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Peripheral Neuropathy (PN)
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Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) damages the limbs, particularly the feet.
Common symptoms include, numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature; tingling, burning, or prickling; sharp pains or cramps; extreme sensitivity to touch; and a loss of balance and coordination. Doctors estimate that nearly three quarters of all amputations caused by poor circulation and diabetic neuropathy can be prevented with proper foot care. |
Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) damages the limbs,
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause toe deformities, the collapse of the arch, and dry skin. The foot often becomes wider and shorter, which puts pressure on parts of the foot that are less protected. This can cause ulcers to develop. Injuries such as scrapes or cuts can go unnoticed, which can also lead to foot ulcers and infections.
If left untreated, infections can lead to gangrene and amputation. Poor circulation means a reduced blood flow, which can result in a lowered ability to fight infection and heal wounds. If an infection gets into the bone it can also lead to amputation.
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet. Damaged nerves in the legs and feet can cause a loss of feeling feel heat, cold, or pain. This lack of feeling is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy."
If a a cut or sore on the foot cannot be felt because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected. The muscles of the foot may not function properly because the nerves that make the muscles work are damaged. This could cause the foot to not align properly and create too much pressure in one area of the foot.
It is estimated that up to 10% of people will develop foot ulcers. Foot ulcers occur because of nerve damage and peripheral vascular disease.
If left untreated, infections can lead to gangrene and amputation. Poor circulation means a reduced blood flow, which can result in a lowered ability to fight infection and heal wounds. If an infection gets into the bone it can also lead to amputation.
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet. Damaged nerves in the legs and feet can cause a loss of feeling feel heat, cold, or pain. This lack of feeling is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy."
If a a cut or sore on the foot cannot be felt because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected. The muscles of the foot may not function properly because the nerves that make the muscles work are damaged. This could cause the foot to not align properly and create too much pressure in one area of the foot.
It is estimated that up to 10% of people will develop foot ulcers. Foot ulcers occur because of nerve damage and peripheral vascular disease.
