What is sensory neuropathy in feet?
What is sensory neuropathy in feet?
What is sensory neuropathy in feet?
Small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN) is a disorder in which only the small sensory cutaneous nerves are affected. The majority of patients experience sensory disturbances that start in the feet and progress upwards. These patients have what is called a length-dependent SFSN.
What are the nerves in your foot?
Nerves
- Medial plantar nerve (arises from the larger terminal branch of the tibial nerve) Digital nerves (arise from both the medial and lateral plantar nerves)
- Lateral plantar nerve (arises from the smaller terminal branch of the tibial nerve)
- Medial calcaneal nerve (typically arises from the tibial nerve)
What are the three types of neuropathy?
To help doctors classify them, they are often broken down into the following categories:
- Motor neuropathy. This is damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement in the body, such as moving your hands and arms or talking.
- Sensory neuropathy.
- Autonomic nerve neuropathy.
- Combination neuropathies.
What causes sensory nerve damage?
The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.
How do you calm nerve pain in your foot?
Home-based treatments for the condition include applying ice, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching the foot daily. Your doctor may be able to ease pain with corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, orthotics, or surgery.
How many nerves are in foot?
The heel bone is the largest of the bones in the foot. There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot.
What is the most painful type of neuropathy?
Proximal neuropathy This type of nerve damage is usually only on one side of the body and can affect the hip, buttock, or thigh. Proximal neuropathy can cause severe pain and difficulty with movement, as well as weight and muscle loss.
How does neuropathy affect walking?
Walking with a wobbly motion or even losing your balance can result from diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Wearing orthopedic shoes often helps with this. Loss of coordination is a common sign of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Often, muscle weakness affects the ankle, which can affect your gait.
How do you fix sensory nerve damage?
A number of treatments can help restore function to the affected muscles.
- Braces or splints. These devices keep the affected limb, fingers, hand or foot in the proper position to improve muscle function.
- Electrical stimulator.
- Physical therapy.
- Exercise.
Can sensory nerves heal?
Sensory nerves are more resilient than motor nerves and can recover sensation months or years after injury. Motor nerves have a time limit for healing. The reason for this is a structure called the ‘motor endplate’, where the nerve joins into the muscle.