Dr. Boucher and her staff believes that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
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Links
These are websites plentiful in information and we recommend you visit if you are looking for further information. Please advise that information provided on this and all websites is not guaranteed medical advice and you should always seek guidance from a medical professional.
http://www.foothealthfacts.org
http://www.apma.org American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.podiatrynetwork.com
http://www.acfas.org American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
http://www.diabetes.org American Diabetes Association
Alcoholic peripheral 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 feet and hands can become damaged resulting in the same loss of sensation as that seen in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The damage to these nerves 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.
Treatment for alcoholic peripheral 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). Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.