Chronic Pain and Neuropathy
When neuropathy isn’t the whole story-other treatable causes may exist
Do You Have Chronic Pain and Have Been Told You Have Sensory or Diabetic Neuropathy?
If you have chronic foot or ankle pain and were told it is caused by sensory or diabetic neuropathy, you are not alone. Neuropathy often comes from medical conditions like diabetes.
Other medical conditions can also contribute to neuropathy- like symptoms including, arthritis, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, Lyme disease, alcohol overuse, and chronic inflammation
Treating the underlying medical condition is always important and should be done with your primary care doctor.
But neuropathy is not always the whole story.
Common Sites for Nerve Entrapment Below the Knee
- Common peroneal (fibular) nerve
- Tibial nerve in the leg (soleal sling)
- Tibial at ankle (tarsal tunnel syndrome)
- Superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve
- Deep peroneal (fibular) nerve
- Interdigital nerves in the forefoot (Morton’s neuroma)
Nerve Entrapments in the Setting of Systemic Neuropathy
In some people, a pinched or compressed nerve (called a nerve entrapment) can happen at the same time as sensory neuropathy. When this mechanical pressure on the nerve is the main cause of pain, treating the nerve compression can make a real difference.
If a trapped nerve is driving your symptoms, targeted treatment — including surgery in select cases — may help reduce pain in that specific area of the leg, ankle, or foot, even when neuropathy is present.
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Sensory neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, or numbness
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Nerve entrapments can worsen pain or mimic neuropathy
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Both problems can exist at the same time
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Treating nerve compression may relieve part of the pain
If your pain is ongoing, localized, or not improving, a focused nerve evaluation may help uncover another cause — and open the door to better relief.
At Janus Foot and Ankle, we look beyond neuropathy for anatomic nerve entrapments that may be adding to your pain.
Chronic Foot Pain Causes & More
Learn more about the diagnosis that may be contributing to your chronic lower leg and foot pain.
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Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center
550 Village Center Drive Suite 200
North Oaks, MN 55127
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