Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often from diabetes, and it causes numbness, tingling or burning, usually in both feet first. Physical therapy improves balance, strength, walking and safety, but it usually cannot reverse nerve damage. PAR Physical Therapy works on balance and walking with neuropathy patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
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What neuropathy is, in plain language
Nerves carry touch, temperature and position signals from your feet to your brain, and they tell your muscles what to do. When those nerves are damaged, the signals fade or scramble. You may notice numb feet, tingling feet or burning feet, and later in the hands. That is why neuropathy in hands is common too, although it usually starts in the feet. Neuropathy treatment starts with the cause, which your doctor identifies.
Common causes
Many people never learn the exact cause. These are the usual suspects.
- Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Chemotherapy (chemo neuropathy)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Heavy alcohol use
- Other medical conditions
Neuropathy and balance: how numb feet raise fall risk
You balance with your eyes, your inner ear and the feel of the ground. Neuropathy dulls the last one.
Less feedback from the ground
Without that feedback, you rely on vision, so dim rooms and uneven ground get harder.
Weak lower legs
Neuropathy often weakens the muscles around the ankle, which makes tripping more likely.
The result
Unsteadiness, stumbling and a real fear of falling. Read more on balance and dizziness care and our fall prevention program.
What physical therapy can do, and what it cannot
It will not undo nerve damage. It can make you safer and stronger on those nerves.
- Balance training and gait training on different surfaces
- Lower body strengthening, especially the ankles and hips
- Sensory training so your remaining feeling and your vision work harder for you
- Fall prevention work and home safety guidance
- Our deep tissue laser is sometimes used for neuropathy symptoms. Ask us about it, and about electrical stimulation
Daily foot checks, home safety and your doctor
Look at your feet daily for cuts, blisters and red spots, because numb feet do not warn you. Wear closed shoes indoors, add lighting and night lights, and clear loose rugs. Your therapist works with your doctor or endocrinologist on blood sugar control, which matters most. Foot pain from the joints, heel or tendons is covered on foot and ankle pain.
Numbness down one leg often comes from the spine instead. See Sciatica. Numbness in the thumb and first two fingers is more likely carpal tunnel.
Neuropathy and balance care in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic and ask whether a therapist on our team treats neuropathy. Call either clinic or request an appointment. Same-day appointments are possible, and we accept most insurance plans.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet