Facts about Nerve Problems

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we find many of our Manhattan patients surprised to discover they have nerve disorders in their feet. Although an injury can cause a nerve disorder, very often they are caused by other factors. Below are some facts about nerve disorders and the effects they have on your feet.

FACT: There are several types of nerve disorders. Some may be due to the nerves' compression, such as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (which causes pain in the back of the ankle and into the foot) and Morton's Neuroma (affecting the ball of the foot between the toes). Other nerve issues are inflammation and damage to the nerves, as with diabetic and peripheral neuropathy.

FACT: General symptoms of nerve disorders include:

·         Pain

·         Tingling or burning

·         Sensation similar to electrical shocks

·         Numbness or decrease in feeling

·         Muscle weakness

FACT: Nerve problems can occur in one or both feet simultaneously.

FACT: There are several potential causes of nerve problems. These include diabetes or alcoholism, deformities like bunions, flat feet and hammertoes, and obesity. Your footwear can also be the culprit when it comes to causing nerve troubles. If you wear high heels that force your foot forward and cram your toes in narrow, pointy styles that squeeze the toes together, you have a greater chance of developing a nerve problem.

To diagnose a specific nerve problem and get the treatment necessary to alleviate it, you will need to contact our Upper West Side NYC office by calling (212) 877-1002 to schedule an examination with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia. The foot doctor will evaluate your condition and perform any tests needed to determine the source of your nerve issues. There are both conservative and surgical treatment options, and the podiatrist will determine the best choice for you.

To learn more about nerve disorders in your feet, contact us today.