Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, become damaged. In the feet, it can affect motor nerves, leading to weakness or loss of coordination, sensory nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or burning pain, and autonomic nerves, which may disrupt sweating and skin health. Common causes include diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications. Risk factors include poor circulation, age, and chronic health conditions. Peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of injury, infection, and foot deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, recommend protective footwear, provide specialized care for wounds, and guide treatment strategies to manage symptoms. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are fluid filled pockets that form when repeated friction, heat, and moisture damage the outer layers of skin. During hiking, blisters often develop as the foot rubs against boots over long distances, especially on uneven terrain. Symptoms may include redness, burning pain, swelling, tenderness, and clear or cloudy fluid beneath the skin. Prevention is important, and starts with making sure boots fit correctly and provide proper support without excessive movement. Choosing the right socks that reduce moisture and friction can also help protect the skin. When hiking for long periods, bringing a second pair of socks allows damp socks to be changed, lowering the risk of irritation. A podiatrist can help by treating painful or infected blisters, recommending proper footwear, and providing guidance to prevent recurrence. If foot blisters are limiting your comfort or hiking enjoyment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenail removal surgery is a simple procedure performed when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin and causes pain, swelling, or infection. It is needed when home care no longer helps, or when the condition keeps returning. During the procedure the podiatrist removes the offending nail edge and may treat the nail root to prevent it from growing back into the skin. Recovery is usually smooth with gentle wound care, clean dressings, and keeping pressure off the toe while it heals. A podiatrist guides every step to ensure comfort and prevent future problems. If you are struggling with persistent toenail pain or see signs of an infection, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of ingrown toenail surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.