# What is Neuropathy?

> The most common symptoms of neuropathy include numbness and loss of feeling, usually in the feet and hands. Contact us today to learn more.

URL: https://www.urgentfootcare.com/neuropathy

Of the 16 million Americans with diabetes, 25% develop foot problems related to the disease. This is primarily due to a condition called **neuropathy**. Diabetic **Neuropathy** is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves. The most common type of diabetic **neuropathy** is called peripheral **neuropathy** and affects the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that go out from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands. Peripheral **neuropathy** impairs the proper functioning of these sensory and motor nerves.

The most common symptoms of **neuropathy** include numbness and loss of feeling, usually in the feet and hands.

## Cause

Diabetic **Neuropathy** can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from **neuropathy** can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. **Neuropathy** can also cause deformities such as [**Bunions**](https://www.urgentfootcare.com/bunions), [**Hammer Toes**](https://www.urgentfootcare.com/hammer-toes), and Charcot Feet.

It is imperative for people with diabetes to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot-related injuries. Due to the consequences of **neuropathy**, daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative footcare measures, he or she reduces the risk of developing serious foot [**conditions**](https://www.urgentfootcare.com/our-services).

## Treatment and Prevention

The most successful way to prevent diabetic **neuropathy** from occurring is to control diabetes. It is important to maintain blood sugars at normal levels and maintain normal blood pressure. In addition to this, it is important to:

* Stop Smoking
* Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
* Have regular physical exams
* Have regular blood and urine tests
* Exercise regularly, according to your doctor’s recommendation

It is important for diabetics to treat their feet properly to avoid any future problems. Footwear and foot orthotics play an important role in diabetic footcare. Footwear that fits poorly can cause irritation and injury. Orthotics designed with Plastazote®, the #1 material for protecting the insensitive diabetic foot, are also frequently recommended. Plastazote is a material designed to accommodate pressure “hot spots” by conforming to heat and pressure. By customizing to the foot, Plastazote provides the comfort and protection needed in diabetic footcare. Footwear constructed with Plastazote is often recommended for the diabetic patient.

Diabetic footwear should also provide the following benefits:

* High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
* Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
* Rocker soles, designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the heel and the ball-of-the-foot.
* Firm Heel Counters for extra and support and stability.

It is important for people with diabetes with **neuropathy** to take the necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot problem, immediately consult with your foot doctor.

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## Southernmost Foot & Ankle Specialists (Urgent Foot Care)
Podiatry practice in South Florida since 1982. Foot and ankle urgent care — walk-ins welcome — sports medicine, wound care, fractures, diabetic foot care and foot & ankle surgery.
Toll-free: 855-300-6685. Virtual visits: https://app.lapsula.com/book/urgentfootcare

- **Coral Gables Office**: 2828 SW 22nd Street, Suite 304, Coral Gables, FL 33145. Phone 305-856-6441, fax 305-854-3880. Hours 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (days not published). Book online: https://schedule.intelichart.com/971E774A. Doctors: Dr. Liana Korytowski-Seldin, DPM, AACFAS. Page: https://www.urgentfootcare.com/coral-gables-office
- **Homestead Office**: 381 N. Krome Ave #112, Homestead, FL 33030. Phone 305-246-4774, fax 305-248-4086. Hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (days not published). Book online: https://schedule.intelichart.com/400BE6A3. Doctors: Dr. Michael G. Simmons, DPM; Dr. Miimii Thae, DPM, MBS; Dr. Liana Korytowski-Seldin, DPM, AACFAS. Page: https://www.urgentfootcare.com/homestead-office
- **Key West Office**: 2780-2 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040. Phone 305-294-5553, fax 305-294-6670. Hours 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (days not published). Book online: https://schedule.intelichart.com/5836D7EC. Doctors: Dr. Bradley J. Makimaa, DPM, FACFAS. Page: https://www.urgentfootcare.com/key-west-office