Should you see a podiatrist or neurologist for neuropathy?

Everyone with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of the feet should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who are specially trained to preserve the health of the feet.

What is the best doctor to see for neuropathy?

If your doctor suspects you may have a form of peripheral neuropathy, they may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nerves.

Can a neurologist do anything for neuropathy?

A neurologist, or a physician who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, is the best physician to treat neuropathies.

Can a podiatrist treat neuropathy of the feet?

Anyone who has symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in their feet or legs should see a podiatrist. The podiatrists at American Foot and Leg Specialists are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this type of nerve damage.

What is the best treatment for neuropathy in your feet and legs?

Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Peripheral Neuropathy Isn't Permanent. Reverse Painful Symptoms with Treatment

What is the newest treatment for neuropathy?

Intraneural Facilitation (INF) treatment effectively restores blood flow to damaged nerves, decreasing pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), according to a new study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health.

What do doctors prescribe for neuropathy in the feet?

Some medications used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy) are also used to ease nerve pain. The ADA recommends starting with pregabalin (Lyrica). Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin) also is an option. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and swelling in the hands and feet.

Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it's best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it's best to see an orthopedic physician.

Can neuropathy in the feet be corrected?

Usually a peripheral neuropathy can't be cured, but you can do a lot of things to prevent it from getting worse. If an underlying condition like diabetes is at fault, your healthcare provider will treat that first and then treat the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.

What triggers neuropathy in feet?

Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.

What kind of doctor determines if you have neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

Some people may need to see a neurologist, a specialist in health conditions affecting the nervous system, in hospital for further tests.

Is walking good for neuropathy in feet and legs?

And of course, if your neuropathy is linked to diabetes or high blood sugar, regular exercise will help you keep those exacerbating factors in better control. This means that exercise will not only make your feet and legs feel better, but can actually keep your neuropathy from progressing to a more severe stage.

What is the number one medical condition that causes neuropathy?

Diabetes. This is the most common cause. Among people with diabetes, more than halfwill develop some type of neuropathy.

Can podiatrist check for nerve damage?

A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan based on your personal needs. To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist will do a physical exam of your feet to check for reflexes and sensation. Your medical history and blood sugar levels may also be reviewed.

Is there anything doctors can do for neuropathy?

Typically, medications are prescribed to treat neuropathy. Because neuropathy tends to be a common problem in people with diabetes, many of these medications balance blood sugar levels. There are also medications available for people experiencing pain, which includes a lot of the antidepressant medications.

What makes neuropathy of the feet worse?

Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Heavy drinking makes neuropathy worse. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your body functions but smoking and drinking can alter the level of minerals and vitamins that are needed for proper nerve function.

Do compression socks help neuropathy?

Compression socks can help patients manage their neuropathy symptoms. These socks apply pressure to assist your feet and ensure blood keeps flowing in the correct direction. However, compression socks come in various compression levels, so it's important to speak to a doctor before purchasing a pair.

How serious is neuropathy in feet?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.

What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?

The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.

What is better than a podiatrist?

Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists. Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues.

What conditions can podiatrists treat?

Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.

Is there a vitamin that helps neuropathy in the feet?

B Vitamins

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.

What can be done at home for neuropathy in the feet?

What is the best vitamin for foot neuropathy?

Vitamin B-12 is present in some foods and helps with proper nerve function and red blood cell production. People who don't get enough vitamin B-12 may have a higher risk of neuropathy and other nervous system (neurological) problems.

Is Vicks Vapor Rub good for neuropathy?

Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs.