Nerve pain in the feet, such as Baxter’s neuropathy and Morton’s neuroma, can cause significant discomfort and difficulty walking. Baxter’s neuropathy occurs when the lateral plantar nerve in the heel becomes compressed, leading to sharp, burning, or tingling pain in the bottom of the foot. Morton’s neuroma, on the other hand, is a thickening of tissue surrounding the nerve between the toes, often causing pain, numbness, or a feeling of walking on a pebble. Both conditions are more common in older adults due to age-related changes in the feet, such as reduced circulation or factors that affect nerve health, such as wearing tight shoes, arthritis, or diabetes. Treatment for both conditions includes wearing proper footwear, using custom orthotics, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and performing targeted exercises. In severe cases, injections or surgery may be necessary. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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 Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
