Nervous Breakdown

If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a gravel parking lot, you’re probably well-aware that human feet are very sensitive structures. That’s a good thing because it allows our feet to move and adjust to potentially damaging objects on the ground-such as a sharp stone or a piece of glass. Normally, we are able to avoid such objects with ease and protect ourselves from cuts, infections, and other risks. However, the greatest threat to our feet is more internal rather than external. It occurs when our nerves become damaged and that vital protective sensation in our feet is lost.
There are unfortunately MANY things which can lead to weakened or damaged nerves in our feet. One of the most common and well-known causes is diabetes. As individuals lose control of their blood sugars, the nerves particularly in the feet tend to become damaged and insensitive. Other metabolic issues such as B-vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, and various toxins such as heavy metals can also lead to this problem. It’s pretty interesting to consider how certain health issues like Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can affect vitamin absorption to affect nerve function and indirectly the health of our feet!
Certain inherited and autoimmune disorders can also cause the feet to become insensitive. Things like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, allergic conditions, and blood disorders can all have this effect. Mechanical issues like an entrapped nerve or a spinal root problem may also be causing the problem. On top of these and other causes, the medications you are taking can also alter the nerve function in your feet. Various seizure medications, immunosuppressive agents, oral contraceptives, and tuberculosis drugs can all have this side effect.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems with nerve dysfunction to affect our feet simply occurs as we age. Often times, visual changes in combination with insensitive feet make it extraordinarily difficult for individuals to monitor the ground as well as the health of their feet. Believe it or not, it’s not uncommon for some people to have needles and other sharp objects lodged in their feet without them even knowing it! Not only can the individual not feel the object, but they’re also not able to see what may be a large and potentially-infected wound. This can be a huge hazard for those who live alone or do not have their feet checked regularly, as the infection can spread quickly and cause major damage.
Podiatrists have lots of experience dealing with insensitive feet. They’re able not only to closely monitor the various components of nerve degeneration, but they’re also able to check for infections, care for wounds, and determine whether a foreign body is actually lodged within the foot. Sometimes various objects show up within the foot on an X-ray which is not otherwise very obvious. If you suspect you’re having such a problem, contact your podiatrist immediately.
Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://www.yourfeetfixer.com