How your podiatrist in Harrison, and Mountain Home, AR, can help if you have neuropathy

Do you experience shooting pains in your feet and toes? If so, don’t ignore it! Those shooting pains could be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, one of the many medical issues associated with having diabetes. Your podiatrist can treat diabetic neuropathy, so you and your feet can feel better.

Dr. Eric Arp at Arp Foot & Ankle offers a wide range of foot and ankle services, including treatment of neuropathy. He has two convenient office locations in Harrison, and Mountain Home, AR, to help you and your feet get relief from neuropathy.

You may experience diabetic neuropathy because your nervous system is becoming impaired due to diabetes. The truth is, diabetes causes problems in your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems, especially in your feet.

Neuropathy is caused by diabetes-related problems with your nervous system. Impairment of your nervous system can cause the shooting pains of neuropathy, and it can also cause loss of sensation. If you injure your feet, you may not feel it.

Neuropathy can happen suddenly or gradually, resulting in signs and symptoms like these in your feet and legs:

• Tingling or numbness
• Burning pain or sharp stabbing pain
• Muscle weakness or balance issues

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of neuropathy, you should visit your podiatrist for a comprehensive foot evaluation. Your podiatrist will check your reflexes and nerve sensation in your feet and legs.

The first line of treatment for diabetic neuropathy is to make sure your blood sugar level is managed. Medications are often prescribed to control burning, tingling, and numbness in your feet and legs. Your podiatrist may also recommend exercise and physical therapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance.

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of peripheral neuropathy, call Dr. Eric Arp at Arp Foot & Ankle. You can reach him in the Harrison, AR, office by calling (870) 365-3668, or in Mountain Home, AR, at (870) 425-7363, so call today.