When we're young, we think nothing bad will ever happen to us. We drink to excess, never thinking of the potential ramifications of our partying lifestyle.
Alcoholism is a serious condition and addiction which millions of Americans deal with every day.
Besides the liver problems alcoholics have, they also have problems with their feet.
Alcoholic neuropathy is a nerve loss condition in the foot caused by the prolonged use of alcoholic beverages. Ethanol, the alcoholic component of these beverages, is toxic to
nerve tissue. Over time, the nerves in the hands and feet can become damaged resulting in the same loss of sensation that is seen in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The damage to these nerve is permanent. A person with this condition is at the same risk, and should take the same precautions as people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Another form of peripheral neuropathy is caused by exposure to toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, and is equally detrimental to health.
Symptoms for alcoholic neuropathy include a feeling of tingling, prickling, or needles and pins, general achiness or cramping, nausea, incontinence, or difficulty urinating.
Treatment for alcoholic neuropathy may include
Vitamin B-12 injections, certain oral medications to ease any burning pain, topical ointments,
magnetic therapy, and galvanic stimulation (which is the therapeutic use of electric current, particularly for stimulation of nerves and muscle.
If you have alcoholic neuropathy and currently do not see a podiatrist, call one of our six offices to make an
appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment