Peripheral Neuropathy

While enjoying a drink or two might be a part of social gatherings, excessive alcohol consumption can have far-reaching consequences for the health of your feet and ankles. It’s National Alcohol Awareness Month, which means it’s time to realize that alcohol can interfere with various bodily functions and lead to a range of foot and ankle problems. Today, we at Carrollton Foot Center will unpack 5 of the most common, from causes to symptoms and further complications.

Alcohol’s Impact on Your Feet and Ankles

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be significantly affected by excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol is a neurotoxin, meaning it can damage these nerves and impair their ability to send important signals.

This damage often manifests in the feet and ankles and gives you numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness. Reduced sensation in the feet can make it difficult to detect injuries, which increases the risk of unnoticed cuts, sores, and developing infections.

Diabetes

That brings us to alcohol’s effects on diabetes. Not only does it disrupt blood sugar regulation and cause hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but alcohol is also a diuretic that causes dehydration. If you are a diabetic already prone to infection, excessive use can further increase your risk of dry, cracked skin.

Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making such infections harder to fight off, and contributes to weight gain that puts extra stress on your diabetes (which continues the vicious cycle).

Gout

Gout (a form of inflammatory arthritis) is another condition heavily influenced by alcohol consumption. Essentially, alcohol interferes with the kidneys’ ability to effectively eliminate uric acid from the body. This buildup of crystals drives intense pain in the big toe joint (along with swelling, redness, and warmth).

Gout isn’t exclusive to the big toe, though. It can also affect other joints in the foot and ankle, causing unique discomfort and mobility issues.

Swollen Ankles

Alcohol can impair the function of the liver and kidneys, both of which play crucial roles in regulating fluid balance in the body. When these organs are compromised, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the feet and ankles. This swelling can cause the feet and ankles to feel heavy, tight, and uncomfortable, potentially hindering movement.

Injury

Beyond these specific conditions, studies show that excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of foot and ankle injuries. The impaired coordination, balance, and judgment can result in a variety of injuries, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, a knowledgeable professional who is dedicated to her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. Dr. Khavari treats a wide range of conditions, from ingrown toenails to foot and ankle injuries. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to schedule your first appointment today!

As we approach the peripheries of 2024, it’s only appropriate to discuss peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy, two distinct conditions that affect the feet in the form of pain, numbness, and weakness.

However, both conditions stem from different underlying causes and require distinct approaches to management. Today, we at Carrollton Foot Center will explain them in detail.

Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD is a circulatory condition that reduces blood flow to the feet. This causes pain, cramping, and numbness- especially during activity.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant health concern, affecting an estimated 8.5 million Americans, particularly those over 60. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing PAD, along with other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

And it’s best not to ignore PAD: if untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even amputation.

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This damage can lead to similar symptoms of symptoms, including burning sensations, shooting pains, and muscle weakness in the extremities.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, up to 50% of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. This means that diabetes is a significant risk factor, but autoimmune diseases, infections, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to toxins are all potential culprits.

Comparing and Contrasting PAD and Peripheral Neuropathy

While both conditions can cause similar symptoms, there are key distinctions:

Underlying cause: PAD stems from narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow, while peripheral neuropathy results from nerve damage.
Diagnosis: PAD is often diagnosed with imaging tests like an ankle-brachial index, while peripheral neuropathy may involve nerve conduction studies or biopsies.
Treatment: PAD treatment focuses on improving blood flow with lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like angioplasty. Conversely, with peripheral neuropathy, we aim to manage the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms with medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies.

Consult with Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Naghmeh Lilly Khavari, an esteemed professional who is dedicated to her patients in Denton, Dallas, and Collins Counties. Dr. Khavari treats a wide range of conditions, from ingrown toenails to foot and ankle injuries. Call Carrollton Foot Center’s office (located in Carrollton, Texas) at (469)-998-3668 to schedule your first appointment today!

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Alcohol’s Impact on Your Feet and Ankles

Peripheral Artery Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy: What’s the Difference?

Peripheral Artery Disease