Do you experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your feet? Do your feet or legs feel weak, or overly sensitive to touch?
If so, you may be dealing with peripheral neuropathy.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves that carries signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body.
When these nerves are damaged, communication is disrupted—similar to static on a phone line. Signals may be distorted, delayed, or blocked altogether.
Neuropathy can affect:
- A single nerve
- Multiple nerves (most common)
- Or, in some cases, separate nerves in different areas of the body
Causes
Peripheral neuropathy can result from a variety of conditions, including:
- Infection or inflammation
- Trauma or injury
- Metabolic disorders
- Autoimmune or inherited conditions
- Exposure to toxins
- Nerve compression
- Tumors
- Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery
In the feet, additional contributing factors may include:
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes
- High heels that compress the toes
People with diabetes are especially at risk. Diabetic neuropathy often begins in the feet and gradually progresses upward.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of nerve damage.
Common signs include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Pricking or “pins and needles” sensations
- Burning pain
- Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
Some people also report unusual sensations, such as feeling something crawl on the skin.
In more severe cases, neuropathy may affect:
- Movement (paralysis)
- Organ or gland function (such as digestion or sweating)
How Symptoms Progress
Neuropathy can develop in different ways:
- Acute neuropathy: sudden onset with rapid progression
- Chronic neuropathy: gradual onset over time
- Stable neuropathy: symptoms remain consistent for long periods
In many cases, neuropathy is a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than a condition on its own.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect neuropathy, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
Your doctor may perform:
- A physical exam
- Medical history review
- Additional testing, if needed
Treatment options vary, but may include:
- Oral or topical medications
- Nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Spinal cord stimulation or other advanced therapies
- Complementary approaches
The goal is to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause whenever possible.
Foot Care and Support
If neuropathy affects your feet, proper care becomes essential.
Reduced sensation increases the risk of:
- Skin irritation
- Pressure sores or ulcers
- Undetected injuries
- Proprioception delays
Wearing properly fitted functional footwear and minimizing pressure points is critical.
The Role of Orthotics
If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy of the feet, you may benefit from specialized footwear or custom orthotics, such as the ezWalker® Performance custom orthotics.
Ask your doctor whether an accommodative orthotic is appropriate for your condition. These orthotics are designed to:
- Reduce pressure
- Minimize friction
- Help prevent skin breakdown and ulcers
This is especially important for individuals with diabetes or reduced sensation in the feet.
In addition, the ezWalker® Performance Insole can help guide the foot into a more efficient biomechanical position, potentially reducing pressure on the bottom of the foot and possibly enhancing movement so your walk is more stable and able.
The Bottom Line
Peripheral neuropathy can affect how your feet feel and how they function.
Early recognition, proper medical care, and foot protection can help reduce complications and improve comfort.
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Remember … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
Note: If you follow these guidelines and your pain or foot problems persist, you may have a more serious condition. See your physician for a more complete diagnosis and treatment.
