Harvey R. Danciger, DPM
74-000 Country Club Drive, Suite A-2
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 568-0108

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Posts for tag: neuropathy

By Dr. Danciger
May 23, 2012
Category: Diabetes
Tags: neuropathy  

Are you having a hard time falling asleep at night because of a burning sensation? Would you describe it as “pins and needles” in your feet?  If you said yes, then you may be experiencing neuropathy, a condition brought on by diabetes. Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage and is often a common condition people with diabetes face.  It decreases feeling in the feet, limits circulation and often causes the sensation of burning feet which is usually experienced at nighttime.

Unfortunately, neuropathy isn’t an easy cure type condition, which is why it is very important to visit your podiatrist as soon as you experience symptoms in order to prevent it from worsening. Fortunately, Dr. Harvey Danciger can assess your condition and provide the best treatment available to alleviate your discomfort.

The most effective treatments for neuropathy include:

  • Controlling your blood sugar levels. Diabetes management is a lifestyle that can be attained through a healthy diet and enough exercise.  This can help keep your sugar levels in check, which will help tremendously for treating effects of painful neuropathy. Work with your medical care provider to develop a diabetes health plan to ensure your specific diabetes needs are met to work toward blood sugar control and management.
  • Medication. If symptoms of neuropathy continue to be of discomfort, even with controlled blood sugar levels, pain medication can be prescribed to alleviate your discomfort. Certain creams made from chili peppers can be used and applied on the foot to desensitize them as well.
  • Improve your circulation. Making sure enough blood flow is supplied to your feet can help prevent nerve damage symptoms from occurring. Exercise as simple as walking and massaging your feet can make a big difference to improve your foot circulation. Be sure to have a proper fit of shoe and sock to prevent decreased blood flow and other foot complications.

Don’t lose sleep over burning feet any longer. Contact our office right away to set up an appointment with Dr. Danciger to ensure your feet are properly taken care of in order to alleviate your discomfort.

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By drdanciger
March 21, 2011
Category: Uncategorized

Peripheral Arterial Disease-Do You Have It?

Peripheral arterial disease, (PAD), is a disease where fatty deposits can build up on the inside linings of the arteries.  This causes a restriction or decrease of blood flow to the various organs and muscles of the body.   Especially vulnerable are the stomach, kidneys, arms, legs and feet.

Did you know that this disease, PAD, accounts for nearly 50% of all the amputations which occur in diabetics!  It is also a major cause of amputations in the non-diabetic population as well.

PAD affects 12-20% of the people in the United States who are age 65 years or older.  Diabetics over the age of 50 have a 3 times greater risk of developing PAD than non-diabetics.  The reason this is important is that PAD carries with it a five year mortality rate of 30%.

If this is not enough of a concern; a patient with PAD faces a six to seven fold increase in risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Not every person with peripheral arterial disease will have symptoms.  Diabetics, because of neuropathy, may not have any symptoms but have advanced stages of PAD.  The neuropathy is masking the symptoms normally associated with PAD.  Pain in the legs, thighs, or buttocks when walking; and is relieved by rest, is a symptom of PAD.  Pain in the legs or feet while lying in bed, that is relieved by hanging the feet down or getting up and standing is another symptom.

Early detection of peripheral arterial disease is important to helping you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and decrease the above risks associated with PAD.  Your podiatrist is often the first doctor to diagnose PAD as we are aware of subtle changes which occur in the lower extremities which can indicate the disease process.   If you have any symptoms of PAD, see your podiatrist for further evaluation.

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By Dr. Danciger
June 21, 2010
Tags: neuropathy   Diabetics   treatment  

"Maybe It Will Go Away"

 

These can be the five most dangerous words related to foot pain. These are words most often repeated from patients during my years of practice. People tell me they had the problem for a few days, weeks or months. The reason they did not seek treatment was because 'They Thought It Would Go Away."

This attitude can be troublesome to people, especially diabetics. A small problem can rapidly become a major one; with infection, deformity and possibly amputation resulting.


Most people will have increasing pain and will eventually call for an appointment. Diabetics, however, because of the lack of feeling in the feet (neuropathy), poor vision and other medical problems which make it hard for them to inspect their feet, will often not have pain and not understand the seriousness of their problem. They do not come to see a doctor at the first signs of a problem.

 

Pain is not normal in the feet, and should be evaluated at the first symptoms. Pain is a signal that something is not in balance and correct.

Non diabetics should be seen early as well as treatment can be directed to the problem thereby getting them better much sooner than if the problem becomes chronic.

 

Have you heard yourself saying theses words? If so, you now know how dangerous they can be.

Harvey R. Danciger, DPM

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Podiatrist - Palm Desert, Harvey R. Danciger DPM, 74-000 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert CA, 92260 760-568-0108