Nerve pain occurs due to problems with your nervous system. It happens for various reasons, but the most common cause is diabetes. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels remain high for weeks or even months, you’re at risk of neuropathy (permanent nerve damage).
Without diagnosis and treatment, nerve pain increases the risk of more severe issues like slow-healing wounds, infection, and gangrene.
Symptoms of nerve pain include:
As the condition worsens, you might also experience cramps and mobility issues.
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats various conditions that cause nerve pain, including:
You might also experience nerve pain due to foot drop, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front of your foot.
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman diagnoses nerve pain during an in-office visit.
First, Dr. Oexeman reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if you have any underlying health problems, like diabetes. Next, she looks at your feet and toes and conducts a neurological exam.
During the neurological exam, Dr. Oexeman checks your tendon reflexes and assesses your muscle strength and tone. She also tests your ability to feel certain sensations, as well as your posture and coordination.
If an exam doesn’t provide enough information to confirm nerve damage, Dr. Oexeman might order additional tests, like blood work, a CT scan, or a nerve function test.
At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman offers conservative and surgical treatments to relieve nerve pain. Depending on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause, she might recommend:
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, encourage mobility, and improve your quality of life.
If you regularly experience nerve pain, make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.