Neuropathy in Feet

Neuropathy that Affects Legs and Feet: Kinds of Neuropathy

There are at least 3 kinds of neuropathy that affects legs and feett especially of those diagnosed with diabetes. They are peripheral neuropathy, proximal neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. Although they are different names for neuropathy, they all affect the lower extremities of a person. It is very important to know what kind of neuropathy a diabetic has in order to arrive at the best treatment.

Peripheral neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that affects the long nerves going to the feet. Those who experience a shooting pain from the lower back to the feet may be affected with this kind of neuropathy. Because the nerves going to the feet are damaged, a lot of complications may happen on the feet of the patient. The patient may have infections on feet and ulcers that can lead to amputations.

Another kind of neuropathy is proximal neuropathy which is also called diabetic amyothophy. It affects the leg muscles. People afflicted with this kind of neuropathy feels that the muscles in their legs are becoming weak making it hard for them to walk and move their legs. The muscles that are affected are those muscles in the upper part of legs, hips and buttocks.

Neuropathy in Legs and Feet That you May Not Know About

Autonomic neuropathy also affects legs and feet of the patient. The nerves of the autonomic nervous system become damaged which gives problems to different organs that are involved in autonomic processes such as digestion, pumping of the heart and breathing. It can also cause pain on the legs and feet.

When you feel any shooting pain from your back to your feet, weakness in your legs muscles and tingling sensation in your soles, then you should go to your doctor and have your nerves checked for neuropathy. Neuropathy that affects legs and feet may not be as serious as many think but just to be sure, you have to know what kind of neuropathy you have so you will know how to treat it.