Manhattan Podiatry Office
930 Fifth Ave., East 74th St.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 570-9300
Brooklyn Podiatry Office
369 93rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 680-6276
Patient Education: Reference Library and Glossary
Patient Education
Alcoholic Neuropathy
The staff at Hamilton Foot and Ankle Associates 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 podiatric reference library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about items of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
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.