neuropathy involves protecting your feet, relieving pain, and preventing complications. Here’s how we help:

Footwear and Orthotic Recommendations

Wearing the right shoes is crucial. We recommend:

• Shoes with good support and cushioning to reduce pressure points

• Custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and improve comfort

• Avoiding tight or ill-fitting shoes that can cause blisters or ulcers

  
  

At-Home Foot Checks

Daily foot inspections help catch problems early. We teach you how to:

• Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling

• Use a mirror or ask for help to check the soles of your feet

• Keep your feet clean and dry

  
  

Skin and Nail Care

Healthy skin protects your feet from infections. Tips include:

• Moisturizing dry skin but avoiding areas between toes

• Trimming nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails

• Seeking professional care for thickened nails or wounds

  
  

Pain-Relief Strategies

We offer options to reduce nerve pain, such as:

• Medications tailored to nerve pain

• Physical therapy to improve strength and balance

• Non-drug therapies like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

  
  

Preventing Ulcers and Falls

Protecting your feet from injury is key. We focus on:

• Educating you about foot safety and daily care

• Monitoring for early signs of ulcers or infections

• Balance training to reduce fall risk

  
  

Meet Our Doctors and Their Focus

At Premier Podiatry, Dr. Hang Campbell and Dr. Andrew Campbell bring complementary expertise to your care.

• Dr. Hang Campbell emphasizes prevention. He works closely with patients who have high-risk feet, especially those with diabetes, to protect skin health and prevent ulcers before they start.

• Dr. Andrew Campbell focuses on managing pain and improving balance. His goal is to keep you safely active and comfortable, so neuropathy does not limit your lifestyle.

  
  

Together, they provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Patient walking with supportive shoes to improve balance

If you have burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, don’t wait. Peripheral neuropathy can worsen without proper care, but early evaluation and treatment can make a big difference. Schedule a neuropathy evaluation at Premier Podiatry in Altamonte Springs today. We are here to help you protect your feet and maintain your quality of life.