What Kind of Doctor Treats Peripheral Neuropathy?
There are many types of “neuro” doctors. For example, a neurosurgeon specializes in surgery on the delicate and complex brain and spinal cord. A neuropsychologist tries to determine the relationship between the physical makeup of your brain and your behavior. And a specialist in peripheral neuropathy has a particular name: a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are medical doctors focusing on all aspects of the feet, including neuropathy. Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, a board-certified podiatrist at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, invites folks from Fairfax County and the Greater D.C. area to visit him for expert care and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Why does peripheral neuropathy occur?
Neuropathy can result from an injury or a side effect of some medications. However, most of our patients with neuropathy in their feet have diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a common effect of diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar causes nerve damage. Damaged or blocked nerves can happen in other body parts, too, but the feet are particularly susceptible. Everyone with diabetes, even if their blood sugar is well under control, is at risk for peripheral neuropathy.
People with diabetes should be on the lookout for neuropathy symptoms: feet that tingle, numb, or feel like they’re on fire. Unexplained pain in your feet may also be a symptom of nerve damage, as is muscle weakness and a lack of coordination. Report any new foot symptoms like these to Dr. Wilhelm.
Make annual visits to the podiatrist.
Life keeps us all busy, and we may not be paying attention to our feet as much as we should. That’s why we recommend annual appointments for our patients with diabetes. Regular visits to our podiatry office will help catch problems related to neuropathy before they get worse. There’s no cure for neuropathy, but we have treatments and medications to help manage it, slow down its progress, and make your feet feel better. Call our Centreville office at (703) 996-3000 or contact us online for an appointment with Dr. Wilhelm.
