Find the Cause of Your Foot Discomfort
Neuropathy refers to nerve problems that often affect the feet, particularly in individuals with diabetes. If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your feet, visit Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics in Burnsville or Edina, Minnesota. The experienced team will diagnose the cause of your neuropathy and provide effective treatment.
Call Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics or book an appointment online today for an expert assessment of your neuropathy.
Neuropathy Q&A
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves — the nerves that extend throughout your body and transmit signals between your brain, spinal cord (central nervous system), and the rest of your body.
Peripheral nerves allow you to feel sensations such as temperature, touch, and pain, and they also send motor commands from your brain to your muscles and organs.
When you have neuropathy, this communication is disrupted, and the peripheral nerves do not function properly. While neuropathy can affect any part of the body, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of foot-related neuropathy.
Diabetes occurs when excess sugar remains in the bloodstream. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage peripheral nerves — especially those in the feet. Damaged nerves may send false pain signals, or they may fail to register real injuries, increasing the risk of complications.
What symptoms does neuropathy cause in the feet?
Neuropathy in the feet can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Numbness
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Prickling or itching
- Burning sensations
These symptoms may occur throughout the entire foot or affect isolated areas. In cases of diabetic neuropathy, numbness can prevent you from noticing injuries such as cuts, punctures, fungal infections, or ingrown toenails.
Diabetes can also impair circulation, which reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to injured tissue. This often results in slow-healing wounds, including diabetic ulcers (open sores). Without prompt and proper treatment, ulcers can become infected and, in severe cases, may lead to amputation.
How is neuropathy treated?
Effective neuropathy treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause. In many cases, diabetes is the root issue, so managing your blood sugar and scheduling regular diabetic foot exams are essential steps.
The team at Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics plays a key role in managing foot health for patients with neuropathy. They treat infections, address issues like fungal nails, and provide routine foot care — including toenail trimming and the safe removal of corns and calluses using sterilized instruments.
To prevent complications, your provider may recommend diabetic socks and shoes or custom-fitted orthotics (specialized supportive shoe inserts). In addition, medications such as low-dose tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to help manage nerve pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.