Pain on the bottom of the foot isn’t always caused by problems like plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma. Another common and often more serious culprit is diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
This condition is more complex than pain alone. It affects how the nerves in your feet work, which can impact your safety and quality of life.
What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves in your feet and lower legs are damaged. This damage interferes with their ability to send clear signals to your brain. As a result, you may not always know where your foot is or what you’re stepping on.
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Burning or shooting pain
- Symptoms that cover a “stocking-like” area from the foot up to the ankle
These symptoms can resemble a condition called Morton’s neuroma, but often extend across a much larger area.
Why It’s Dangerous
Because your nerves aren’t sending the right warning signals, you may not feel cuts, blisters, or pressure spots. This makes you much more likely to develop foot wounds called ulcers. If left untreated, ulcers can lead to serious infections and, in some cases, amputation.
While diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, other factors can also play a role, including:
- Long-term alcohol use
- Certain chemotherapy drugs
- Traumatic injuries
How We Help at Our Seattle Podiatry Office
Managing peripheral neuropathy often involves a team of healthcare providers—including your podiatrist.
- At the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City in North Seattle, our role is focused on prevention, early detection, and safe treatment.
- Dr. Berg has special expertise in treating diabetic patients and foot ulcers, as he was the Chief Podiatrist at the Wound Care Center at UW Hospital (Northwest) for over 20 years.
Here’s how we help:
- Regular foot exams. Annual or biannual assessments to spot issues early.
- Skilled nail and callus care. Trimming and debridement at the right times to prevent pressure spots.
- Protective footwear and supports. We recommend soft footbeds, custom orthotics for people with diabetes, and friction-reducing socks to protect vulnerable skin.
- Skin care. We recommend keeping skin moisturized to prevent dry and cracking skin.
- Advanced wound care. If an ulcer develops, we use proven protocols to heal it quickly and prevent infection or amputation.
Take Charge of Your Foot Health
Peripheral diabetic neuropathy can be life-changing, but with expert podiatric care and the right preventive steps, you can keep your feet healthy and avoid serious complications.
If you have diabetes or notice tingling, numbness, or burning pain in your feet, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our Seattle podiatry team today to protect your feet and stay active safely.
