What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the name of a group of conditions that involves parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord. If you have peripheral neuropathy, the nerves in one or more parts of your body don’t work properly. Depending on the nerves affected, peripheral neuropathy can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of muscle tone in the hands or feet
• Muscle cramps and twitching
• Numbness and tingling
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Nerve pain
• Changes in blood pressure
• Increase or decrease in perspiration
• Bowel and bladder problems
• Erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues

Neuropathy occurs when something damages one or more nerves. Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. The condition can also be caused by alcohol use disorder, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, tumors, infections, genetic conditions, blood vessel disorders, injuries, surgeries and certain medications.

Neuropathy and Your Feet

Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes often involves damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the legs and feet. As the damage progresses, blood flow to the feet typically decreases, putting you at an increased risk of developing sores and blisters.

Because neuropathy may also limit the amount of sensation you have in your feet, there’s a chance you may not notice sores and blisters if they do form. The reduction of blood flow to your feet may also disrupt the healing process, making sores and blisters more likely to become infected. An unnoticed infection could spread and lead to the loss of a toe, all or part of your foot or even your entire lower leg.

Although the potential complications of peripheral neuropathy can be frightening, controlling your blood sugar levels and taking care of your feet can go a long way toward preventing problems.

Choosing the Right Footwear

Selecting the right footwear is often a key part of foot care for neuropathy. Shoes that offer optimal support and fit properly can reduce your risk of developing ulcers and blisters. To choose the right pair of shoes:

• Look for shoes with thickly cushioned insoles to reduce pressure on the foot.
• Have your feet measured at the store to ensure you choose the right size.
• Consider shoes that have ties, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners and other adjustable closures that let you fine-tune the fit.
• Opt for shoes made from breathable materials such as mesh or leather. Breathable footwear allows air to circulate to keep your feet drier throughout the day.
• Check the inside of shoes, avoiding pairs that have raised interior stitching that can rub against your feet and cause blisters.

Talk to your health care provider for more specific advice about which shoes are right for you. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from custom orthotics — inserts that fit inside your shoes and deliver extra support and protection.

Wearing Your New Shoes

Once you have your new shoes, follow these tips to make the most of them:

• Take your new shoes to your health care provider before wearing them. They can check the fit and confirm the shoes are the right choice for you.
• Gradually break in new shoes by wearing them around the house for short periods of time.
• Feel inside your shoes and remove any foreign objects prior to putting them on.
• Slip your shoes off every few hours and check your feet for redness and other signs of irritation.
• Wear your shoes when you’re indoors and outside. If you’re concerned about keeping your floors clean, consider buying two pairs of your preferred shoes and reserving one pair for indoor use.
• Always wear socks with your shoes. Ask your health care provider if you’d benefit from diabetic socks, which usually have extra padding.
• Inspect your shoes regularly. Replace them when they begin to lose their shape or the treads on the soles show signs of wear.

Supporting Your Foot Health

If you have peripheral neuropathy, ongoing foot care can help reduce your risk of complications. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to protect your feet and control the symptoms of neuropathy.

Mobility issues, changes in eyesight and other effects of aging can make it difficult for some seniors to keep up with daily foot care on their own. If you’re in need of extra support, our team here at Bethesda Gardens Fort Worth senior living community is here to help.

We offer ongoing monitoring of chronic conditions and assistance with daily living tasks for all our residents, including those living with peripheral neuropathy. Contact us today to learn more about our community in Fort Worth, Texas, and schedule a tour.