Question 1

Why should I see a podiatrist for peripheral neuropathy — isn't that a neurologist's concern?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy is a systemic condition managed by neurology and primary care — and that systemic management is important. But the foot-specific consequences of neuropathy — skin breakdown, ulceration, infection, and the consequences of impaired healing — are a podiatric concern. A neurologist manages the nerve damage; a podiatrist manages the foot. Both are important, and regular podiatric monitoring is one of the most effective ways to prevent the foot complications that peripheral neuropathy makes possible.

Question 2

My feet burn at night but feel numb during the day — is this neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

This pattern — burning pain at night combined with reduced daytime sensation — is a classic presentation of small fiber peripheral neuropathy. The paradox of simultaneous numbness and pain is characteristic of neuropathic nerve dysfunction. Dr. Gunter evaluates for peripheral neuropathy at your appointment and can coordinate with your primary care physician for systemic evaluation if a diagnosis has not yet been established.

Question 3

Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Whether neuropathy can be reversed depends on its cause. Neuropathy from vitamin B12 deficiency often improves significantly with supplementation. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may partially resolve after treatment ends. Diabetic neuropathy stabilizes and sometimes partially improves with optimal blood glucose control, though established nerve damage does not fully reverse. Regardless of the cause, podiatric monitoring remains important even when the underlying neuropathy is stable, because the foot consequences of reduced sensation are present whether or not the neuropathy itself is reversible.

Question 4

How often should I have my feet examined if I have peripheral neuropathy?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your degree of sensation loss, your overall medical status, and whether you have a history of foot ulceration. At minimum, once per year — the same recommendation as for diabetic patients generally. Patients with significant sensation loss, active pressure sores or calluses, or a history of ulceration benefit from more frequent evaluation. Dr. Gunter advises on the appropriate monitoring frequency for your specific risk profile at your first appointment.

Question 5

I can't feel my feet very well — how will I know if something is wrong?

Accepted Answer

This is the most important question a neuropathic patient can ask — and the honest answer is that you may not know without regular professional examination. Relying on pain as a warning signal is not reliable when protective sensation is reduced. This is exactly why regular podiatric monitoring is so important. Between visits, Dr. Gunter advises patients on daily visual self-inspection of the feet — checking for redness, blistering, skin changes, and wounds — as a practical complement to regular professional evaluation.

Peripheral Neuropathy