What happens if foot nerves are damaged?

Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.

Can nerve damage in a foot be repaired?

Surgery—If nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, your physician may recommend surgery to decompress the nerve and repair or remove the damaged area. Specialists perform many foot and ankle surgeries using minimally invasive techniques.

How do you know if you have permanent nerve damage in your foot?

The signs of nerve damage Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs. Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.

Can you recover from neuropathy nerve damage to the feet?

Even though it may take months, recovery can occur. However, in some situations, symptoms of neuropathy may lessen but not completely go away. For example, nerve injury caused by radiation often does not recover well.

Can nerve damage be repaired?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves to regrow.

What kind of doctor treats nerve damage in foot?

Neurologist – A neurologist is another specialized doctor you may be referred to. They study the nervous system and nerve damage. You’ll see a neurologist if you’re experiencing peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in your feet and toes.

When is nerve damage serious?

When to see a doctor If you experience weakness, tingling, numbness or a total loss of feeling in a limb, see your doctor to determine the cause. It’s important to treat peripheral nerve injuries early.

How long does it take for nerve damage in foot to heal?

Nerves typically grow about an inch per month, and once the insulating cover is repaired, the nerve will usually begin to heal three or four weeks afterwards. A nerve injury in the ankle above the toes may take up to a year to return feeling to the toes.

What happens if nerve damage goes untreated?

Left untreated, nerve damage may worsen over time. It can sometimes start in the nerves farthest from the brain and spinal cord — like those in the feet and hands. Then it may move up into the legs and arms.

How long before nerve damage becomes permanent?

As a specialist in peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Seruya wants his patients to know that after a period of 12-18 months nerve damage can become permanent.

What is the reason for nerve damage in the feet?

Injury to the peroneal nerve can cause foot drop, a distinctive way of walking due to an inability to bend the foot upward at the ankle. Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS and leg or spine trauma can cause injury to the peroneal nerve. The experts at Johns Hopkins treat neurological problems ranging from the common to the very rare.

Can pain in the feet be due to nerve damage?

Pain on the top of your foot or through your arch might be nerve-related . While many forms of foot pain come from joints and tendons, occasionally the source of foot pain is a nerve that is irritated directly or affected by health conditions that lead to nerve damage.

How do you treat nerve pain in feet?

One of the most effective and natural ways to treat nerve pain in the feet is to have a hot bath or shower. You can also choose to just soak your feet in hot water. This home remedy helps improve the blood circulation in the body and reduce the symptoms of nerve pain in your feet.

What you can do after nerve damage?

How to Heal a Damaged Nerve The first thing to do is to find out the reason behind the nerve damage. This will help in getting rid of the condition completely. A hot bath or shower may ease the pain and may enhance the blood circulation. Improved blood circulation will speed up the recovery of nerves. Take half cup of milk and mix 2 crushed garlic cloves in it.