What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage to the nerves, can affect the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves in the toes and extremities. When neuropathy is present, it can impact how the toes respond to temperature changes and thermal regulation.
Here's how neuropathy can affect the toes and their response to temperature:
1. Impaired Temperature Sensation: Neuropathy often leads to impaired temperature sensation in the affected areas, including the toes. This means that individuals with neuropathy may have difficulty sensing hot or cold temperatures accurately. They might not notice extreme temperature changes that could potentially harm their toes.
2. Reduced Blood Flow: Neuropathy can affect blood circulation to the extremities. Reduced blood flow can make the toes more susceptible to temperature-related damage because blood helps regulate temperature in the body.
3. Risk of cuts: They may not feel pain or discomfort until significant damage has occurred.
4. Delayed Healing: Neuropathy can also slow down the body's natural healing processes. If the toes are injured or damaged, the healing process may be delayed, increasing the risk of complications like amputations.
5. Ulcers and Infections: In severe cases of neuropathy, individuals may develop ulcers on their toes, which can become infected. The combination of neuropathy and impaired sensation can make it challenging to detect and address these issues promptly from poor blood supply.
6. Foot Care Challenges: Managing foot care and hygiene can be more difficult for individuals with neuropathy. Regular inspection and care of the toes and feet are essential to prevent complications.
To protect the toes and feet in individuals with neuropathy, it's important to take proactive steps:
Check the temperature of your feet with a thermal imaging camera (like I do in the clinic) to see the toe temperature and see how much colder your toes are than that of normal temp of 97-98 degrees.
Wear appropriate footwear to protect the toes from injuries.
Avoid exposing the feet to extreme cold for extended periods.
Inspect the toes and feet daily for any signs of injury, ulcers, or infections.
A healthcare provider (like me that has treated over 10,000 patients and never losing a foot yet) for proper management and care of neuropathy, including treating the cause of the neuropathy, lifestyle changes, and foot care guidance.
Neuropathy requires ongoing monitoring of the toe temperature and to not let it go lower and increase risk for amputation and to reduce the risk of complications, particularly concerning temperature-related injuries.
Some of you have been in to see what your toe temperature is before and after the treatment session.
If you have been in then you need to stay on the nutrition to feed the feet.