Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves, most commonly affecting the feet and lower limbs. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type seen in podiatry, where the nerves responsible for sensation and movement are affected.

This can lead to reduced feeling in the feet, changes in muscle control, and an increased risk of injury due to a lack of protective sensation.

Symptoms can develop gradually and may vary between individuals. Common signs include:

• Numbness in the feet or toes
• Tingling or a pins and needles sensation
• Burning or unusual sensations in the feet
• Reduced ability to feel temperature or pain
• A shuffling or altered walking pattern
• Loss of balance or coordination

In some cases, symptoms may be mild at first but can progress over time.

Neuropathy can result from a variety of underlying factors. These may include:

• Diabetes or changes in blood sugar levels
• Nerve compression or injury
• Circulatory issues affecting nerve health
• Certain medical conditions or treatments
• Long-term strain on the lower limb

Identifying the cause is important to ensure appropriate management and ongoing care.

You should seek professional advice if:

• You experience numbness or tingling in your feet
• Your balance or walking pattern has changed
• You are not able to feel pain or temperature properly
• You notice wounds or skin changes that are slow to heal
• You have an existing condition such as diabetes

Early assessment is important to reduce the risk of complications and protect your foot health.

At The Foot Lab in Glossop, we carry out a comprehensive clinical assessment to evaluate nerve function and overall foot health.

Your appointment may include:

• Assessment of sensation and nerve response
• Evaluation of circulation and blood supply
• Examination of skin, nails, and foot structure
• Observation of walking patterns through gait analysis
• Discussion of medical history and symptoms

A detailed biomechanical assessment may also be included where movement patterns are contributing to changes in walking or stability.

All care follows NICE guidance, Royal College of Podiatry standards, and HCPC professional regulations.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, protecting the feet, and reducing the risk of complications.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Advice on protecting the feet and preventing injury
• Regular monitoring of foot health
• Footwear guidance to improve comfort and safety
• Orthotic support where needed to improve stability
• Management of any associated skin or nail conditions

For patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, ongoing care and monitoring are particularly important. This may include support through diabetic foot care services.

At The Foot Lab, we provide a careful and personalised approach to managing neuropathy. Our podiatrists are degree-qualified, HCPC registered, and experienced in assessing conditions that affect nerve function and foot health.

Patients choose our clinic because:

• We provide thorough and detailed assessments
• We take time to understand your individual symptoms
• We create tailored care plans based on clinical findings
• We follow recognised clinical guidelines and best practice
• We focus on prevention, safety, and long-term foot health

Our aim is to help you maintain mobility, protect your feet, and reduce the impact of neuropathy on your daily life.