Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in New Canaan, CT
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy, and Can It Be Treated?
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord that typically shows up in the feet first, as tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain. Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, treats it at New Canaan Podiatry with a plan built around the underlying cause, since it can’t always be cured, but symptoms and progression can usually be managed well.
Call (203) 548-7688 or book online, especially if you’re diabetic, since early monitoring matters most for that group.
Why the Feet Are Usually Where It Shows Up First
About 20 million people in the U.S. live with some degree of peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes is by far the most common driver, chronically high blood glucose gradually damages peripheral nerves over time, a condition specifically called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. But diabetes isn’t the only cause. Others we see include:
- Alcoholism and heavy alcohol use
- Traumatic injury or repetitive stress
- Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12
- Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs
- Infections such as Lyme disease or shingles
- Thyroid disorders and kidney disease
Figuring out which of these is actually driving your neuropathy is the first real step toward managing it well, which is why Dr. Tauber starts with a thorough evaluation rather than a generic treatment plan.
What It Feels Like
Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected, but sensory nerve damage, the most common type in the feet, usually produces:
1
Tingling or a "pins and needles" feeling in the feet and toes
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Numbness or a reduced ability to feel pain or temperature
3
Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
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Muscle weakness or trouble walking
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Balance problems and loss of coordination
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Unusual sensitivity to touch
The most dangerous part of neuropathy isn’t always the pain, it’s the loss of protective sensation. When you can’t feel a blister, cut, or pressure sore forming, it can go unnoticed and quietly turn into a serious infection or ulcer. That’s exactly why regular podiatric monitoring matters so much, particularly if you’re diabetic.
How We Approach Treatment
Neuropathy can’t always be fully cured, but symptoms can often be meaningfully reduced and progression slowed with the right combination of care. Dr. Tauber builds every plan around your specific diagnosis and health picture, which may include:
- Medications to reduce nerve pain and tingling
- Nerve stimulation therapies
- Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on at-risk areas of the foot
- MLS Laser Therapy to support nerve healing and reduce inflammation
- Diabetic footwear and protective padding
- Lifestyle changes, including blood sugar management and cutting back on alcohol
- Regular preventive foot exams to catch new problems early
Neuropathy also raises your risk of amputation, mostly from wounds that go undetected combined with poor circulation. Dr. Tauber works to get ahead of that risk through patient education, protective footwear, and close, ongoing monitoring rather than waiting for a problem to show up.
Don't Wait for Symptoms to Get Worse
Early diagnosis genuinely changes the trajectory here, catching and treating neuropathy sooner helps preserve nerve function and head off complications before they start. If you’re noticing tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness in your feet or lower legs, especially alongside diabetes or another condition that affects circulation, it’s worth getting in sooner rather than later.
Your Questions, Answered
New Canaan Podiatry provides comprehensive peripheral neuropathy evaluation and treatment for patients in New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Wilton, and the surrounding Fairfield County communities
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
Can neuropathy actually be reversed?
Sometimes, yes, if the underlying cause is treatable, like improving blood sugar control in diabetics or correcting a vitamin deficiency, symptoms can improve or even resolve. For a lot of patients, though, the realistic goal is managing symptoms and slowing progression rather than a full reversal.
Is this dangerous if I have diabetes?
Yes, meaningfully so. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy raises the risk that a foot injury goes unnoticed, which can progress to infection, ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation. Regular podiatric exams are strongly recommended for every diabetic patient, not just those already showing symptoms.
How do you actually diagnose it?
It usually starts with a physical exam, neurological testing, and a review of your medical history. Dr. Tauber may also use in-office Smart ABI testing to check circulation in your lower legs and feet, since poor circulation can contribute to or worsen neuropathy symptoms.
What treatments do you offer here?
Medications, nerve stimulation, custom orthotics, MLS Laser Therapy, diabetic footwear, and lifestyle counseling are all part of the toolkit. Dr. Tauber tailors the actual combination to your specific case.
How often should I be seen if I have neuropathy?
Most patients should get a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year, more often if you have diabetes or a history of foot complications. Dr. Tauber will set the right follow-up schedule based on your individual risk.
Can this affect my ability to walk?
Yes. Advanced neuropathy can bring muscle weakness, balance issues, and changes to your gait, all of which raise your fall and injury risk. Custom orthotics and supportive footwear can help stabilize your gait and cut that risk down.
Does laser therapy actually help with neuropathy?
MLS Laser Therapy has shown promising results for reducing neuropathic pain and supporting nerve healing in some patients. Dr. Tauber will evaluate whether it makes sense for your specific case during your consultation.
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Why Patients Choose New Canaan Podiatry
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay active and healthy, our team is here to help.