Nerve Damage in Foot

Nerves or neurons are the message carriers in the body. They convey messages between the brain and all other parts of the body, which are used for voluntary and non-voluntary actions.

From voluntary action of blinking of eyes to involuntary one of the heart pumping blood and oxygen to the brain and various parts of the body, every single step involves the nervous system and its channels of communication with the help of the nerves. The nervous system comprises three kinds of nerves; autonomic nerves, motor nerves and sensory nerves.

The first set of nerves have been designed to carry on involuntary functions such as high blood pressure, heart rate, regulation of body temperature, digestion, etc., and other actions which could also be partially voluntary. The second set is in charge for taking care of the various movements and actions of the body.

These nerves relay information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. Sensory nerves are for communicating between the skin and muscles, and the spinal cord and brain.

It is due to these nerves that we are able to feel pain, tickling and other sensations. Nerve damage may indicate that the damage might have occurred in the motor or sensory nerves of the body.

The symptoms that have given below are common indications of this condition. However, some people may have different or more symptoms. So it is important to consult the healthcare provider who may help in detecting the symptoms to make a correct diagnosis.

The most common symptom is weakness in the muscles of the foot and leg , which may be worsened by a decrease in the mass of the muscles. Muscle twitching is another classic sign of something amiss in the nervous system of the body.

Other important signs to watch out for is the occurrence of burning sensation in the affected foot or leg, and a feeling as if something is pricking the skin. The affected foot might go numb or 'fall asleep', and may be accompanied by pain. Besides all these symptoms of nerve damage in feet, a paralysis is also the most likely symptom of a severe damage.

Causes might be several of them; some of them are known while some are not.

• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (and other autoimmune disorders)
• Certain types of cancers
• Cancer treatment

• Injury. The injury primarily causes the nerves to get compressed
• This condition may also be a repercussion of certain drugs, or exposure to toxic substances
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Alcoholism
• Diseases like HIV/AIDS, herpes, Lyme disease, and other infectious disease

In most cases, the damage done to a nerve or group of nerves, cannot be reversed. However, proper treatment measures when initiated at an early stage, may provide great deal of help in reducing the symptoms, and slowing down the damage. As the probable causes are identifiable in this case, addressing them is often the main goal of the treatment.

If diabetes happens to be a cause, then following a dedicated diet, and taking the right medications can help in regulating the blood sugar levels, and reduce chances of the nerve damage.

Likewise, patients would also have to correct their nutritional deficiencies in their diet, changing medication if required, and administer medications to take care of any autoimmune disorders. To minimize the pain, pain killers and other drugs may also be prescribed.

As nerve damage that occurs in foot or in other parts of the body is usually an incurable problem, it is better to address it when it's still in the developmental stage. And besides the above treatment methods, most people may also benefit from acupuncture, hypnosis, medication and relaxation techniques.