- Often begins gradually in your toes and spreads upward
- May feel like the sensation when your foot “falls asleep”
- Can occur intermittently at first, then become more constant
- Typically affects both feet, though one might feel worse
- Most noticeable when resting or after long periods of sitting
Early Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy in the Feet: When to See a Doctor
- Restore Podiatry Staff
Have you been having any strange feelings in your feet? For the millions of Americans who have diabetes, keeping foot health is not only a matter of comfort – it is also a question of avoiding dangerous complications. We, at the Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, appreciate the need for early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
In the guide, let’s look at the early signs of diabetic neuropathy in the feet and understand when you need to see a doctor.
Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: A Growing Concern
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 38.4 million individuals in the United States have diabetes, and among these individuals, up to fifty percent will experience some form of neuropathy. This type of nerve damage can adversely affect the patient’s life, however, being aware of the early warning signs can prevent severe consequences.
Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Unusual Sensations – Your Body’s First Alert
Tingling or “Pins and Needles” Feeling
Numbness or Reduced Sensitivity
- Difficulty feeling your feet while walking
- Trouble sensing where your feet are (poor proprioception)
- May not notice cuts, blisters, or small injuries
- Reduced ability to feel pressure when putting on shoes
- Increased risk of injuries due to lack of protective sensation
Burning Sensations
- Often more intense during evening hours
- May feel like your feet are “on fire”
- Can interfere with sleep quality
- Might worsen with temperature changes
- Sometimes accompanied by restlessness
Electric Shock-like Feelings
- Sudden, unexpected jolts of pain
- May occur when walking or touching certain areas
- Can feel like brief electrical currents
- Often triggered by light touch or pressure
- May cause reflexive muscle movements
2. Changes in Foot Appearance – Visual Indicators
Swelling in Feet and Ankles
- Often worse at the end of the day
- May affect shoe fit
- Could be accompanied by shininess of skin
- Might feel warm or hot to touch
- Can make walking uncomfortable
Skin Color Changes
- Areas of redness or paleness
- Uneven coloring across the foot
- Dark spots or discoloration
- Changes in temperature across different areas
- Possible bluish tint in some areas
Dry, Cracked Skin
- Reduced natural moisture in skin
- Deep fissures that may be painful
- Increased risk of infection
- Peeling or flaking skin
- Rough, callused areas
Changes in Foot Shape
- Visible arch changes
- Development of bunions or hammer toes
- Unusual pressure points
- Changes in how shoes fit
- Altered walking patterns
3. Pain Patterns – Understanding Your Discomfort
Sharp, Shooting Pains
- Can occur suddenly and without warning
- May feel like lightning bolts through your feet
- Often travels along specific nerve pathways
- Can be triggered by certain movements
- Might interrupt daily activities
Heightened Sensitivity to Touch
- Even light pressure may cause discomfort
- Bedsheets touching feet might be painful
- Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes
- Hypersensitivity to temperature changes
- Normal activities becoming uncomfortable
Pain That Worsens at Night
- May interfere with falling asleep
- Could cause frequent night awakening
- Often feels worse when lying down
- Might be relieved by movement
- Can affect overall sleep quality
Difficulty Feeling Heat or Cold
- Reduced ability to detect temperature changes
- Risk of burns from hot water
- Trouble gauging appropriate water temperature
- May not notice extreme temperatures
- Increased risk of cold injury
Revolutionary Treatment Approaches at Restore Podiatry
At Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, Dr. Bhela has introduced new, modern, non-surgical methods that are much more effective than the conventional ones. Our SMART Neuropathy Program incorporates several advanced technologies:
Advanced Laser Therapy Benefits
- No drugs or medications needed
- Pain-free treatment sessions
- Zero recovery time
- Targets the root cause, not just symptoms
Our Unique Treatment Protocol
- Comprehensive evaluation using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools
- Customized treatment plan combining multiple laser therapies
- Regular progress monitoring and adjustment
- Long-term management strategies
Why Choose Restore Podiatry’s Approach?
Traditional treatments often rely heavily on medications that can have unwanted side effects. Our approach is different:
- Non-invasive solutions
- No drug dependencies
- Faster relief
- Long-lasting results
Prevention Tips and Home Care
While professional treatment is essential, these steps can help manage symptoms:
- Regular foot inspections
- Proper foot hygiene
- Wearing appropriate footwear
- Blood sugar management
- Regular exercise as recommended by your doctor
When to Schedule an Appointment
Don’t wait to seek help if you notice:
- Any new numbness or tingling
- Unexplained pain or burning sensations
- Changes in foot appearance
- Difficulty feeling temperature changes
Treatment Success Stories
A good number of the patients have benefited a lot from our unique technique. Of course, the results they have achieved are different, but our statistics go ahead of us. We hear from our patients on a regular basis that:
- There were noticeable decreases in pain levels from the first few sessions
- There was improvement in sensation and balance
- Improved sleep
- General improvement in the quality of life
Take Action Today
Take charge of your well-being and do not allow diabetic neuropathy to run your life. At Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, we believe in helping our patients feel better with our unique and non-surgical procedures. Book your appointment at our Hicksville (516-806-2200) or Huntington (631-223-2291) branches today.
Individuals suffering from diabetic neuropathy depend on an expert team of Dr. Bhela, who will formulate a specific treatment plan for you. Do not just sit and wait for the situation to get worse – Prevention or early treatment is too significant to ignore if you wish to keep your feet and your life healthy.
Related Questions
1. What is the duration of each treatment session?
At Restore Podiatry, the majority of sessions take 30-45 minutes allowing them to be fit into your busy schedule effectively.
2. Is laser therapy a painful procedure?
Not at all, Restore Podiatry’s laser therapy is painless. Most patients say they feel a warm and comforting sensation in the course of the procedure.
3. What is the number of sessions I will undergo?
The treatment plans are different for each and everyone, however, in most cases improvement is achieved in 12-24 sessions.
4. Are these treatments covered by health insurance?
These treatments are not covered by all health insurances. Insurance only covers drugs, injections, medications, physical therapy and surgery. We offer flexible payment plans. Get in touch with our office for details.
Suggested Blogs
Contact Us For Any Queries
Have any questions or concerns? Our team at Restore Podiatry is here to help! Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be happy to assist you with expert advice and personalized care.
RESTORE PODIATRY
& LASER CENTER
RESTORE PODIATRY & LASER CENTER
66 W Barclay St, Hicksville, NY 11801
Existing Patient – (516) 806-2200
820 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington, NY 11746
Existing Patient – (631) 223-2291
Follow Us On:
Give us a call today to book an appointment at our Hicksville and Huntington.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Good Faith Estimate | Your Rights and Protections | No Surprises Act | Notice of Privacy Practices
© 2025. All Right Reserved. Restore Podiatry & Laser Center. Design & Marketing by Orange Carrot.