Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It usually starts in the feet with numbness, tingling or burning, and it can make balance poor and falls more likely. Physical therapy cannot usually reverse nerve damage, but it can improve strength, balance and walking so you feel steadier. We see neuropathy patients in Chubbuck, Idaho, from Chubbuck and Pocatello.
What neuropathy feels like
Symptoms often begin in both feet and move up the legs, and in some people reach the hands.
Numb feet
You may not feel the floor, a pebble in your shoe or a hot bath.
Tingling feet and burning feet
Pins and needles, or a burning feeling, often worse at night.
Neuropathy in hands
Dropping things, clumsy buttons and numb fingertips. If numbness is mainly in the thumb, index and middle fingers, see Carpal Tunnel.
Weakness and unsteadiness
Nerves that carry signals to the muscles can be affected too, so legs may feel weak and heavy.
Where it comes from
Your doctor works out the cause. Common ones are:
Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common type, from long periods of high blood sugar.
Chemotherapy
Some cancer drugs damage nerves, which is called chemo neuropathy.
Low vitamin B12
Blood tests can find a shortage that is treated with your doctor.
Alcohol
Heavy, long-term drinking can injure nerves.
How numb feet affect balance
You stay upright by combining what your eyes see, your inner ear senses and what your feet feel. When your feet feel less, your body has to lean harder on the other two, and trouble shows up in the dark, on uneven ground and when you turn. That is neuropathy and balance. It raises fall risk, and our balance therapy page explains the testing we use.
A fall is often what sends people in. We would rather you came before one.
What physical therapy can do for you
We are direct about this: PT does not heal damaged nerves. It does make you stronger and safer on the nerves you have.
- Balance training, from steady-surface drills to harder stances
- Gait training, so you walk with a steadier, safer stride
- Lower body strengthening for weak ankles, knees and hips
- Sensory training, which gets you to use the feeling you have left
- A fall prevention plan for your home and daily routine
- When your therapist thinks it fits, deep tissue laser therapy or electrical stimulation to try for burning or aching
Daily foot checks and home safety
If you cannot feel your feet well, look at them every day, top and bottom, for blisters, cuts, redness or dry cracks. Wear shoes with good support, check them for objects before putting them on, and test bath water with your hand or elbow.
At home, clear walkways, use night lights, and keep rugs from sliding. We go through your own routines in your visits, and foot and ankle problems that are not nerve related are on Foot & Ankle Pain.
Working with your doctor, and neuropathy treatment on both sides
Your doctor, or an endocrinologist if you have diabetes, treats the cause. Neuropathy treatment goes best as a team. We work alongside them: we share what we find, and we tell you when numbness changes or gets worse and needs a medical look. Numbness down one leg that began in your back is a different problem, covered on Sciatica.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
See a doctor soon if you notice
- Numbness or weakness that is spreading quickly
- A foot sore that will not heal
- Sudden weakness in one leg or arm
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Any sudden weakness on one side of the body is an emergency. Call 911.
Neuropathy therapy in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.