A neurological disorder that causes weakness and loss of feeling in the feet, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is named after the three doctors who first identified the condition in 1886. It is an inherited disease for which there is no cure and is believed to affect one in every 2,500 people. Symptoms include weakness and lack of sensation in the feet that can progress into a deformity in the arch of the foot. It also may cause curled toes, pain, cramps, and difficulty walking. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also can spread to other areas of the body including the legs, hands, and arms. Treatment options include therapy, orthotics, surgery, and medication. Sometimes ankle braces and foot orthotics are prescribed as well as strengthening and stretching exercises. If you have symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan best suited for you. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Howard Kimmel, DPM from Buckeye Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brook Park, Beachwood, and Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.