Neuropathy
Neuropathy Evaluation and Treatment in Frisco, Texas
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or do not function properly. In the feet, neuropathy may cause burning pain, tingling, numbness, hypersensitivity, weakness, balance problems, or the sensation of wearing socks even when barefoot.
Symptoms may begin gradually and affect both feet, although patterns vary depending on the nerves involved and the underlying cause. Because reduced sensation can make cuts, pressure areas, infections, and other injuries difficult to detect, early evaluation and routine foot care are especially important.
Common Symptoms of Neuropathy
Neuropathy may cause:
Burning, tingling, or “pins-and-needles” sensations
Numbness or reduced ability to feel temperature and pressure
Sharp, shooting, stabbing, or electric-like pain
Increased sensitivity to light touch
Muscle weakness or cramping
Balance difficulties or unsteadiness
Symptoms that become more noticeable at night
Changes in sweating or skin temperature
Sores or injuries that go unnoticed because of reduced sensation
Common Causes of Neuropathy
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, but nerve symptoms can have many possible causes. These may include:
Diabetes or prediabetes
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency
Thyroid, kidney, or liver disorders
Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
Chemotherapy and certain other medications
Alcohol use
Nerve compression or injury
Infections
Hereditary nerve disorders
Exposure to certain toxins
Circulatory or metabolic conditions
In some cases, no specific cause is identified. This is known as idiopathic neuropathy.
Comprehensive Neuropathy Evaluation
At Modern Podiatry, Dr. Woojung Lee performs a detailed evaluation to better understand the type, distribution, and possible cause of a patient’s symptoms. The examination may include:
Reviewing symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and family history
Evaluating skin condition, circulation, and foot structure
Testing sensitivity to light touch, pressure, temperature, and vibration
Assessing reflexes, muscle strength, balance, and walking mechanics
Checking for areas of excessive pressure, calluses, wounds, or infection
Determining whether symptoms may be related to nerve compression or another foot condition
Additional testing, laboratory evaluation, nerve-conduction studies, imaging, or referral to another specialist may be recommended when appropriate.
Sudomotor Testing for Small-Fiber and Autonomic Dysfunction
Modern Podiatry offers noninvasive sudomotor testing to evaluate the small nerve fibers involved in sweat-gland function. These fibers are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as sweating.
Abnormal sweating responses in the feet may provide useful information when small-fiber neuropathy or autonomic dysfunction is suspected. Sudomotor testing can complement the patient’s medical history and clinical examination, but an abnormal result does not establish a diagnosis by itself. Dr. Lee interprets the findings alongside symptoms, examination results, and other testing to determine whether further evaluation or specialist referral may be appropriate.
Personalized Neuropathy Treatment Plans
Neuropathy treatment depends on the suspected cause, severity of symptoms, degree of sensory loss, and effect on daily activity. Although existing nerve damage cannot always be reversed, treatment may help address the underlying condition, reduce discomfort, protect the feet, and preserve mobility.
An individualized treatment plan may include:
Coordination with the patient’s primary care physician or specialist to address diabetes, vitamin deficiency, thyroid disease, medication effects, or another underlying cause
Medication recommendations or referral for management of neuropathic pain
Topical treatments for localized burning or discomfort
Supportive footwear and custom orthotics to improve stability and redistribute pressure
Padding or offloading for vulnerable areas of the feet
Physical therapy, strengthening, and balance training
Fall-prevention recommendations
Regular professional foot examinations
Education about daily foot inspection and skin care
Treatment of calluses, wounds, infections, or other complications
Referral to neurology, pain management, endocrinology, or another specialist when needed
No single treatment is appropriate for every patient. Dr. Lee develops a plan based on the examination findings, possible cause of the neuropathy, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
Protecting Feet With Reduced Sensation
Patients with numbness or reduced sensation should inspect their feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, drainage, or skin changes. Walking barefoot should be avoided, and shoes should be checked for rough seams, foreign objects, and pressure points before they are worn.
Prompt evaluation is important for any wound, discoloration, swelling, drainage, or sign of infection—especially for patients with diabetes or poor circulation.
When Should Neuropathy Symptoms Be Evaluated?
Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
Persistent burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet
New weakness, balance problems, or difficulty walking
Changes in sweating or skin temperature
Increasing sensitivity or pain at night
A wound or blister that is not healing
Progressive loss of sensation
Symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities
Dr. Woojung Lee, a board-certified podiatrist in Frisco, Texas, provides comprehensive neuropathy evaluations, sudomotor testing, preventive foot care, and individualized treatment plans designed to reduce symptoms and protect long-term foot health.
