How many of us have ever had the sensation of pins and needles poking under your skin? Have you ever sat in the same position for so long that maybe your leg or foot went numb? You may have experienced neuropathy. "Neuropathy?" you say. Yes, this is the term used when there is some kind of short or long-term damage or injury to a nerve. There are many causes of neuropathy and depending on the cause and extent of injury, the damage may or may not be reversible. In this article, we will review some of the different types of neuropathy, some causes of neuropathy, and various recommended treatments.
Nerve injury can be classified into three main categories using the Seddon system. This classification system is based on the type of damage done to the nerve and its ability to heal.
- Neuropraxia is the mildest form of nerve damage. The wrapping around the nerve (myelin) is damaged by some type of compression or direct hit trauma. Usually vibratory sensation and fine point touch is lost when this happens. Neuropraxia is usually healed anywhere from days to months as long as the myelin around the nerve heals.
- Axontmesis is a disruption to the fibers in the nerve (axons) and the wrapping around the nerve (myelin). A special term has been given when the axons are damaged but not severed - Wallerian degeneration. Axontmesis can be caused by stoppage of blood flow (ischemia), toxins, or prolonged compression. Recovery is possible with axontmesis, but chances of healing decreases if the injury to the nerve is far from the organ that the nerve supplies.
- Neurotmesis is the worst type of nerve injury. Not only are the wrapping (myelin) and axons disrupted, the supporting tissue is injured as well. You would see neurotmesis in gunshot wounds, lacerations, puncture wounds, and open fractures. The nerve is usually severed in neurotmesis and the chances for healing are basically little to none.
A healthy lifestyle can lessen the chances of developing neuropathy. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been linked to myelin decay. Vitamin B-12 can be found in many sources such as seaweed, soy, dairy products, and eggs. If you are diabetic, glucose is key to controlling the symptoms of neuropathy. Studies have shown that excess sugar in the blood produces an alcohol, which destroys the nerves. Prevention of neuropathy is one reason why nutritional guidelines have been established for diabetics. Surgical procedures can be a cause of neuropathy. Avoidance of nerves is a top priority during surgery; however, sometimes they cannot be avoided. Usually the nerve injury is temporary and subsides with active range of motion and healing of the surgical site.
Depending on your specific cause of neuropathy, there are many treatments available.
- One treatment would be to protect the already damaged nerve from further damage by wearing protective gear that the doctor may give you.
- Medications such as gabapentin or preglabin can be prescribed by your doctor to help alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy.
- Cryoderm, available on footDrHorsley.com, has been proven to be effective in the treatment of neurological pain.
- Your doctor may choose to have you use capsaicin. Capsaicin is a topical agent that helps reduce the pain and tingling associated with neuropathy.
- Surgical treatment, external neurolysis, also exists for certain types of neuropathy depending on the location of the nerve.
If you or someone you know has existing neuropathy, please know there is help and options available. Visit FootDrHorsley.com to schedule your appointment with a podiatrist to review your specific treatment plan and other possible remedies available.
The weather is changing and we hate to admit it, but winter is near. Not only does "Old Man Winter" bring frost, he loves to deliver chills, chapped lips, and brittle hair. In addition to the most obvious things, many people can acquire skin abnormalities such as asteotic eczema (winter itch), fissuring of the skin, or their xerosis can be worsened. In this article we will explore the abnormalities and possible solutions to them.
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Any time a break in the skin occurs, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can enter and cause an infection. The foot is an especially rich source of bacteria and invading microorganisms, because your shoes provide them a perfect environment in which to live. Therefore, any time you notice a lesion, ulcer, cut, or sore on your feet, you need to take prompt action to prevent infection. A foot ulcer is the most likely source of infection in the foot. When an ulcer becomes infected, microorganisms can eat through layers of skin and bone tissue to create a deep hole. When the infection spreads or becomes too deep, amputation may be needed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an infected ulcer include fever, redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, and any sort of drainage or oozing of pus-like material. There aren't as many symptoms for infections as there are for other foot problems, but they are still as serious.
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Congenital dislocated hip is an abnormality that is seen at birth. The role that podiatrists play in pediatrics is remarkable. With the first sign of stance or walking abnormality, a parent's concern will be great enough to rush their child off to the doctor. We will learn about the many tools and techniques, which cater to the pediatric patient, that allow a congenital dislocated hip to be diagnosed and treated.
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Have you ever gone over someone's house and been ashamed to take off your shoes? Ever gone to the beach and buried your feet in the sand? Do you wear closed toed shoes because you are ashamed of toenails? Don't worry, you are not alone. This is what millions of Americans experience. If you have dry, yellow, brittle, and discolored toenails, you may have Onychomycosis, better known as fungus nail. With Onychomycosis, the nail has been penetrated by bacteria or some type of fungi. In this article we will discuss Onychomycosis and treatment options.
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Most of us are avid TV watchers, so I'm sure we are all familiar with the many ads drug companies generate to promote a healthier lifestyle. Let's face it, as we get older, our bodies may need some help. There are weight loss, smoking cessation, asthma, impotency, and heartburn drugs. Today we will focus on bone mineralization. Often we have seen actress Sally Field on the commercial explaining how she takes her Boniva tablet once a month to maintain healthy bones. Because there are so many bones in the feet, Podiatrists are especially interested in maintaining patient's healthy bone. In this article, we will go over bone mineral homeostasis…the process of maintaining a constant healthy bone.
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Happy Easter!
This is the time of year for new suits, brimmed hats, and new shoes, but be warned -with new shoes can bring new pain. To deal with this pain,most people go straight to the medicine cabinet and grab a pain reliever. In this article we will educate you on pain relievers. Do we really know howpain relievers work? What’s the difference between NSAIDs and Acetominaphen? Can everyone take pain relievers? When should I not take pain relievers? Get ready for some fascinating facts.
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Defintion
Hallux limitus describes a condition in which there is limitation of motion of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint in the sagittal plane. Hallux limitus is the inability of the hallux to dorsiflex at the 1st MPJ. This limited range of motion results in jamming of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint (1st MPJ). Over time, repetitive jamming will contribute to arthritis of the 1st MPJ. The most characteristic sign of hallux limitus is a bump (exostosis) on top of the head of the 1st metatarsal. In fact, many doctors also refer to hallux limitus as a dorsal bunion.
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