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According to Cleveland Clinic, peripheral neuropathy can be any condition affecting the nerves outside the area of the brain and spinal cord.
We can think of the peripheral nerves as an information highway between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the rest of the body. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) explains that this system sends signals to help in controlling such functions as muscle contraction, heart function, digestion and urination.
The function of peripheral nerves becomes affected when certain events in the body occur. This includes diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve pressure between the forearm and hand), and meralgia paresthetica (numbness and tingling in one of the thighs), excessive alcohol usage, chemotherapy, injury & trauma.
When it comes to foot health, peripheral neuropathy is something that needs to be taken seriously.
Damage to the nerves means that the signals the body normally receives become compromised. If you are diabetic, for example, you may experience cold feet, tingling in the feet or toes, or loss of sensation in the feet and toes.
Why it matters Without proper sensitivity in the feet, you may incur injuries without noticing. This could be because of stepping on something sharp, long toe nails that catch other toes and monitor your blood sugar levels., and cutting your own toe nails. In diabetics, for example, cuts are more likely to develop into more serious wounds if left untreated.
Peripheral neuropathy is not known to have any cure. Hence the need to manage it properly. According to Mayo Clinic, some things you can do to manage the condition if you have it include: check your feet daily for abrasions and cuts, exercise gently, cut out smoking, eat healthy food, avoid too much alcohol, and monitor your blood sugar levels.
If you have peripheral neuropathy, you need to see a healthcare specialist regularly, and in the case of peripheral neuropathy in the feet, you need to visit a healthcare professional who is qualified to carry our foot healthcare checks for your condition.